This past Monday, on June 6th, the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards took place for the 15th consecutive year at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The awards recognized the outstanding contributions that have been made to American Fashion by individuals all throughout the fashion industry. Awards were given to a broad range of talent within the industry including those who have made spectacular achievements in design excellence in womenswear, menswear, and in accessories as well as accomplishments in journalism and creative vision. Steven Kolb, the President and CEO of the CFDA (the Council of Fashion Designers of America) stated,

“The CFDA Fashion Awards honor the best and brightest talent in American Fashion today. A CFDA award is one of the most coveted honors in the fashion industry.”

The individuals who received tributes and won honorable awards throughout the night of the event include David Bowie, Marc Jacobs, and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele . David Bowie posthumously received the Board of Directors’ Tribute. Marc Jacobs ended up as the recipient of the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, beating out Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, and Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row. Alessandro Gucci received the International Award that night.

Monday night was an event without any surprises. That is until Beyoncé showed up for her surprise appearance to claim her award as this year’s Fashion Icon. Beyoncé took the time she had on stage to thank the numerous designers who have used their talent to create the iconic outfits that she was ultimately awarded for. During her speech, Beyoncé expressed to the audience what fashion has done for her throughout her childhood and what it continues to do for her throughout her career. She also talked about how she believes fashion design and creativity can truly inspire those who look up to her as a fashion icon in America, especially young girls.

“We have the opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all of your work, it goes far beyond what the eye can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, and to show people how to embrace their complications, and see the flaws, and the true beauty and strength that’s inside all of us.”

Although this year’s awards ceremony was not televised, the best looks from the red carpet were photographed. Here is a look at just some of the breathtaking red carpet looks from the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards.