FGI Reveals New Fashion Mentorship Program at New York's 27th Annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony

FGI - New York's 27th Annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony

Following Keynote by Patricia Field, FGI Recognized Fashion and Beauty Entrepreneurs in New Gender-Neutral Categories,with Awards Presented by Nigel Barker, LaQuan Smith, Stefano Tonchi, and More.

New York (May 10, 2023):

On Monday, May 8, Fashion Group International (FGI) hosted the 27th annual FGI Rising Star Awards at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The event was attended by industry luminaries and prominent tastemakers. Sponsored by Hilldun Corporation, the awards ceremony and red carpet event honoured victors in updated gender-inclusive categories such as fashion apparel, accessories, fine jewellery, cosmetics, sustainability, and collaborations. FGI also unveiled the FGI Foundation's first fashion mentorship programme at the occasion. The ceremony began with a keynote address by fashion icon and ARTFashion founder Patricia Field, followed by remarks by FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, who revealed the FGI Foundation's intention to introduce the mentorship program.

Maryanne Grisz stated that the FGI Rising Star Awards were established to recognise and elevate the next generation of industry executives.

"With our new Rising Star mentorship programme, Fashion Group International is pleased to provide award winners with additional resources to expand their businesses, with the help of some of the industry's most seasoned leaders."

The affluent crowd, including Fern Mallis, Terry Singh, Carlos Campos, Ken Downing, Chris Leoni, Brian Ceballo, Chris Lavish, Katya Tolstova, and Olga Ferrara, mingled for cocktails on the red carpet at The Lighthouse before the seated dinner and recognition of award winners in the following categories:

• Eveningwear: Bach Mai, presented by Stefano Tonchi
• Ready-to-Wear: Marrisa Wilson, presented by LaQuan Smith 
• Active/Casualwear: Teddy von Ranson, presented by Constance
• White Beauty Entrepreneur: Michael and Diana Wilson, Saints & Sinners
• Haircare, presented by Jessica Matlin, Moda Operandi,

“Fat Mascara” podcast Accessories - TIED Chris Donovan, Chris Donovan Footwear, presented by Edmundo Castillo, Stuart Weitzman Megan Key Campos & Nick Lucio, Oncept, presented by Edmundo Castillo, Stuart Weitzman Fine Jewelry: Burkindy, Burkindy, presented by Paul Morelli Collaborations: Thomas Kennedy, Group President, Wolverine Work,Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle, presented by Nigel Barker Sustainability: Autumn Adeigbo, presented by Mickey Boardman The Hilldun Business Innovation Award: Marcelo Guimarães and Jordana Guimarães, Fashinnovation, presented by Gary Wassner, Hilldun Corporation FGI Rising Star Entrepreneur of the Year: Kimberly Carney, The Wires, presented by Kai Milla, Global Green

About the FGI Rising Star Awards Mentorship Program For the first time in the history of the annual awards show, FGI will now offer a new mentorship program, powered by the FGI Foundation. The program will educate and empower all FGI Rising Star Awards winners by connecting these rising stars with industry veterans for mentorship, career support, and educational resources.The program’s first mentors will include:GARY WASSNER HILLDUN CORPORATIONEDWINA KULEGO INFORMA MARKETSBEHNAZ GHARAMANI BROTHER VELLIESCAROLINE FABRIGAS SCENT MARKETING INC.CARLOS CAMPOS DESIGNERNICOLE FISCHELIS FASHION FORECASTING AND FGI COMMUNIQUE CURATORDOUGLAS HAND, ESQ. HAND BALDACHIN AND ASSOCIATES LLPALYCE PANICO LUXE COLLECTIVE GROUP The FGI mentorship program will also encompass a learning series of videos produced by LOCATION 8, covering key business challenges and the tools needed to succeed in overcoming them.

ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL

Fashion Group International (FGI) was founded in 1928 by a group of seventeen women executives, including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion figures, as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit remains committed to connecting and assisting fashion professionals at all stages of their careers, from startups to seasoned veterans. By providing access, education, and connections, FGI aims to stimulate creativity, promote innovation, and advance the fashion industry.

FGI maintains a headquarters in New York City, chapters in numerous regions around the globe, and a membership inventory of over 5,000 active members in fashion and associated design sectors, including apparel, accessories, cosmetics, retail, and lifestyle. FGI members receive essential member benefits such as opportunities for ongoing professional development, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and platforms for professional recognition at high-profile events.

Learn more at fgi.org

The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic branch of Fashion Group International and is committed to fostering tomorrow's fashion talent through education, scholarships, internships, and career counselling services. Additionally, the FGI Foundation promotes charitable collaborations and effective public service initiatives.

CONCERNING THE FGI Rising Star Awards

In its twenty-seventh year, the annual FGI Rising Star Awards event is a vital extension of FGI's ongoing mission to connect and support the global fashion diaspora with vital career resources and connections for long-term success. In many instances, the competition provides finalists with their initial brand exposure. Participants cannot have been in business for longer than six years to be nominated. Jason Wu, Tory Burch, Joseph Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, Brandon Maxwell, Thom Brown, Bond No. 9, Warby Parker, Dylan Lauren of Dylan's Candy Bar, Jennifer Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman of Rent the Runway, to name a few, are among the past winners of the Rising Star Awards.