FGI x APL: The Rising Star Pre-Party

On April 15th, Fashion Group International (FGI) and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) kicked off the Rising Star Awards with a vibrant pre-party at APL’s SoHo flagship. The evening brought together fashion insiders for an inspiring panel discussion, engaging conversation, and standout sips.

Photography by Frank Rocco

The panel was moderated by Alyce Panico, CEO of Luxe Collective Group and Chair of the FGI Board, who guided a powerful discussion with three industry leaders: NJ Falk, Managing Partner of APL and Founder of The Blonde and The Brunette, shared insights from her career spanning luxury fashion, entrepreneurship, and media; Robert Chavez, Executive Chairman of Hermès Americas and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, reflected on his decades-long leadership in global luxury; and Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation, offered his deep expertise in nurturing fashion's top emerging talent.

Guests mingled, networked, and toasted with High Ground, the wellness-focused functional seltzer featuring mood-lifting mushrooms, stress-busting nootropics, and ultra-hydrating electrolytes. At only 25 calories with no added sugar, it was the evening’s refreshing—and revitalizing—highlight.

Against the sleek backdrop of APL’s flagship, the event set the tone for what’s to come at the Rising Star Awards. With innovation in the spotlight and community at its core, this pre-party was a celebration of fashion’s future—and those shaping it.

Photography: Frank Rocco