 In 2006, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Theyskens the International Award.However, Theyskens' focus on "demicouture" (special pieces too costly to mass-produce but which may not meet strict couture rules regarding hand-stitching and numbers of fitting) was questioned by fashion insiders as a viable business strategy.His gowns, some of which were priced upwards of $20,000, were often out of reach for all but the most fabulously wealthy.