Celebrating Emerging Talent: Highlights from the FGI Rising Star Awards 2024
New York City's Upper East Side was enriched with the glitz and glamor of the fashion world as luminaries gathered for the 28th annual Fashion Group International (FGI) Rising Star Awards on May 13, 2024. The prestigious event, held at 583 Park Avenue, not only celebrated emerging talent but also marked several significant milestones in the industry.
Founded in 1930, Fashion Group International continues to uphold its legacy as an industry forum for career advancement, connecting over 5,000 members worldwide and fostering creativity and innovation in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
The evening kicked off with a chic reception and red carpet affair, attended by renowned figures including Fern Mallis, Jean Shafiroff, and Stan Herman, among others. Special guest Ken Downing, HALSTON Creative Director/Chief Creative Officer XCEL BRANDS, added an interactive element to the event with impromptu Q&A sessions, engaging directly with the finalists.
Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO, underlined the importance of connections in the fashion industry, highlighting the organization's commitment to supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.
The heart of the evening laid in the recognition of emerging talent across various categories, with notable winners including PrintFresh for Intimate/Swim, TheSalting for Ready to Wear, and Kate Barton and Cyril Verdavainne for Eveningwear, among others. A particularly groundbreaking moment was the introduction of the first-ever student award, sponsored by Macy's, presented to Fatmata Camara of LIM College, emphasizing FGI's dedication to nurturing the next generation of fashion leaders.
Jenna Cordina, Senior Director of Assortment at Macy’s, expressed Macy’s commitment to empowering young talent through resources and mentorship opportunities, echoing FGI's mission of fostering creativity and innovation in the industry.
The event also honored designer Terry Singh with the FGI President’s Award for Excellence and recognized Ann Wehren, CEO of In Seam, with the Hilldun Business Innovation Award, further highlighting the diverse talents and innovations shaping the fashion landscape.
As FGI continues to provide a vital platform for emerging talent, the Rising Star Awards serve as a testament to its legacy in propelling brands and designers to prominence. Past winners such as Tory Burch, Jason Wu, and Brandon Maxwell stand as testaments to the event's significance in shaping the future of fashion.
Sponsored by Hilldun Corporation and Macy’s, the 28th FGI Rising Star Awards not only celebrated the present, but also laid the groundwork for the industry's promising future. With its undeniable dedication to education, connection, and support, FGI remains at the forefront of shaping the business of fashion.
Discover more about Fashion Group International and its initiatives at fgi.org, where the future of fashion is nurtured, celebrated, and propelled forward.
