Robert Chavez to Receive the Lifetime Achievement Award
at Annual Red Carpet Fashion Luncheon on April 16 in New York City
NEW YORK (March 12, 2025) – Fashion Group International (FGI) will host the 29th annual FGI Rising Star Awards ceremony on April 16, 2025, in New York City, from 11 am to 2 pm (location to be announced). Emmy, Grammy, and NAACP Image award winning actress, performer, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, The Last Black Unicorn), will host the venerable fashion non-profit organization’s red-carpet awards ceremony – joined by presenters Fern Mallis, Gary Wassner, Ken Downing, Reem Acra, Jonathan Cohen, and more to be announced. The event convenes leading designers, executives, and tastemakers, and presenters to recognize emerging talent in fashion, beauty, and related sectors – along with distinguished leaders like Robert Chavez, former Executive Chairman Hermès Americas (Retired), recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The Rising Star Awards and program serve as a premier platform for celebrating the next generation of industry leaders,” said Alyce Panico, Chairperson of FGI Board of Directors and CEO of Luxe Collective Group. “I am incredibly proud of this initiative in championing mentorship and leadership in a year where these values are more vital than ever. FGI remains at the forefront of supporting emerging talent and empowering them to shape the future of our industry.”
“Each year, as we review the applications, we remain inspired by the energy and creativity of these founders, designers, and emerging brands,” says Maryanne Grisz, President & CEO of Fashion Group International. “They are the future of fashion – and it is our honor to recognize their work and support their vision as these nominees and honorees step into the spotlight and the next chapter of their careers at the FGI Rising Star Awards.”
The FGI Rising Star Awards is one of FGI’s signature fundraising events. The event’s visibility and impact reflect the global fashion organization’s commitment to nurture and support fashion professionals at every stage of their careers with vital resources, educational opportunities, and a global forum for connection. Applications opened in September of 2024 to eligible businesses in operation for two to six years. Finalists and honorees are ultimately selected by FGI member vote and juried panel.
Historically, the FGI Rising Star Awards have served as a career incubator for some of the fashion world’s most revered brands and designers, including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Joseph Altuzarra, Phillip Lim, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Thom Brown, Monica Rich Kosann, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Brett Heyman, Warby Parker, Cornelia Guest; Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar; Jennifer Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman of Rent The Runway, and Rachel Shechtman of Story.
Returning sponsor Macy’s, in its second-year partnership with FGI, will again sponsor the Future Fashion Award in Fashion Merchandising, recognizing an outstanding student in fashion merchandising enrolled in one of six partner collegiate programs. On behalf of returning sponsor Hilldun Corporation, Gary Wassner will present the Hilldun Business Innovation Award to Carly Bigi, Founder of Laws of Motion.
FGI will fete awards finalists at an annual, invitation-only pre-event. This year, for the first time, the awards pre-event will take the form of an informal fireside chat: a new format proposed by FGI Board Chairperson Alyce Panico. Ms. Panico was appointed to the role in January of 2025, succeeding 6-year former Board Chairperson and current FGI Board member and advisor James D’Adamo.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Panico served on the FGI Board of Directors for five years in addition to co-chairing the 2024 FGI Night of Stars gala. The fireside chat aligns with FGI’s strategic direction for 2025 and Panico’s expressed goals to continue fostering opportunities for connection and to further develop the organization’s impactful programming.
This year’s pre-party event will be hosted by APL and APL Managing Partner NJ Falk, at the luxury performance athletic and lifestyle footwear flagship store in New York City’s SoHo district. During the event, FGI Chairperson Alyce Panico will moderate a fireside chat with NJ Falk, Robert Chavez, Gary Wassner, and other special guests who, together, will discuss the topic of mentorship and paying it forward in the fashion industry.
FGI Rising Star 2024 Finalists and Categories:
Beauty
Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks, Ashunta Sheriff Beauty
Delphine Breyne, Delphine Eyebrow Couture
Irina Sergeeva, French Perfumery House
Pritika Swarup, Prakti
Rosie Mangiarotti, Perkies
Mair Emenogu, MAIR
Fine Jewelry
Julie Kim, Bijules
Paola Sasplugas, PDPAOLA
Hiba Husayni, ZAHN-Z Jewelry
Isabel Calvert, SETTE Jewelry
Accessories
Sangmin Park, 4CCCCEES
Montserrat Messeguer, Montserrat Messeguer
Nanette Adair, Rex Shoes
Sydnie Peebles, Sydnie Banks
Rob Bacon, The 3rd Jewelry
Alicia Stemper, Wondermint Goods
Fashion Apparel: Bridal
Guillermo Pharis, Guillermo Pharis Bridal
Francesca Guzzo-Whyte & Jaclyn Whyte, Jaclyn WHYTE
Priscilla Carvalho, Priscilla Couture
Fashion Apparel: Eveningwear
Natasha Das, Danarys New York
Evan Hirsch, Evan Hirsh
Jeanette Limas, Jeanette Limas
Peter Williams, Mr. Macramé
Natalia Fedner, Natalia Fedner
Fashion Apparel: Ready-to-Wear
Bonnie Young, BY.BONNIEYOUNG
Joe Millman, Chamberlin
Diego Binetti, Love Binetti
Lee Evans Lee, Mrs Momma Bear
Tania Mackey, NICZKA
Papa Oppong, Papa Oppong
Najla Burt and Cynthia Burt, DUR DOUX
Alice Kim, PerfectDD
Jack Sivan, Sivan
Shwetambari Mody, SHWETAMBARI
Sustainability
Nguyen Tran, LE RÉUSSI®
Maria Mean and Emilio Aguado, Mindai
Peter Williams, Mr Macramé
Omar and Zane Sabré, Maison de Sabré
Montserrat Messeguer, Montserrat Messeguer
Francisco Javier Batta Martinez, Jose Alberto Tassinari Nava, Sistta
Shanna Britta Mellnick, Shanna Britta
Sponsors: Hilldun Corporation, Macy’s
2025 Rising Star Awards Jurors:
Industry Leaders: Nicole Fischelis, Constance White, Ken Downing, Gary Wassner, Fern Mallis, Sharon Graubard, Ty Hunter, Caroline Fabrigas, Karen Young, Laura Gellar, Claudia Poccia, Bryna Pomp, Roberta Naas, Karen Giberson, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Carlos Campos, Reem Acra, Christina Plumlee, Cheryl Onodera, Jodi Kahn, Grace Chang, Vivian Rivetti, Francois Damide
Event Sponsors
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 numerous 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 FGI Rising Star Awards event proceeds support the organization’s mission to provide essential career resources, educational initiatives, business grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs. Through a global network of grassroots chapters, FGI services a cross-section of industries and professionals of all levels, from students and emerging startups and designers to mid-career professionals, and established executives.
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.
For more information, visit fgi.org.
