Maryanne Grisz and all the 2023 Fashion Group International Rising Star Winners, Photo: Randy Brooke
Fashion Group International’s 27th annual Rising Star Awards were held Monday afternoon at The Lighthouse, Pier Sixty One, on the Hudson. The ticketed red carpet luncheon, sponsored by Hilldun Industries, emphasized community, collaboration, and bringing people together.
Valerie Steele, Marilyn Kirschner & Lizzie Asher
FGI has responded to the ongoing interest in fluid fashion, and for the first time, this event featured three gender-inclusive categories: eveningwear and ready-to-wear. At the awards lunch, FGI also revealed the FGI Foundation’s first-ever fashion mentorship program.
Fine Jewelry winner Burkindy with Paul Morelli, Photo: Randy Brooke
More than anything else, the Rising Star Luncheon is a celebration and recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of emerging designers. Participants must have been in business for six years to be nominated. Past winners include Thom Browne, Jason Wu, Tory Burch, Joseph Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, and Phillip Lim.
“Over the years, past FGI Rising Star honorees have risen to become some of the leading voices in the business. I cannot wait to cheer on our finalists in their next successes.”
Maryanne Grisz, President, FGI International
The event had traditionally taken place at Cipriani 42nd Street. Still, to accommodate the growing number of guests, for the second year in a row, they moved to the largest waterfront event venue in Manhattan, and luckily, the weather could not have been more ideal.
Steven Kolb, Mary Lou Luther & Fern Mallis, Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Steven Kolb was among the fashion veterans mingling with the new, up-and-coming stars. Kolb sang the praises of new CFDA president Thom Browne saying he is delightfully easy to work with. “The most important thing for Thom is creativity,” acknowledges Kolb.
Marcia Bonilla & Terry Singh, Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Also in attendance was Fern Mallis, Ken Downing (proudly wearing one of his Halston prototypes, promised that the spring 2024 collection will unveil in September), Marylou Luther, Audrey Smaltz (once again providing the voiceovers for this event), Dr. Valerie Steele (who told me this year’s Artistry in Fashion honoree will be announced shortly), Nicole Fischelis, Mickey Boardman, Lynn Yeager, past winner Frederick Anderson, Constance White, LaQuan Smith, and Stefano Tonchi, several of whom also served as presenters.
Stefano Tonchi, Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Tonchi is the editorial director of Palmer, a new bi-annual title about Palm Beach Florida. The former W magazine editor and George co-founder Michael Berman are betting on luxurious print publications for wealthy American enclaves. As Tonchi put it, Palmer is a magazine that follows the very wealthy as they traverse Palm Beach, Aspen, the Hamptons, Manhattan, and “any place where there is a Hermes store.” I guess you could call it a print and digital version of “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous.”
Welcome remarks were made by Maryanne Grisz, President/CEO, who noted that the judges had the hardest time voting this year because of all the talent. “More than any other year, the voting was very close,” admitted Maryanne. “We celebrate all your work today. You are just beginning your journey. It all starts with a dream.”
Patricia Fields & Maryanne Grisz, Photo: Randy Brooke
FGI Director James D’Adamo introduced Patricia Fields, who served as Keynote Speaker. As he noted, Patricia is undoubtedly a highly influential fashion legend and visionary with a multi-faceted career spanning over 5 decades. Fields single handed changed women’s dress through the HBO series “Sex and the City.” But she is not the best speaker.
Well dressed duo, Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Fields, who spoke in a whisper, did not seem to understand her assignment, and she rambled on too long about fashion history and her own accomplishments. Patricia admitted that her confused, long-winded speech was more geared toward a high school graduating class than a room filled with fashion legends and talented young New York-based creators.
Guest wearing the same green Valentino dress worn by Melania Trump at 2020 Nomination acceptance speech. Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
One good piece of advice she offered was for young designers to look inward and not outward, learn more about themselves, and love themselves because they will take themselves through life. “It’s kind of analogous to choosing a mate,” said Fields, who continued, “Happy marriage and no divorce.” This was met with a few laughs.
Edmundo Castillo with Accessories Winners Megan Key Campos & Nick Lucio. Photo Randy Brooke
All of those who followed Patricia fared much better. Shoe designer SVP and Global Head of Product Design at Stuart Weitzman, Edmundo Castillo presented Chris Donovan and Megan Key Campos & Nick Lucio, the Accessories Award, which ended in a tie this year.
Beauty Entrepreneur Winners Michael & Diana Wilson with Jessica Matlin, Photo: Randy Brooke
Moda Operandi’s Director of Beauty, Jessica Matlin, announced Michael & Diana Wilson as winners in the Beauty Entrepreneur category. Paul Morelli was tasked with announcing Burkindy as the winner in Fine Jewelry.
Thomas Kennedy and Nigel Barker, Photo: Randy Brooke
The 1st ever Fashion Group International Collaborations Award, given to Thomas Kennedy’s Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle, was presented by Nigel Barker. The English reality TV show personality, fashion photographer, author, spokesperson, filmmaker, and former model noted that fashion is a small industry and is all about collaborating.
Three chic ladies: Leckie Roberts, Raquel Riley Thomas, Olga Ferrera, Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
He gave a shout-out to well respected fashion veterans seated at his table, like Stefano Tonchi, Constance White, Mickey Boardman, and Patricia Fields, all of whom he has collaborated with. “It’s never all about you. It’s about everyone who’s out there that you are working with.”
Autumn Adeigbo & her mother. Photo: Marilyn Kirschner
Mickey Boardman presented the Sustainability Award to Autumn Adeigbo. Autumn, also nominated in the Ready-to-Wear category, was beyond surprised. She did not even know she was nominated for this award.
Constance White & Active Casualwear Winner Teddy Von Ranson, Photo: Randy Brooke
Constance White is eloquent and articulate when she addresses a crowd. “Celebrate your successes and know that your failures are a growing moment and they will pass.” Constance went on to say, “Fashion is not just a business engine, but it’s global, and that’s one of the things I love most. We always have that economic currency going and that cultural thing going.” The fashion editor/journalist presented the Active/Casualwear award to Teddy Von Ranson, whose response was, “This is Fucking great!”
Marrisa Wilson & LaQuan Smith, Photo: Randy Brooke
LaQuan Smith announced Marrisa Wilson as the Ready-to-Wear Category winner. His encouraging words were to dream big, stay the course, and never give up. While Smith acknowledged this seems obvious and simplistic, it really applies to him as he struggled from the ground up. Marrisa was emotional as she stated it was always a dream of hers ever since she’s been a little girl to create a brand that celebrates a woman’s personality along with the art and beauty of textiles.
Bach Mai, Photo: Randy Brooke
Prior to announcing Bach Mai as the winner in Eveningwear, the final category, Stefano Tonchi spoke about how these are challenging times and it’s imperative to encourage and support the new generation and to pass on the knowledge and expertise we have. “Power is not the measure of success. Creating a legacy and supporting the next generation is what is important”
“My advice to all the winners is to use the power of being a Rising Star to help the community around you, encourage the younger generation and be a real force of change. Remember, you are only as strong and successful as your community is.”
Latest Comments:
My fave is the Gorski. Best look and function to me!
A Marvelous Tribute to IRIS, a one-of-a-kind work of art!
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
LOVE all of this. Thank you, Marilyn. <3