Gold Stars: The CFDA announces the 2010 nominees...

Ok, I know I've been conspicuously absent from the blogosphere for about a week now, but I'm back and hopefully so is my unpredicatble internet connection... And with great news! Yesterday the CFDA announced the nominees for the 2010 CFDA Awards! yaaaaaay! So before I get into what I think about it, here are the nominees:

Menswear Designer of the Year-

• Tom Ford
• Michael Bastian
• Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag and Bone

Womenswear Designer of the Year-

• Alexander Wang
• Marc Jacobs
• Donna Karan

Accessory Designer of the Year-

• Marc Jacobs
• Alexis Bittar
• Jack McCoulough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler 

Swarovski Award for Womenswear-

• Jason Wu
• Prabal Gurung
• Josheph Altuzarra

Swarovski Award for Menswear-

• Simon Spurr
• Richard Chai
• Patrick Ervell

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design-

• Eddie Borgo
• Alexander Wang
• Dana Lorenz

Eugenia Sheppard Award – Kim Hastreiter, Paper
International Award – Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Fashion Icon Award – Iman
Eleanor Lambert Award – Tonne Goodman, Vogue
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievment Award- Michael Kors
CFDA Special Tribute Award- Alexander McQueen

Altuzarra SS and FW 10

Now! You may be wondering, first of all, what is the difference between the Swarovski award nominees and all of the other nominees? Well, if you notice, the Swarovski Award Nominee's are generally much newer, and/or younger designers, that's because the Swarovski Award winners recieve financial backing from the Swarovski company in addition to the honor of the award itself, so this is quite a big deal for emerging designers who are still looking to build their brand and put their company on the map.
And in case you were wondering, nominees are based on the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2010 collections of nominated designers, and all nominees, save the international award, are designers whose business is based and headquartered in the U.S.

Ok, back to the bloggy stuff- There are some of these designers who I am a huge fan of and really want to see win, and some categories which I actually think missed designers who should have been nominated. For Menswear obv Tom Ford is a clear choice, ever since Tom Ford for Gucci ended and Tom Ford menswear began he has been a staple for chic, expert tailoring and perfect menswear, any man I've seen dressed in Tom Ford looks impeccable, and this has just really been his year.

Donna Karan's FW10

Marc Jacobs FW10

As far as womenswear goes, the Thing is... I was actually going to give this to Donna Karan based on the consistency and stregnth of her collections, not only this year but in all years. She continues to grow and create within her same motif- its always Donna, but she still manages to surprise you and give collections that are elegant, beautiful, and ultimately very wearable. That said- I L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-ooooooooooooooooooooooooved Marc Jacobs FW10 collection soo much, that I have deleted and re-written this particular review, because I just can't not vote for him. Maybe I didn't love SS as much, but FW alone is enough for him to take this category in my eyes... That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Simon Spurr FW10

In the category of accessories I would have to give it to Proenza Schouler. Alexis Bittar does some really great(!) accessories and they have become an editorial staple, especially if you need something edgy, cool and eye catching, aaaand I must say that I am a huge fan of the current Bittar ads with Joan Collins which I just think are genius. HOWEVER, Proenza has consistently produced accessories that are on par with the innovation and edgy sophistication of their collections. They're always fashion forward and while accessories may be an afterthought for some designers, it's clear that they are not for these boys. This moment really belongs to them.

I think Altuzarra, Simon Spurr and Eddi Borgo have it for Swarovski Awards, although I must point out that my favorite menswear designer, Robert Gellar, is not a nominee, who I think should be (but he has won in previously so I won't get all stingey about it). AAAnnnd Jason Wu may give Altuzarra a run for his money (literally) considering he has been all over the map this past year, and dressing the first lady consistently doesn't hurt either. But if it were up to lil old me, Joseph Altuzarra would take it. Who would you vote for?