NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Guests attend the 2023 AAFA American Image Awards at The Plaza Hotel on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AAFA American Image Awards)
We all love awards shows, well, some of us do. And when it comes to fashion awards ceremonies, most of us are only familiar with the CFDA Fashion Awards, Fashion Group International Awards or the International Woolmark Awards. But there are others.
At New York City’s Plaza Hotel, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hosted the 2023 AAFA American Image Awards. This is the seventh year that the AAFA has partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation as its beneficiary with the proceeds funding the future of the industry and the development of invaluable philanthropic programs.
“The individuals and entities we are honoring this year for 2023 are initiators, leaders, and progress drivers,” said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar. “The power of the U.S. fashion industry is anchored in its global value chains and the billions of people around the world they employ and serve. This annual event demonstrates our evolution as an industry and celebrates these outstanding individuals and companies for their leadership, excellence, and noteworthy achievements in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry.”
“Each of tonight’s honorees are at the forefront of our changing industry, and they are building communities that will shape and define the future of American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “We are very proud and thankful of our partnership with the AAFA and the positive impact it has had.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Brandice Daniel the 2023 AAFA American Image Awards at The Plaza Hotel on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AAFA American Image Awards)
For 2023, the AAFA has made significant inroads in supporting and celebrating the work and contributions of people of color in the fashion and retail apparel industries. This was made evident by honoring at this years’ awards ceremony Willy Chavarria, creative director of his eponymous brand and creative director of Calvin Klein menswear, Brandice Daniels, CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, and Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Willy Chavarria accepted the Isabel and Ruben Toledo statuette; Brandice Daniels accepted the Fashion Maverick honor on behalf of Harlem’s Fashion Row; Dr. Uzodinma Iweala accepted the Global Vanguard for his mother Dr. Ngozi Okonio-Iweala, and New Balance received the Company of the Year award. The entire awards ceremony was hosted by Segun Oduolowu.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: (L-R) Steven, Kolb, Stephen Lamar, Uzodinma Iweala, Joe Preston, William McDonough, Willy Chavarria, Brandice Daniel and Segun Oduolowu pose onstage during the 2023 AAFA American Image Awards at The Plaza Hotel on April 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AAFA American Image Awards)
As honoree Brandice Daniels so elegantly put, “Fashion can be an uphill journey, and times will get hard, but you have to stay in the race.” All of these honorees have stayed in the race and persevered with elegance, grace and tenacity.
—William S. Gooch
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