News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. October 30, 2024: Two Caribbean American designers have made headlines as the top winners of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) 2024 Awards, known as the Oscars of American fashion.
Raul Lopez i Luar, a Dominican-American designer, received the Accessories Designer of the Year award for the second time, honored at the event held at the Museum of Natural History on October 28. Lopez, who was raised in Brooklyn by Dominican immigrant parents, launched his label in 2011, creating eye-catching takes on classic American sportswear that have captivated a devoted fan base. His studio is adorned with shelves of bold designs and the “It” bag inspired by his signature bag, which has become a standout in the fashion world.
Jamaican-born Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima, received the Womenswear Designer of the Year award. Scott, who won the CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year in 2023, founded Diotima in 2021 to bring together Caribbean craft traditions and urban high fashion. Diotima’s collections are created between Jamaica and New York, and Scott’s commitment to supporting Jamaican artisans shines through her designs, which emphasize craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
The 2024 CFDA Awards also featured a special tribute as the Board of Directors Tribute Award was renamed in honor of the late Isabel Toledo, an influential Cuban-American designer celebrated for designing Michelle Obama’s iconic 2009 inauguration look.
