Erykah Badu Honored as Fashion Icon at 2023 CFDA Awards

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) crowned Grammy-winning artist Erykah Badu with the fashion icon award, celebrating her distinct style that has defied and shaped fashion norms. Badu accepted the award in Manhattan on Monday night, wearing a Thom Browne jacket and a jeweled headdress. Reflecting on her journey, she said she’d been waiting to win since age six and humorously referred to fashion as her “sport, therapy, and husband.”

Introducing Badu, André 3000 playfully carried an orange traffic cone, adding a touch of humor as he joined her on stage. Known for her bold Afrocentric looks, Badu’s style has made her an unforgettable figure on red carpets with her signature headwraps, tall hats, oversized jewelry, and layered patchwork fabrics.

The CFDA Awards at the American Museum of Natural History gathered fashion elites to celebrate excellence in design. Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked, hosted the evening in a Gap gown designed by Zac Posen. Other award highlights included Rachel Scott of Diotima winning womenswear designer of the year, Troye Sivan presenting menswear designer of the year to Willy Chavarria, and the accessory designer of the year award going to Raul Lopez of Luar.

The event emphasized the power of fashion in social and political arenas, with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urging attendees to engage in the upcoming election. CFDA chair Thom Browne echoed this sentiment, likening fashion to democracy and the power of choice.