Rachel Scott Makes History Again with Her Second CFDA Award Win
Fashion history unfolded inside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City as the Council of Fashion Designers of America hosted the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion. Amidst an evening celebrating the pinnacle of American style, designer Rachel Scott claimed the prestigious title of American Womenswear Designer of the Year for her independent label Diotima.
This monumental victory marks Scott's second win in the category, following her historic 2024 triumph when she broke barriers as the first Black woman to receive the award.
Actress Lupita Nyong'o and designer Francisco Costa presented the award to Scott. The victory came against a formidable group of nominees including Catherine Holstein for Khaite, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera. Beyond her work steering Diotima since founding the brand in 2021, Scott also shapes the global fashion landscape as the Creative Director of Proenza Schouler.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Scott infuses her work with a rich exploration of cultural storytelling and post-colonial identity. At the heart of Diotima is an uncompromising dedication to craft. The signature crochet pieces that define the label are handcrafted directly in Jamaica through collaborations with local artisan communities. Those artisanal details merge with UK heritage tweeds and Italian tropical wools and basketweaves to create an elevated vision of modern luxury.
Photos Courtesy of BFA.
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