CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg

Last night’s Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, the Oscars of the fashion industry, honored what presenter Jack White called “era-less” tastemakers. Comedian Tracey Ullman hosted, Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and Diane Kruger presented and countless stars walked the red carpet at Lincoln Center, the future site of New York’s bi-annual fashion week.

Sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, who dressed actress Kirsten Dunst, won Womenswear Designer of the Year for their avant-garde label, Rodarte, which provides what I like to call wearable art.

Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler won accessories designer of the year.

Alexander Wang won the Swarovski Award for Womenswear Design. Wang escorted Dree Hemingway to the event who was dressed in his design. The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime achievement award was presented to Anna Sui, and the International Award was presented to Marc Jacobs (accompanied by fiancee Lorenzo Martone) for Louis Vuitton. This year saw a new award, the introduction of a Popular Vote Award which is voted on by the fans and won by CFDA honoree Ralph Lauren.

Sixty models, 20 each wearing Womenswear Designer of the Year nominees Rodarte, Marc Jacobs, and Narciso Rodriguez (who dressed Claire Danes, lined the outside of Alice Tully Hall offering a glimpse of what the evening had in store.

Meanwhile, First Lady Michelle Obama accepted her CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute via pre-taped video. There’s a reason she’s called the First Lady of Fashion and the CFDA wanted to acknowledge that. Obama was toasted for her contributions to the industry and her influence was evident at last nights awards since two of her favorite designers, Jason Wu, who made her inaugural ball gown and dressed Diane Kruger, and Thakoon Panichgul, who made her election night dress, were nominated for the coveted Swarovski award for emerging talent (the prize went to Alexander Wang). “This past year has been an extraordinary time for me,” Obama said in a taped message yesterday that was played at the awards gala. “On behalf of women everywhere, I want to thank you for making fashion liberating, inspiring, but most of all, fun.”

Celebrities in attendance included Blake Lively in Michael Kors, who was the best dressed of the night in a punchy pink strapless dress that highlighted her tan. Michael Kors also dressed Heidi Klum in aradiant one-shoulder silver lame minidress that drew attention to her legs and not her expanding belly. I swear, she makes pregnancy look easy.

Kerry Washington, who is always on the best dressed list, was elegant in a black-and-white printed Doo.Ri gown, vintage Swarovski clutch and pulled-back hair. Meanwhile, Molly Sims showed her loved for all things fashion with a Dolce & Gabbana dress emblazoned with Marilyn Monroe’s iconic image. I loved it and it shows you don’t have to take these type of events too serious and can have fun with fashion.

“The City” gals square off.  Olivia Palermo looked gorgeous in a David Meister blush strapless dress. Palermo always looks fabulous, but her hair pulled back completed the elegant look. Meanwhile, Whitney Port took a different approach, and still looked fabulous, in a silver beaded Luca Luca gown with crisscross detailing on the front and back. Her hair loosely pulled back perfected the overall look.

Model Doutzen Kroes, accompanied by designer Zac Posen, wore a flowing red gown that was so fabulous she had to twirl to show off the spectacular detail of the garment.

Taylor Lautner proved he’s a force to be reckon with as he attended the event in a classic Calvin Klein navy blue suit with a matching tonal tie. Is he seriously only 17 years old?And how about the Ralph Lauren dynasty: his children Andrew Lauren, Dylan Lauren, and David Lauren were all dressed by their father and looked spectacular. This family has great genes because looked how gorgeous they all are.

Uber stylist Rachel Zoe channeled her inner vintage desires with a pale pink Louis Vuitton flowing dress that had a vintage flair. I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of season 2 of her Bravo TV show. Hurry up, girl! Zoe Salada was one of the best dressed of the night. The Star Trek star sported a transparent layered blue Calvin Klein dress and Neil Lane jewels.

2009 CFDA Award Winners

Board of Directors’ Special Tribute
First Lady Michelle Obama

Womenswear Designer of the Year
Rodarte’s Laura and Kate Mulleavy

Menswear Designer of the Year (tie)
Calvin Klein’s Italo Zucchelli
Band of Outsiders’ Scott Sternberg

Accessory Designer of the Year
Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Swarovski Award for Womenswear
Alexander Wang

Swarovski Award for Menswear
Tim Hamilton

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design
Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry

International Award
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Anna Sui

Eugenia Sheppard Award
Women’s Wear Daily editor in chief Ed Nardoza

Eleanor Lambert Award
GQ’s Jim Moore