Known as the ‘Oscars of fashion’, stars descended on New York for the CFDA Awards on Monday night.

Hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the event celebrated the best of American fashion – with tennis star Serena Williams taking home the prize for Fashion Icon.

Catherine Holstein of Khaite won American womenswear designer of the year, Willy Chavarria was awarded American menswear designer of the year, while Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson – who helms JW Anderson and Loewe – won the international prize.

The night’s dress code was ‘American black tie’, with celebrities from across fashion, film, music and more walking the red carpet at the American Museum of Natural History.

To host the event, actor Anne Hathaway, chose a classic American designer for the night: Ralph Lauren.

The Ocean’s Eight star gave a black tie spin to denim, wearing an acid wash skirt with a long train and a midnight blue bustier.

Serena Williams, who retired from tennis last year, wore New York-based designer Thom Browne to accept the Fashion Icon award. She donned a dramatic glittering black dress and voluminous shawl, paired with a statement diamond necklace.

“I knew when I was a little girl that I was different, so I explored fashion and style as a way to distinguish myself,” Williams said in her acceptance speech.

“In many ways for me, the tennis courts became my runway, and the US Open was my own New York Fashion Week.”

Kim Kardashian presented Williams with the award, while dressed in a pared-back black textured outfit by Chrome Hearts, with a high neck and her hair in a loose Nineties-inspired updo.

Gwyneth Paltrow accepted the Fashion Award for Innovation on behalf of her company, Goop, in an all-black outfit from the brand’s G. Label. This was one of the more understated looks of the night: a black turtleneck paired with a maxi skirt with a leg slit.

Sequins were a big theme for the night, which makes sense as the festive party season is almost upon us. Demi Moore wore a shimmering silver strapless gown by Carolina Herrera, with her long hair left loose.

Martha Stewart gave a more Gothic spin on the sequin trend, in a shimmering all-black Dennis Basso suit.

Vanessa Hudgens had one of the most dramatic looks of the night – a gothic take on bridalwear by Vera Wang, who was awarded the Board of Directors’ Tribute on the night.

The High School Musical star wore a black ballgown with a strapless bodice, matching opera gloves and impressive puff skirt.

Continuing with the theme of head-to-toe black was supermodel Karlie Kloss, wearing Thom Browne – who is currently the chairman of the CFDA.

Kloss – who gave birth to her second child in July – wore an Eighties-inspired turtleneck midi dress with power shoulders and dark hair to match.

Model Emily Ratajkowski donned a dress by Tory Burch, who was nominated for the best American womenswear designer award.

Ratajkowski was one of the few celebs experimenting with colour at the event, in a lemon draped mini dress and matching shoes.

Ashley Graham – who has just been revealed as Vogue Brazil’s latest cover star – tapped into the trend for turtleneck gowns in a black-and-white printed dress with built-in fingerless gloves.

Actor Naomi Watts – who will star as Babe Paley in season two of Ryan Murphy’s show Feud, depicting writer Truman Capote and his group of socialite friends, due next year – wore a black dress from Carolina Herrera, with a fashion-forward plunging neckline and tulle puffed sleeves.