Jason Wu, who is undeniably a star within fashion’s constellation, was a relative unknown just about 6 years ago, but when he was awarded Fashion Group International’s Rising Star for Womenswear, that certainly changed. On Friday, he returned as the Keynote Speaker at Fashion Group’s 18th annual Rising Star Awards (which had been postponed from Tuesday January 27th, because of the snow storm that wasn’t). This sold out event gets bigger each year. It’s a wonderful luncheon and awards ceremony, which takes place at Cipriani 42nd Street. And this year, the beauty of the grand building was enhanced thanks to the innovative company, Flowerbox (www.flowerboxnature.com), whose concept, which originated in France, is inspired by the vertical wall gardens of Patrick Blanc.

There are 8 different categories (accessories, home/interior design, fine jewelry, retail, beauty/fragrance, menswear, beauty/fragrance corporate, the Karen Harvey Business Innovator Award, and womenswear), and let’s just say that going home with an award is a game changer and quickly puts your name on the map. Past celebrated winners in the womenswear category include Tory Burch, Joseph Altuzarra, and Wes Gordon.

Jason Wu

During the course of his speech (which was heartfelt and often humorous), Jason Wu observed, “This is a special occasion. It’s a homecoming really. In 2008, I was very honored to receive the Rising Star Award. Thank you Fashion Group and Margaret Hayes. It gave my career a boost.”“I had a very interesting path to success to say the least. I began as a toy designer. In 2007 I started a ready-to-wear collection. My design studio was in the middle of my living room (this got a lot of laughs). There was 10 pieces. I invited editors, retailers, and friends. Friends showed up (this also got some laughs). Getting your first Neiman Marcus or Saks order is the biggest thrill. I learned the industry from the ground up”.“My brand is more established now and I am older but I still consider myself a student of the industry. My mom always said, “Once you stop learning, you stop growing”. Hard work really does pay off. Don’t compromise your vision because that’s what you’ve got. That’s you!”

Then the awards ceremony began. The first category was accessories, and jewelry designer RJ Graziano named Beth Macri, from Beth Macri Designs as the winner (she ‘accessorized’ her outfit with a leg cast). When Hearst’s Kate Kelly Smith, (who also had a cast on one leg), got up to give the award in the Home/Interior Design category (it went to Lydia Marks & Lisa Frantz of Marks and Frantz Design), she joked, “I hope we’re not starting a trend in our casts.” Lydia noted, “Our company’s tagline is “we’re incorporating fashion. Thank you Fashion Group because this is the perfect place for us to be.”Benjamin Macklowe awarded Paige Novick of Phyne By Paige Novick, the Rising Star Award in the Fine Jewelry category. Paige said, “The nomination was the big win for me. This is just the cherry on the top. Everyone here is a winner.” Macy’s Nicole Fischelis gave Audrey McLoghlin of Frank & Eileen, the award in the Retail category. Audrey thanked her grandparents, “They inspired me with their love. That’s what started this company.”Lord & Taylor’s Barbara Zinn-Moore named Patti Pao of Resorsea, as the winner in the Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur category. Patti remarked, “Very few people in life get their shot. But when you’re given you’re shot, take it and run with it!”

Stan Herman with Menswear Award winners

Prior to giving Whitney Hunter & Andy Gathings of Salence, the Rising Star Menswear Award, Stan Herman took a moment to give a shout out to menswear, noting it’s definitely having a moment in the sun, and gone are the days of thinking it to be a second class citizen. “Menswear has moved the fashion needle from square to rectangle and the needle is set to move again because we will be going forward with the menswear collections.” (Indeed, after lots of speculation, it’s now official. CFDA’s CEO Steven Kolb has confirmed that the organization will go ahead with their plans to launch New York Fashion Week: Men. The first installation will be the upcoming spring 2016 collections, which will be held this summer, July 13- 16, at the Skylight Clarkson Sq in SoHo). In summing up their company, which specializes in outerwear, Whitney said, “We had this idea of taking functionality and bringing it into fashion.”

Self Magazine’s Elaine D’Farley announced MAC Cosmetics’ Mimoza Disha as winner in the Beauty/Fragrance Corporate category, and Karen Harvey gave the Business Innovator Award to Amber Venz and Baxter Box of rewardStyle, saying “Talent is everything. We need creators and innovators.”

Womens RTW Winners Jason & Julie Haus Alkire with Sally LaPointe

And then Elle’s Robbie Myers came up to give the award for Womenswear (the future Jasons, Josephs, and Torys perhaps?) “We’re happy for Stan Herman and this is a great moment for menswear”. “But, it’s an equally exciting moment for womenswear” she enthused, before announcing a tie (which doesn’t happen too often): Sally LaPointe for Sally Lapointe (known for her feminine yet linear silhouettes, precise tailoring, and minimal colors), and Julie Haus Alkire & Jason Alkire for Haus Alkire (whose designed on form New York made creations, combine fashion and art). When the couple came up to reclaim their award, an exuberant Jason exclaimed, “This is not our first rodeo, as they say in Texas, but we were told to never give up! Demand a recount if you’d like but in the meantime, we’re going to take this. And thanks!”

The post “The Next Big Things”  appeared first on lookonline.

Recognizing emerging talent in the Fashion and Design industries: Accessories – Beauty/Fragrance Corporate – Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur – Fine Jewelry – Home/Interior – Men’s RTW – Retail – Women’s RTW

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Isabel & Ruben Toledo

Thursday January 26th At Cipriani 42nd Street. Member ticket: $160, Guest ticket: $190, Patron Table: $1,900. Click here to order
SPONSORS: Saks Fifth Avenue, InStyle, bebe, ChicTV

Finalists & Presenters:
Accessories
Presenter: Rami Kashou
Nominee Name Company:
Adriana Castro Adriano Castro
Michelle Vale Michelle Vale
Michelle Watson Mimi & Lu
Serra Turker Misela Inc.
Katherine Kim Roman & Sunstone
Ron Donovan Ron Donovan
Blythe Harris Stella & Dot
Deborah Sawath Thale Blanc

Beauty/Fragrance Corporate
Presenter: Emily Dougherty, Elle –
Nominee Name Company:
Celine Barel International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
Remi Pulverail Givaudan Fragrances
Sue Saadat Nars Cosmetics
Donna Ramanauskas Robertet Fragrances

Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur
Presenter: tbd
Nominee Name Company:
David Moltz D.S. & Durga
Kelly Van Gogh Kelly Van Gogh Hair Colour Cosmetics
Kaya Sorhaindo Six Scents Parfums
Michael Sedlacek & Liesa Helfen Worker B

Home/Interior Design
Presenter: Tbd
Nominee Name Company:
Coco COCOCOZY
Joe Manus Shiner International
Tamara Eaton Tamara Eaton Design

Fine Jewelry
Presenter: tbd
Nominee Name Company:
Jessica Kagan Cushman Jessica Kagan Cushman Studio
Yolanda Torrrubia & Amaia Torrubia Torrubia & Torrubia
Wendy Brandes Wendy Brandes

Retail
Presenter: tbd
Nominee Name Company:
Tom Wilscam HOMMAGE Atelier by Julien Farel
Randi Jacobson REALM
Vasken Demirjian Vasken Salon

Men’s Apparel
Presenter: Thom Browne
Nominee Name Company:
Rob Magness Grown & Sewn
Ian Velardi Ian Velardi
Luis M. Fernandez Number: Lab
Simon Spurr Simon Spurr

Women’s Ready-To-Wear
Presenter: Ralph Rucci
Nominee Name Company:
Elene Cassis Elene Cassis
Joel Diaz & Christina LaPens Jolibe
Nary Manivong & Alexandria Hilfiger NAHM
Nara Paz Nara Paz Design Internationale
Misha Nonoo NONOO
Norman Ambrose Norman Ambrose
Stacy Lomman Stacy Lomman: New York
Steven McDermott Stevie Mac New York
Wes Gordon Wes Gordon

The post The 15th Fashion Group International “Rising Star Awards” appeared first on lookonline.

This past Friday may have actually read Friday, the 22nd on the calendar, but for one organization, it was indeed Friday the 13th (and in this case, I mean, lucky 13th). Fashion Group International held its 13th annual Rising Star Luncheon this past Friday, and it was one of the chicest, most festive, celebratory, and highly efficient in memory.

Each year it seems this annual event (a reception, luncheon, and awards ceremony which honors eight “outstanding individuals for their innovation, creativity, and accomplishments”), has become more and more prestigious, more high profile, and highly anticipated, and indeed, it’s become so popular, it was sold out this time around.

In addition, there were a few things that were new, and as it turns out, they were also ‘improved’ (from my point of view anyway). It has traditionally been held on a Thursday, but was moved to Friday, and this year, the venue of choice was the beautiful and very grand Cipriani 42nd Street. Let’s face it: it’s hard to find a space with more elegant ambience or such a central, convenient location. And of course, the food is always wonderful, with a menu that boasted sea bass, asparagus, and lemon meringue pie with mixed berries (ah, spring is in the air!)

FGI President Margaret Hayes made her welcoming remarks noting that the importance of this program is to “support Fashion Group’s mission to promote rising star talent”. She added, “I want to acknowledge the talent, skill, commitment, and fortitude that brought you (the nominees) to this amazing journey”.

The keynote speaker was Nina Garcia, fashion editor extraordinaire, and fashion director of Marie Claire, who is perhaps best known as one of the judges on ‘Project Runway’. Though she was fighting a cold, and seemed to be on the verge of losing her voice, she got through her rousing speech brilliantly, as she addressed the nominees, giving them a laundry list of pointers, tips, and good sound advice to keep in mind on their road to success.

Here is some of what she said:“

“I am pleased to be celebrating the incredible talent in the room today”.
“The future of fashion is in this room”.
“Today’s fashion icons were once rule breakers”.
“You have to know at the outset who you are and what you are.”
“Be yourself. Be your boldest, out- of- the- box self”.
“The ones most self assured, most focused, are the ones who make it. This is not a time to play it safe. Play it smart”.
“Challenge us, inspire us, surprise us. Get in our faces.”
“Never underestimate the power of fashion. It is a reflection of our culture and our times. Be daring. Be bold. Make fashion history.”

This is a list of the award presenters, nominees, and the winners in each of the 8 categories:

Accessories:
Award Presenter: CINDY WEBER-CLEARY
Katherine Fleming – Katherine Fleming LLC
Robin Frances Stern – It’s About Time
Shai Levy – Seventy Eight Percent
Adriana Castro – Adriana Castro
Cornelia Petronis – Mark
Amanda Brotman – Amanda Pearl, LLC

Winner: Amanda Pearl Brotman, Amanda Pearl, LLC.

Beauty/Fragrance Corporate
Award Presenter: JANE LARKWORTHY
Jaclyn Rebecca Davis – MAC Cosmetics
Jerome Roux – Coty Prestige
Irina Burlakova – Givaudan Fragrances Corp.
Juliette Karagueuzoglou – IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances)

Winner: Juliette Karagueuzoglou, IFF

Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur:
Award Presenter: FREDERIC FEKKAI
Lisa Hoffman – Lisa Hoffman Beauty
Danny Seo – Wholearth Beauty and Bath
Janet League- Katzin – Sphatika International, LLC
Matthew Malin & Andrew Goetz – MALIN + GOETZ
Frederick Bouchardy – Joya LLC

Winner: Janet League-Katzin-Sphatika International, LLC.

Home/Interior Design:
Award Presenter: CLODAGH
Dror Benshetrit – Dror
Luke Vahle – Fifth Season Design
Joey Roth – Joey Roth
Shawn Henderson – Shawn Henderson

Winner: Dror Benshetrit-Dror

Fine Jewelry:
Award Presenter: AMEDEO SCOGNAMIGLIO & ROBERTO FARAONE MENNELLA
Monica Rich Kosann – Monica Rich Kosann
Nina Basharova – Nina Basharova Jewelry Design
Visnja Brdar – Visnja Jewels
Kelly Amorim – Carla Amorim Jewelry

Winner: Monica Rich Kosann-Monica Rich Kosann

Men’s Apparel:
Award Presenter: ROBERT BRYAN
Anthony Keegan & Richard Christiansen – Commonwealth Utilities
Paul Marlow – Loden Dager
Loris Diran – Loris Diran
Stefan Dahlkvist, Simen Staalnacke & Peder Borresen –
Moods of Norway International

Winner: Anthony Keegan & Richard Christiansen-Commonwealth Utilities

Retail:
Award Presenter: BETH BUCCINI
John Bartlett – John Bartlett
Edward Chai & Paul Birardi – ODIN New York
Helena Greene – Swing Concept Shop
Barbara Moore – B. Moore Design, Inc.
Alexandra Galgano – Charm and Chain

Winner: Edward Chai & Paul Birardi- Odin, New York

Women’s RTW:
Award Presenters: FRANCISCO COSTA, LINDA FARGO
Joseph Altuzarra – Altuzarra
Bibhu Mohapatra – Bibhu Mohapatra
Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs – Cushnie et Ochs
Matthew Ames – Matthew Ames
Michael Angel – Michael Angel
Nima Taherzadeh – NIMA
Peter Hidalgo – Peter Hidalgo
Prabal Gurung – Prabal Gurung
Brigitte Schwenner – Sievering LLC

Winners (It was a tie): Joseph Altuzarra-Altuzarra; Peter Hidalgo- Peter Hidalgo

-Marilyn Kirschner

The post Friday the 13th appeared first on lookonline.

Fashion Group International presented its 12th Annual Rising Star Awards yesterday, sponsored by Bebe and InStyle, at the Rainbow Room (with those breathtaking views). In her welcoming address, Margaret Hayes, President, The Fashion Group International, stated that Eight Rising Stars (eight “outstanding individuals”), are “recognized for their innovation, creativity, and accomplishments”. The 90 – 100 nominees are selected by approximately 100 people (FGI members) who vote, using a “numbered scale” and the winners are chosen by their “numerical score”. Ms. Hayes pointed out that the vote “represents a microcosm of the consuming public” and as such, is a good barometer of “future success”. She also added, “You are all to be commended” for this is a “unique, distinctly difficult economic climate.”

Speaking of which, it was noted that young Jason Wu, (who has practically attained ‘rock star’ status ever since his white gown was selected by the First Lady as the gown of choice for the Inaugural Balls), and winner of the Rising Star Award for Women’s Apparel last year, was in attendance, giving interviews, answering questions, lending his support and further validating the importance of the Awards (not that they needed validating of course).

The keynote address was delivered by Tory Burch, who won this award in 2005. She launched her eponymous company in 2004 (it all started with a $6 vintage caftan she found in a flea market) and it quickly became a widely successful lifestyle brand. Built around the idea of affordable Classic American Sportswear mixed with Tory’s own very apparent eclectic aesthetic, it has reached cult status, amassing a huge and loyal following along the way. As Ms. Burch admitted, “When I won this Award 4 years ago, it was one of the break through moments of our business” but she also warned the nominees that today’s climate represents a “bigger challenge than ever for those opening up their own businesses”. She even admitted that early on, she kept asking herself, “Does the world really need another fashion company?” But as she quickly found out, apparently it did.

Her list of the most important qualities that must be present in order for one to be successful:

“You need confidence and a strong point of view”
“You must have a complete vision, a strong sense of what the product will look like from the packaging to the furnishings (every detail must be precise and perfect)”
“It’s all about the product; you must focus on the product (“in this climate, that will be even more and more important”)
“I always try to think if I will wear a product. If I’m on the shelf about something, it’s edited out.” (It doesn’t hurt that Tory is a great looking gal with tons of personal style, an avowed fashion a ‘holic’, she looks amazing in her clothes and she is a walking embodiment of her collection)
“I always listen carefully to my customers – the women who wear my clothes”
“Most importantly the best advice I got from my parents: “keep it all in perspective. Put your family first and then everything else will fall into place.”

The winners in the eight award categories are as follows:

Accessories Presenter: ANN WATSON
Natalia Barbieri & Jennifer Portman – Bionda Castana
Eileen Shields – Eileen Shields, Inc.
Stephanie Owen – Elizabeth Cole Jewelry
Claudia, Laura, Alejandra Laviada – Pantera
Satu & Celeste Greenberg – Tuleste Market, LLC
Winner: Claudia, Laura, Alejandra Laviada- Pantera

Beauty/Fragrance Corporate Presenter: AMY SYNOTT
Marypierre Julien – Givaudan Fragrances
Juliette Karagueuzoglou – International Flavors & Fragrances
Katie Lucas – Avon Products, Inc.
Julie Birns – Prescriptives, Estée Lauder Companies
Winner: Julie Birns- Prescriptives, Estee Lauder Companies

Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur Presenter: JANE LAUDER
Cathy Gins – Aromawear LLC
Jessica Dunne – Ellie D Parfume
Tom Wilscam – Hommage
Janet League – Katzin – Sphatika International, LLC
Gerd Schwarzkopf – PHCP, Incorporated, Professional Hair Care Products/Mensgroom
Winner: Cathy Gins- Aromawear LLC

Home/Interior Design Presenter: CHRIS MADDEN
Claudia Kalis – CK Designs
Jaimie Chew – J. Chew Porcelain
Wayne Ludlum – Vestalife
Winner: Wayne Ludlum- Vestalife

Fine Jewelry Presenter: PAUL MORELLI
Ariane Zurcher – Ariane Zurcher Jewelry
Danielle & Jodie Snyder – Dannijo
Darcy Miro – Darcy Miro Metals Shop
Ivanka Trump – Ivanka Trump
Stephanie Albertson – Stephanie Albertson Jewelry LLC
Winner: Ariane Zurcher- Ariane Zurcher Jewelry

Men’s Apparel Presenter: ALEX BADIA
Carlos Campos – Carlos Campos
Anthony Keegan – Commonwealth Utilities
Michael Leen, Matteo Gottardi and Hamid Johannes Mahmood – Operations
Prince Williams 3rd – Prince Williams Designs

Winners (it was a tie): Carlos Campos- Carlos Campos, Anthony Keegan- Commonwealth Utilities

Retail Presenter: BARBARA HULANICKI
Alexis Maybank – Gilt Group
Hicham Benmira & Brian Cousins – Hollander & Lexer
Alexandra Adame & Nikki Fontanella – The Dressing Room Boutique & Bar
Winner: Alexandra Adame & Nikki Fontanella- The Dressing Room Boutique & Bar

Women’s RTW Presenter: PHILLIP LIM
Annebet Duvall & Stephanie Doucette – Doucette Duvall
Gustavo Cadile – Gustavo Cadile
Ina Soltani – Ina Soltani
Christian Cota – Christian Cota, Inc.
Sue Stemp – Sue Stemp
Michalyn Andrews – Trasteverine
Yoon Chang & Je-Won Hwang – Whiste & Flute
Winner: Christian Cota- Christian Cota, Inc.

-Marilyn Kirschner

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