At Monday night’s CFDA Fashion Awards, Jennifer Lopez took home the 2019 Fashion Icon award. Dressed in a sparkly orange-red crop top and a full and dramatic coordinating orange-red skirt, she certainly looked the part. But it wasn’t just what she wore that made a big impact. When it came time for J.Lo to accept her award, she delivered an emotional speech.
While J.Lo started by speaking about commuting on the 6 train from the Bronx to Manhattan to launch her career, she also spoke about the people who helped her along the way, such as the late hairstylists Kevyn Aucoin and Oribe Canales. “We lost two (great) artists this year, Kevyn Aucoin and Oribe, who helped turn me from an around-the-way girl,” she said, before wiping her eyes. “I said I wouldn’t cry. Together we created so many iconic looks, and I’m forever grateful. And tonight, I’m dedicating this award to them.”
When J.Lo began her career in the ’90s, she could have easily been criticized for her body type, but instead, she said she found support from several designers who embraced her.
Near the end of her speech, she got choked up as she thanked her family.
“I’d also like to thank my family, my babies Emme and Max, Alex, Tashi, and Ella,” she said. “You guys make me feel like the MVP every day. You make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world, just from your love. Thank you so much.”
Check out the full speech below.