Fashion Group International’s 26th Annual Rising Star Awards

The Fashion Group International’s 26th annual Rising Star Awards were held on Tuesday afternoon at The Lighthouse Pier Sixty One on the Hudson. Like many other high-profile events, fashion or otherwise, it’s the first live version in two years.

In the past, the lunch has traditionally been held in January at Cipriani 42nd Street. This year, they moved it up to May, and to accommodate the growing number of guests, they changed the location to the largest waterfront event venue in Manhattan, and luckily, the weather could not have been more ideal.

“I am so happy to have secured this new larger venue with outside space and elevated filtration for us. There has been much excitement coming out of quarantine for live events and interest in Fashion Group,” said Maryann Grisz, President & CEO of FGI International. In fact, during her welcoming address, Grisz noted that the lunch was sold out and overcapacity.

“I’m the perfect person to be here. I’m the poster child for revival and reinvention”

Rebecca Moses

There was an 11 AM reception followed by a luncheon, during which awards were given out. Rebecca Moses was the Keynote Speaker, and her discourse was rousing and emotional. The prolific artist, illustrator, author, and designer is, after all, the ultimate survivor. “You all have MAMMOTH survival skills. Congratulations, you’ve been noticed,” said Moses, who stressed the importance of reinvention and taking significant risks.

Rebecca, who was seated at the table with her mother and best friend Vera Wang, reminded the creative nominees and honorees that instinct, passion, and discipline are necessary qualities for success and implored the group to never allow all the ‘isms’ to hold them back. “Make your own rules.”

Fashion veterans Fern Mallis, Nicole Fischelis, Constance White, Marylou Luther, Teri Agins, Lynn Yaeger, Linda Fargo, and Audrey Smaltz, who narrated the event, mingled with honorees and presenters Kelly Cutrone, Freddie Leiba, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Ken Downing, Tracy Reese, Nina Garcia, Gary Wassner and Jason Wu. The 40-year-old Taiwan-born designer, who was given this award in 2008 (“2000 years ago,” he joked), presented the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Cole Wassner.

Tracy Reese and Lisa Arrindell presented the President’s Award for Excellence to Byron Lars. Tracy noted that for Byron, it’s really all about the customer. Lars, who was named “rookie of the year” by Women’s Wear Daily in 1991, called this a special moment he would never forget.

He thanked his ardent supporters, Teri Agins whose New York Times article, “Byron Lars Is Still Here”, September 9, 2020, helped bring recognition back to his brand, and Constance White, the first person who ever wrote about him. And then Byron thanked his longtime colleague Sheila Gray with whom he established a new clothing brand, “INEARNEST” in 2020.

The name Ernest, which is the brand’s credo, means “occurring to a greater extent or more intensely than before”. Ernest is also the name of Byron’s late father and it happens to be his middle name.

Ken Downing announced a two-way tie in the New Retail category. The winners are Nancy Volpe Beringer of The Vault by Volpe Beringer and Nyakio Grieco of thirteen lunes.

Freddie Leiba named Mia Becar of Betzabe Gonzalez the winner in the Accessories Award category. The always dapper Freddie, who was recently named to the 2021- 2022 International Best Dressed List, told the crowd that curiosity and knowledge are the two main things that keep him going. “Diana Vreeland taught me to use my eyes, let my eyes follow, and I’ve never stopped.”

Kelly Cutrone presented in the All Gender category. Before announcing that the winner was Tristan Detwiler of Stan, Cutrone told the guests that there are a lot of misconceptions about fashion people, but in actuality, there are so many amazing fashion people throughout the world.

As for the talented nominees, she observed, “It doesn’t matter how you identify or how much money you have. If you want to take this ride- and you’re crazy if you do- suit up and show up. If you have a talent, you are welcome here, the greatest city in the world.”

Pyer Moss founder Kerby Jean-Raymond presented the Menswear Award to Christian Juul Nielsen of AKNVAS, who beat out Christopher Lowman, Kenneth Nicholson, and Terry Singh. In 2014, Kerby won the FGI award for Rising Star in the menswear category. He thanked Maryann Grisz and the Fashion Group International for this honor which helped launch his career. “They were the first people to say, “I like what you’re doing.”

Last but not least, Elle’s editor-in-chief Nina Garcia handed the Womenswear Award to Frederick Anderson, the very popular winner in a group that included Amir Taghi, Kelsey Randall, Junny Ann Hibbert, and Mimi Prober. Anderson especially thanked his loyal fans, including Jean Shafiroff, Lauren Day Roberts, and Alexandra Lebenthal, who showed up in support, and was seated at a table together.

Lebenthal was wearing a fabulous pair of heavily embroidered white pants from Anderson’s most recent collection.

The New York-based designer has been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years now, launching various brands. He is known for his eponymous label and luxurious, chic style collection. While Frederick is not a young up-and-comer like the others in contention on this day, he is finally designing a collection driven by his singular vision. The bottom line is?” I’ve been around for a while, but I’m finally me.”

Finally, it’s impossible to write about this event without considering Diane Clehane, who passed away in March. Diane was a dear friend of Lookonline and a longtime contributor. For 25 years, Clehane was the director of media relations and advertising for the Fashion Group International before leaving that post last year to focus more on her royal coverage. She is sorely missed.

1. 

   I look forward to every article. Thank you.

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   Mary McFadden Designs were sumptuously BEAUTIFUL as is your tribute to her

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   I feel as if my words were delivered by you, Marilyn! Our time was vibrant with beauty as part of…

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   Great insights into New York Fashion Week—finding standout pieces is key!

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   Laurel Marcus…..loved this article, wish I knew about this show. Please do more of this!