While the CFDA Awards unfolded uptown, a roar of cheers and applause could also be heard downtown at after-hours boîte The Blond, where the team behind Christopher John Rogers received word that the designer had taken home the award for Womenswear Designer of The Year. The palpable excitement only grew stronger when Rogers himself burst through the door with his award in hand. He was joined by stylist and oft-muse Amanda Murray and fellow CFDA Award winner Edvin Thompson of Theophilio. Together, they held court on the dance floor for the full duration of the evening, stopping only to indulge in another “Bombshell” cocktail or two. “This feels like an Oscars party,” joked one partygoer standing at the bar, looking on as both Thompson and Rogers waving their awards in the air.
“It’s amazing to see how diverse the fashion industry has become,” creative director of The Blond, Julio Montero, told Vogue. “Generally, for nightlife and hospitality, this type of crowd here tonight is different and exciting; there are so many young designers of color here succeeding and supporting one and another all in one place. It’s very forward-looking.”
True to form, the party at The Blond continued in full force, with Precious Lee, Kirby Jean Raymond, and Aurora James not crossing through the velvet ropes until 3:00 am.





