CFDA Awards Host Keke Palmer Wows in Vintage Gown

Keke Palmer delivered a major fashion moment as host of the 2026 CFDA Awards in New York City.

The annual ceremony is all about celebrating American style and design, making Palmer's hosting gig a perfect fit for her fashion-forward personality.

In an exclusive interview with this publication today, Palmer expressed her enthusiasm for combining storytelling with fashion, which made hosting the CFDAs even more exciting for her.

Keke Palmer's red carpet appearance at the 2026 CFDA Awards was a standout moment, thanks in part to her stunning one-of-a-kind Bob Mackie gown from the 1970s. This rare piece of fashion history has a significant past, having been custom-made for actress Raquel Welch.

Welch wore the strappy, shimmery-gold gown during her performance of "I'm a Woman" alongside Cher on The Cher Show in 1975. This iconic moment is now forever linked to Palmer's CFDA Awards look, thanks to her bold choice of attire.

The vintage dealer Timeless Vixen supplied the gown, which has become a favorite among celebrities, including Sabrina Carpenter and Kylie Jenner. Owner Lauren Lepire revealed that Palmer's styling team had reached out in search of something special by Bob Mackie.

Keke Palmer's enthusiasm for wearing a piece with such rich history is evident as she combines storytelling with fashion.

Keke Palmer's fashion choices at the 2026 CFDA Awards were a testament to her appreciation for vintage designs. In addition to the rare Bob Mackie gown she wore earlier in the evening, Palmer changed into three other vintage outfits throughout the night.

Her wardrobe included a black Marc Bouwer dress that was previously worn by Toni Braxton, a striped Halston number from the 1980s with a distinctive one-shouldered design, and a slinky Stephen Burrows gown from the 1970s. Palmer's fashion choices were not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling.

Palmer has revealed that her goal was to create a narrative through her outfits, celebrating the designers who created these iconic pieces and the women who wore them with such style and panache.

Keke Palmer's 2026 CFDA Awards look was a showcase of vintage gems, and it seems she had just enough time to enjoy the moment before calling it a night. After making a statement on the red carpet, Palmer revealed that her evening ended with one simple pleasure: getting some rest.

Palmer is clearly not slowing down anytime soon, as she has a packed schedule ahead. She will be filming season two of The 'Burbs and working on new music, with her album taking center stage. In fact, Palmer says she's been building the world around her upcoming album, which has already given her plenty to be excited about.