The British fashion designer was found dead in his London apartment in February after committing suicide. The collection he was working on when he died was recently shown at Paris Fashion Week, and received rave reviews.

It has now been announced he will be honoured with the special tribute award at the summer gala, which will be held in New York on June 7.

Battling it out for womenswear designer of the year are Donna Karen, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang, while Tom Ford, Michael Bastian and David Neville and Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone are competing in the men`s category.

Alexis Bittar, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs are all up for accessory designer of the year.

The ceremony also includes some awards which go to specific people rather than having a selection of nominations. Burberry`s Christopher Bailey will receive the International Award, Michael Kors the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award and Iman will be honoured as a fashion icon.
sections: Celebrities