FGI RISING STAR AWARDS CONVENES FASHION ICONS AND EMERGING TALENT AT NEW YORK CITY RED CARPET EVENT
The annual Fashion Group International Rising Star Awards returned for its 28th year in New York City on May 13, 2024. The awards ceremony and fundraising event gathered luminaries of the fashion world for a celebration of emerging talent, with honorees recognized in fashion apparel, accessories, fine jewelry, retail tech, and creative content. The event introduced the organization’s first-ever student award, sponsored by Macy’s. Special guest Ken Downing, Halston Creative Director and Chief Creative Officer of Xcel Brands, delighted attendees by conducting an impromptu Q&A.
At the event, Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO remarked, “At Fashion Group International, we believe connections matter. The 28th edition of the FGI Rising Star Awards exemplifies our organization’s broader mission to educate, connect, and support industry professionals at every stage of their careers, from legacy leaders and iconic visionaries to the emerging talent we gathered to celebrate today.”
Designer Jeffrey Banks presented a Fashion Apparel – Casualwear award to Maya Wang of Fried Rice, and Nicole Miller presented the FGI Fashion Apparel – Ready to Wear Rising Star Award to Michael Ward and Manel Garcia Espejo of TheSalting. Gary Wassner and Hilldun Corporation presented the annual Hilldun Business Innovation Award to Ann Wehren, CEO of In Seam, a private platform that helps luxury fashion connectors better service their clients. Designer Terry Singh was recognized with the annual FGI President’s Award for Excellence, presented by Frederick Anderson. Other awards included those for women’s eveningwear, swimwear, jewelry, accessories, beauty, digital media, and online marketing.
Kelli Lewis, Macy’s Director, Corporate Giving, and Jenna Cordina, Macy’s Senior Director of Assortment, presented the first ever student Rising Star Award specifically dedicated to college students. LIM College student Fatmata Camara was presented the Future Fashion Award sponsored by Macy’s and received a $1,000 stipend to help underwrite her continued fashion merchandising studies.
The FGI Rising Star Awards has served as a career launchpad for some of the fashion world’s most revered brands and designers. The signature event also continues to serve as a vital platform for recognition of emerging fashion and beauty leaders, designers, and up-and-coming companies that have been in business from one to six years. Past Rising Star awards winners have included Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Joseph Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Thom Brown, Monica Rich Kosann, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Brett Heyman, Warby Parker, Cornelia Guest; Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar; Jennifer Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman of Rent The Runway, and Rachel Shechtman of Story.
The event was sponsored by Hilldun Corporation and Macy’s.
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