Tonight, Lady Gaga and Marc Jacobs, among many notable designers, will receive awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, at an event hosted by Anderson Cooper.
While a large list of nominees includes designers from Alexander Wang to Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, the CFDA has already announced honorary awards to Marc Jacobs and Lady Gaga. Jacobs has earned the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, while Gaga will controversially receive the Fashion Icon Award.
No one can argue Jacobs’ influence on American fashion in his many years with Louis Vuitton, the Marc Jacobs Brand, and countless side projects. On the other hand, Germanotta’s award stirred up debate. Fresh off the release of her new album, The CFDA has called Gaga a style revolutionary. Many wonder, however, if she should be winning awards in fashion when her wardrobe often qualifies as costume instead.
Yes, most people would agree that Lady Gaga doesn’t influence the daily style choices of American women, as you don’t see a lot of meat gowns or horn prosthetics on the streets. That said, her bold style and unique choices have pushed the envelope, challenging designers to be just as bold. She has campaigned for her favorite designers, the late McQueen among them, and millions of Americans wait on the edge of their seats to see what she will wear next. Gaga has changed the entertainer’s role in fashion.
