New York (August 30, 2022) – Fashion Group International (FGI) announces broader, more inclusive genderless categories for the 2023 Rising Star Awards. For the first time, FGI will also introduce a new award recognizing stand-out content creators and influencers who have produced campaigns in partnership with fashion apparel or beauty brands. With this announcement, the New York City-based fashion advocacy organization breaks new ground in restructuring the way fashion is categorized and consumed today.
The 27th annual red carpet gala will recognize Fashion Apparel Collections designers in three distinct awards segments. Eveningwear, Ready-to-Wear, and Activewear awards will replace previous gendered categories of Womenswear, Menswear, and All Gender. This progressive change coincides with evolving market trends FGI has tracked as part of the organization’s ongoing market analysis. Returning categories will again recognize emerging talent for Beauty Entrepreneur, Accessories, New Retail Concept, Sustainability, and Fine Jewelry.
- *New this year* – COLLABORATIONS – Recognizing new collaborations (between 1-6 years) between content creators with a fashion apparel or beauty brand.
- *New this year* – FASHION APPAREL COLLECTIONS – Taking the lead from market trends and a fluid fashion and consumer landscape, FGI has re-envisioned Traditional Rising Star Awards gender categories to meet the moment. All designers are welcome to submit according to their target customer for recognition in the following categories:
- EVENINGWEAR
- READY TO WEAR
- ACTIVEWEAR
- ACCESSORIES – Recognizing excellence in soft goods (fashion jewelry and scarves) and hard goods (shoes and handbags)
- BEAUTY ENTREPRENEUR – Recognizing founders/brands for innovative products in fragrance, body, and skincare, and color cosmetics
- FINE JEWELRY – Recognizing outstanding luxury fine jewelry design and concepts
- NEW RETAIL CONCEPT – Recognizing outstanding new consumer sales concepts and innovations. May encompass bundling, packaging, new categories, new types of research, customer service, or other innovative approaches to meeting contemporary consumer needs.
- SUSTAINABILITY AWARD – Recognizing brands for environmental and/or social advocacy and impact. Every applicant can submit for this award in addition to other categories.
Rising Star Awards Applications will open on August 29 at fgi.org. Finalists will be determined in December of 2022. Juried presentations and member voting will commence in early 2023, with the awards ceremony and gala event to take place in May of 2023.
Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO: “Fashion Group International has a long record of moving the needle in our industry and framing the conversation around timely fashion topics. Given the ongoing consumer market demand for apparel fluidity, we will reflect that evolution for the FGI Rising Star Awards in 2023 by removing gendered category names and updating apparel awards under the Fashion Apparel Collections encompassing three distinct awards for Eveningwear, Ready-to-wear, and Activewear segments. All designers are welcome to submit within these new categories.”
She added, “We also would like to recognize the increasingly vital role that social influencers play in the fashion world and are proud to recognize their work formally for the first time with the new FGI Rising Star Collaborations Award.”
ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1928 by a group of seventeen women leaders, with original charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International (FGI) was established as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit organization remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion.
FGI maintains a headquarters in New York City, chapters in twenty-six regions worldwide, and a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle. Vital member benefits offered to FGI members include ongoing professional development opportunities, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and high-profile event platforms for professional recognition.
The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Fashion Group International and is dedicated to nurturing the fashion talent of tomorrow through education, scholarships, internships, and career counseling services. The FGI Foundation also promotes charitable partnerships and impactful public service initiatives
