Keke Palmer honors late designer Bob Mackie at CFDA Awards

Keke Palmer hosted the 2026 Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards on Nov. 2, wearing a strappy vintage gold dress designed by Bob Mackie. The tribute honored Mackie, who died Sept. 14 at age 87. He was known for his shimmering costumes for stars such as Diana Ross and Cher.

Palmer, who was announced as host in August, said in that statement, “Fashion is one of my favorite ways to tell a story before even saying a word.” Her choice of outfit brought a piece of fashion history to the front of the red carpet.

The event celebrated American designers, and several Black designers were represented on the carpet. Sergio Hudson, Brandon Blackwood, and Christopher John Rogers dressed guests for the night. Hudson posed with Brandy, who wore a look from his Spring/Summer 2027 collection.

Brandy paired a white button-down shirt with a black fringe-hem mini skirt. She added fishnets, gloves, and ankle-strap pumps to the ensemble. Monica, who posed with Brandy, wore a green mini dress with long olive fringe and a matching floor-length coat.

Brandon Blackwood dressed Olandria Carthen, who attended her second CFDA Awards. Carthen wore a black corset bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline and sheer panels. The outfit included a train, black tights, and a diamond necklace.

Christopher John Rogers, a designer from Baton Rouge, dressed Tinashe in a bold color-block look. The outfit featured a white bra top with black and green stripes and a voluminous black skirt with panels of yellow, red, and white.

Red and gold were the dominant colors on the carpet, marking a shift from the monochrome tones of last year. Megan Thee Stallion wore a sheer wine-red Kim Shui gown with beaded knots and a mermaid skirt. Her platinum hair was slicked back.

Lupita Nyong’o, who presented the American Womenswear Designer of the Year award, wore a custom GapStudio by Zac Posen. Her outfit included a red crop top and a floor-length column skirt, paired with a denim jacket and gold bracelets.

Other notable looks included Coi Leray in a black tube top and gold Marc Jacobs mini skirt. Naomi Osaka, who presented the American Accessory Designer of the Year award, wore a white polka-dot Miss Claire Sullivan gown.

Menswear featured distinct styles, with Law Roach wearing a black satin Luar suit with golden motifs and a yellow feather boa. Shaboozey wore a white Ralph Lauren blazer and shirt with a turquoise bolo tie and distressed jeans.