Jamaican designer Rachel Scott has won American Womenswear Designer of the Year at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards for her work with Diotima. It is her second win in the category, following her 2024 award. The recognition places her among the leading voices shaping contemporary American fashion while bringing Jamaican craft and perspective into the conversation.
Scott described the win as an “enormous honour” and thanked the CFDA and her team for their support.
Rachel Scott: Jamaican Designer Wins Big at the 2026 CFDA Awards
Scott founded Diotima in 2021. The brand draws on Caribbean heritage, contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. Its intricate crochet pieces are made by Jamaican artisans, alongside tailored separates and other considered designs. That connection to Jamaica is part of the label’s identity: craft is central to the work, not an afterthought.
Through Diotima, Scott has built a design language that moves between sensuality, structure and handwork. Her work shows how Jamaican skill and cultural memory can inform luxury fashion while reaching an international audience.
Leading Proenza Schouler
Scott’s CFDA win arrives as she continues in another significant role: Creative Director of Proenza Schouler. The house announced her appointment in September 2025, recognizing her technical knowledge and distinctive design perspective. Scott said she was excited to bring her perspective into dialogue with the legacy of founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez.
Holding leadership roles at both Proenza Schouler and Diotima gives Scott a wide platform. She can guide an established American fashion house while continuing to develop the independent label she founded.
A Jamaican perspective on the global stage
Scott’s achievement is a proud moment for Jamaican fashion. Her success also reflects the work of the artisans and creative communities connected to her practice. The visibility of Jamaican-made crochet and craft in a global luxury label offers a reminder that local skills can shape international design.
Her story is not only about an award. It is about building a point of view, valuing craft and leading with a perspective rooted in Jamaica. As Scott expands her influence across two fashion houses, her work continues to open space for Caribbean creativity in global fashion.
What does Rachel Scott’s achievement mean for Jamaican fashion? Share your thoughts, and follow Haute People for more stories on Caribbean designers and style.
Image note: The accompanying generated visuals are editorial illustrations, not photographs of Rachel Scott or reproductions of specific Diotima designs. All real photographs have been credited respectfully | I do not own the rights to these photos | No Copyright Infringement Intended | For removal, please email hautepeople@yahoo.com
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