FGI’s 29th Annual Rising Star Awards Honoring the Future of Fashion
BELLA Magazine was on the red carpet for the 29th Annual FGI Rising Star Awards, held Wednesday, April 16, at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. Hosted by the incomparable Tiffany Haddish, the star-studded luncheon and awards ceremony celebrated emerging talent across fashion, beauty, accessories, fine jewelry, and more—along with standout honors for sustainability, innovation, and lifetime achievement.
The event brought together industry icons and fresh faces, from Reem Acra and Jonathan Cohen to Fern Mallis and Robert Chavez, the former President and CEO of Hermès Americas, who received FGI’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. In his heartfelt acceptance, Chavez noted, “It’s always about people... it’s been an amazing journey.”
Another highlight: the Macy’s Future Fashion Award went to Camille Jiang, an LIM College student, who received a $1,000 scholarship for her excellence in fashion merchandising.
Now in its 29th year, the FGI Rising Star Awards continue to spotlight the next wave of fashion innovators. Past honorees include Tory Burch, Jason Wu, and Brandon Maxwell. The 2025 class included visionary talents across fashion, beauty, and accessories:
2025 FGI Rising Star Award Winners
Beauty: Pritika Swarup – Prakti
Fine Jewelry: Paola Sasplugas – PDPAOLA
Accessories (Co-Winners): Nanette Adair – Rex Shoes & Sangmin Park – 4CCCCEES
Apparel – Bridal: Jaclyn Whyte – Jaclyn WHYTE
Apparel – Eveningwear: Natalia Fedner – Natalia Fedner
Apparel – Ready-to-Wear: Bonnie Young – BY.BONNIE YOUNG
Sustainability: Omar & Zane Sabré – Maison de Sabré
Hilldun Business Innovation Award: Carly Bigi – Laws of Motion
Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Chavez – Former President & CEO, Hermès Americas
Macy’s Future Fashion Award: Camille Jiang – LIM College
The night before the ceremony, honorees gathered for an intimate fireside chat at APL’s SoHo flagship, hosted by NJ Falk and featuring insights from Chavez, Gary Wassner, and FGI Chairperson Alyce Panico, who emphasized the importance of mentorship and community.
“Today’s rising stars represent the future of our industry,” said FGI Global CEO Maryanne Grisz. “This event celebrates their creativity while connecting them to a powerful global network.”
The 2025 awards were made possible with generous support from Hilldun Corporation and Macy’s. For more on FGI and its mission to support fashion professionals at every stage of their careers, visit fgi.org.
Photography: Michelle Behre
Videography: Miguel Pichardo