NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Fern Mallis, Mindy Grossman, Alyce Panico, and Maryanne Grisz attend the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The Fashion Group International (FGI) marked a major milestone with the 30th anniversary of its Rising Star Awards, held at 583 Park Avenue. The annual luncheon brought together an influential mix of designers, executives, and creatives to celebrate emerging talent shaping the future of fashion, beauty, and beyond an ethos that aligns seamlessly with Fashion Reverie‘s focus on innovation and industry evolution.
Hosted by model and entrepreneur Coco Rocha, the event carried both energy and purpose. A standout moment came from keynote speaker Ruben Toledo, whose remarks highlighted the importance of artistic community and mentorship. His reflections underscored a recurring theme of the afternoon: the responsibility of established voices to uplift the next generation.
The guest list reflected FGI’s deep industry roots, with notable attendees including Fern Mallis, Ken Downing, and Marylou Luther, alongside designers Bach Mai and Carlos Campos. Their presence reinforced the importance of connection and continuity within the fashion ecosystem.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Attendees pose onstage at the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
This year’s Rising Star honorees represented a diverse cross-section of creative disciplines. Jewelry awards, presented in partnership with Simon G. Jewelry, recognized Jamie Books (Mason and Books) and Ashley Moubayed (Don’t Let Disco). Accessories winners included Erin Saluti (Eittem) and the duo behind Brave Pudding. In sustainability, Chuks Collins stood out for his progressive approach to responsible design.
Beauty honoree Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks was recognized for her influential work in inclusive beauty, while fashion categories celebrated Wangda Chen for menswear, Aiste Hong for womenswear, and Jeanette Limas for eveningwear each bringing a distinct perspective to contemporary design.
Industry leaders were also honored, most notably Mindy Grossman, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jeffrey Banks. Her recognition served as a reminder of the long-term impact of visionary leadership. Additional honors included the Media Impact Award for Paige DeSorbo and the Business Innovation Award for Justin Abrams.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Ruben Toledo and Maryanne Grisz attend the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
As FGI celebrates three decades of the Rising Star Awards, its mission remains clear: to provide a platform for emerging voices while fostering mentorship and industry growth. With past honorees such as Tory Burch and Jason Wu, the initiative continues to shape the trajectory of fashion proving that today’s rising stars are tomorrow’s defining forces.
Tijana Ibrahimovic
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