This year's American fashion awards

There were a couple of surprises among the honorees and nominees for this year’s American fashion awards, announced Wednesday evening by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. For one, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who have proven their design chops (despite the naysayers) with their popular collection called the Row, were nominated for an award for new talent. For another, most of the biggest American designers, including Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa, were shut out.

Diane von Furstenberg, the president of the fashion council, announced the winners of several awards at her studio on West 14th Street. The recipients, who will be honored at a gala on June 6, include Phoebe Philo of Céline, Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph, Hal Rubenstein of In Style, the photographer Arthur Elgort and, as a “fashion icon,” Lady Gaga. Marc Jacobs will receive this year’s lifetime achievement award, though Mr. Jacobs, in an e-mail to Ms.  von Furstenberg, noted that it should only be considered a “half-lifetime achievement award.”

Nominees for best designer in several categories were also announced. For women’s wear, they were Mr. Jacobs, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, and Alexander Wang. For men’s wear, they were Michael Bastian, Patrik Ervell and Simon Spurr. For accessories, they were Mr. Wang, Proenza Schouler and Reed Krakoff.