Max Osterweis

Last night, the industry's coolest cool kids--model Nicole Trunfio and her guitarist boyfriend Gary Clark Jr., Ashley Smith, Tali Lennox, Suno's Max Osterweis and girlfriend (and Opening Ceremony buyer) Kate Foley--gathered for an intimate dinner at the West Village's Little Owl. What was the cause for celebration? It wasn't a new designer collab or the opening of a boutique. Nope--the fash set had gathered to fete the launch of an Afghani school yearbook. Didn't see that one coming, didja? Let us explain...

Whether it's launching new programs like the sustainability committee, or adding 32 new designers as reported in today's WWD, lately it's all about growth for the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

The 2013 CFDA awards, fashion's Oscars if you will, will be handed out in mere hours. The industry has been gathering to recognize and honor its leading talents since 1981. A lot has changed since the early years of the awards. What was once a small intimate industry event is now a widely covered celebrity event. "I think it reflects a broader shift over the last few years where fashion has become more and more popular," Style.com's editor in chief Dirk Standen told us. "The internet has had a lot to do with that. It's entertainment on a par with movies and music." So to prep you for tonight's awards we've assembled this handy primer. In it you'll find the complete list of nominees, our predictions on who will take home the big prizes, and all the celebrity presenters and attendees slated to show up.

Suno has made it to the big leagues. The New York-based indie label has inked a deal with Uniqlo on its very first fast fashion collaboration (though hopefully not the last).

There truly weren't any disappointing ensembles here--proof that when you're going to a Vogue event, you have no choice but to bring your A-game.

The Clothes: Demure, almost prairie-like separates in dust tones. Boxy tops were paired with oversized bottoms for a loose, summery silhouette, and m