The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) drew a dazzling crowd of
CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and other fashion industry influencers to its
38th Annual American Image Awards, held at the historical 583 Park
Avenue event space in New York City on May 24, 2016. Hosted
by InStyle Magazine founding editor, Hal Rubenstein, the event
supported charity partner Mercy Ships.
The 2016 American Image Award winners included Person of
the Year: Joseph Abboud; Company of the Year: BBC International
LLC; Designer of the Year: Christian Siriano; Retailer of the
Year: Shinola Detroit; and Fashion Maverick: Iris Apfel. Each
received a statuette created by world-renowned designers and artists, Ruben
and Isabel Toledo.
“At the heart of the American Image Awards is our
ability to honor our incredible industry, while giving back to a charity partner
that will somehow make the world just a little bit better,” emphasized AAFA
President and CEO Rick Helfenbein. “AAFA was overwhelmed with the incredible
generosity last night, with an unforeseen $100,000 donation to Mercy Ships made
in the name of our Fashion Maverick honoree, Iris Apfel.” The generous donation
was made by President and CEO of
United Legwear & Apparel Co., Isaac E.
Ash.
Rob DeMartini, AAFA Chairman, President and CEO of New
Balance Athletics Inc., and past honoree explained, “The success of the American
Image Awards is a testament to the passion of a global industry to be part of
something bigger than themselves. The work we at AAFA have committed to since
our beginnings is only possible with the tremendous contributions of our
members.”
Highlights of the evening included an inspiring speech
from Iris Apfel, often called a “Rare Bird” and a treasure of American boldness
and individuality, who spoke of her journey from interior decorator to fashion
icon. Attendees were given an inside look at Shinola Detroit, a fast-growing
brand built in one of America’s most infamous cities.
Christian Siriano, who continually intrigues legions of
media and fans while he dresses many of the world’s leading ladies, inspired and
entertained the audience with his wit and humor. Joseph Abboud, embodying the
American ideal of diversity, discussed his journey to become one of the most
preeminent menswear style makers. A round of enthusiastic applause erupted as
Robert Campbell, from BBC International, took to the stage and was recognized
for immense contributions to the footwear industry.
Numerous past honorees were in attendance,
including Isabel and Ruben Toledo; namesake designers Cynthia
Rowley and Ruthie Davis; designer Yeohlee Teng of YEOHLEE
Inc.; and Bill Sweedler, Co-Chairman of luxury men’s fashion brand Robert
Graham. The event also drew luminaries from the sports world, entertainment
world, and respected industry organizations such as the Council of Fashion
Designers of America (CFDA), Fashion Institute of
Technology (FIT), Parsons School of Design, and Two Ten Footwear
Foundation.
About AAFA:
Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands,
the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the trusted public
policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management
and shareholders, its four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $361
billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA stands at the forefront as a leader of
positive change for the apparel and footwear industry and delivers a unified
voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative
forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA’s comprehensive work
ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry,
its suppliers, and its customers. Learn how AAFA wears our mission at www.wewear.org.
About Mercy Ships:
Learn more about the American Apparel & Footwear Association here on Apparel Search.
Many fashion industry influencers attended the event. If you are not sure what that means, you may want to read our fashion influencers term.
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