New Fashion Mentorship Program Unveiled at FGI's 27th Annual Rising Star Awards in New York

New Fashion Mentorship Program Unveiled at FGI's 27th Annual Rising Star Awards in New York

Following Patricia Field's Keynote Address, FGI Honoured Fashion and Beauty Entrepreneurs in New Gender-Neutral Categories, with Awards Presented by Nigel Barker, LaQuan Smith, Stefano Tonchi, and Others.

New York (May 8, 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 programme.

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:Evening wear: Bach Mai by Stefano Tonchi Marrisa Wilson, presented by LaQuan Smith, wore ready-to-wear. Teddy von Ranson, presented by Constance White Michael and Diana Wilson, Saints & Sinners Haircare, as presented by Jessica Matlin, Moda Operandi, in the "Fat Mascara" podcast. Accoutrements - Tied Chris Donovan, Chris Donovan Footwear, introduced by Edmundo Castillo and Stuart Weitzman. Edmundo Castillo & Stuart Weitzman presented Megan Key Campos & Nick Lucio's Oncept.

Paul Morelli presents the Burkindy, Burkindy collection of fine jewellery. Thomas Kennedy, Group President, Wolverine Work, Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle, introduced by Nigel Barker. Autumn Adeigbo, presented by Mickey Boardman, focuses on sustainability. Gary Wassner, Hilldun Corporation, presented Marcelo and Jordana Guimares, Fashinnovation, with the Hilldun Business Innovation Award. Kimberly Carney, The Wires, was named the FGI Rising Star Entrepreneur of the Year by Kai Millett, Global Green.

Regarding the FGI Rising Star Mentoring Programme FGI will now offer, for the first time in the annals of the annual awards ceremony, a mentorship programme fueled by the FGI Foundation.  The programme will educate and empower all FGI Rising Star Award recipients by connecting them with industry veterans for mentorship, career support, and access to educational resources. 

The first mentors for the programme will include: 

• GARY WASSNER – HILLDUN CORPORATION
• EDWINA KULEGO – INFORMA MARKETS
• BEHNAZ GHARAMANI – BROTHER VELLIES
• CAROLINE FABRIGAS - SCENT MARKETING CORP.
• CARLOS CAMPOS – DESIGNER NICOLE FISCHELIS – FASHION FORECASTING AND FGI COMMUNIQUE CURATOR DOUGLAS HAND,
• ESQ. – HAND BALDACHIN AND ASSOCIATES LL
• PALYCE PANICO – LUXE COLLECTIVE GROUP 

The FGI mentorship programme will also include a series of instructional videos produced by LOCATION 8 that will cover important business challenges and the necessary tools for 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. 

About 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.