CFDA Awards Glam Up the NYPL

Last night the fashion world gathered behind the New York Public Library for the 26th annual CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards, which honors the top designers. The Daily News reports back, saying the night also gave the group a chance to celebrate the life of one of their own, Yves Saint Laurent, who died this past Sunday at the age of 71. Diane von Furstenberg held back tears as she announced that "the world of fashion is mourning. Yves is an artist...a magician who changed the way women dressed forever."

Mayor Bloomberg quickly lightened up the mood by declaring, "Unfortunately I had to wear this reasonably boring tuxedo tonight. My skinny jeans are at the cleaners and my gladiator sandals are being resoled." He did wear a purple bowtie however, presumably to match his girlfriend's gown.

Just why did Bloomberg show up despite his lack of fashionable wares? He was being honored for his support of the industry and given the Board of Director's Special Tribute; reporting that "800 fashion companies are based in New York" (double that of Paris) and declaring New York City the world's largest runway. On the fashion front, designer Carolina Herrera received the Lifetime Achievement Award; WWD has the rundown of the rest of the runway stars honored.