Fashion Group International (FGI) rolled out the red carpet on Wednesday, April 16, at 583 Park Avenue in New York City to host the 29th annual FGI Rising Star Awards. This red-carpet luncheon and ceremony honored Robert Chavez and rising talent across the fashion, beauty, accessories, and fine jewelry sectors. Special recognitions were also presented in sustainability, lifetime achievement, and student innovation—highlighting the next wave of industry trailblazers.
Alyce Panico, Robert Chavez, Maryanne Grisz, and Gary Wassner at the FGI Rising Star Awards in NYC on April 16
Hosted by Emmy, Grammy, and NAACP Image Award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Haddish, the event was infused with wit, energy, and star power. Making her FGI debut, Haddish praised the organization’s global reach and impact, saying, “Today we celebrate 29 years of the Rising Star Awards honoring emerging talent who are shaping the future of fashion, beauty, and beyond.”
Cyril Verdavainne and Tiffany Haddish at the FGI Rising Star Award
A key moment of the ceremony was the presentation of FGI’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Chavez, former President and CEO of Hermès Americas (Ret.) and recently appointed Independent Director on Macy’s board. Reflecting on his career, Chavez shared, “For me, it’s always about people. As I look out, there are so many achievers, dreamers that I see, that have touched my life. It’s been an amazing journey.”
Now in its second year, the Macy’s Future Fashion Award in Fashion Merchandising was awarded to Camille Jiang of LIM College. Jiang received a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence and potential as a future leader in the industry.
For nearly three decades, the FGI Rising Star Awards have been a springboard for notable alumni including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Phillip Lim, and Rent the Runway founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss. The program honors designers, founders, and entrepreneurs in the early stages of business—typically within two to six years of launch—offering them vital exposure and industry connections.
This year’s event attracted an influential audience of designers, executives, and tastemakers, including Elie Tahari, Dennis Basso, Fern Mallis, Gary and Cole Wassner, Cyril Verdavainne, Frederick Anderson, Jonathan Cohen, Ken Downing, James Aguiar, Joanna Coles, Micaela Erlanger, NJ Falk, and more.
FGI Global President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, along with Chairperson Alyce Panico, offered heartfelt remarks. Grisz quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, stating, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” adding, “Our Rising Stars truly embody this belief. Today’s celebration not only honors their achievements but also empowers them through connection with a dynamic network of peers, mentors, and leaders.”
The FGI Rising Star Awards stands as one of Fashion Group International’s cornerstone fundraising events. More than just a celebration, the event reflects FGI’s enduring commitment to supporting fashion professionals at every stage of their careers through access to vital resources, educational programming, and a global network for connection and growth.
2025 Rising Star Awards Jury Panel
Applications for the 2025 awards opened in September 2024 to businesses operating between two and six years. Final honorees were selected through a combination of FGI member voting and the insight of a distinguished jury of industry leaders. The panel included Nicole Fischelis, Constance White, Ken Downing, Gary Wassner, Fern Mallis, Sharon Graubard, Ty Hunter, Caroline Fabrigas, Karen Young, Laura Gellar, Claudia Poccia, Bryna Pomp, Roberta Naas, Karen Giberson, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Carlos Campos, Reem Acra, Christina Plumlee, Cheryl Onodera, Jodi Kahn, Grace Chang, Vivian Rivetti, and Francois Damide.
Pre-Awards Celebration at APL Soho – April 15, 2025
On the eve of the Rising Star Awards, FGI hosted an intimate fireside chat at APL’s flagship store in New York City’s SoHo district. The April 15th event offered this year’s honorees the chance to connect ahead of the main ceremony, fostering thoughtful dialogue on leadership, mentorship, and giving back within the fashion industry.
The event was hosted by APL Managing Partner NJ Falk and moderated by FGI Chairperson Alyce Panico. Featured speakers included Falk, inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Robert Chavez, and fashion financier Gary Wassner. Joining the discussion were special guest and event host Tiffany Haddish, alongside FGI Global CEO and President Maryanne Grisz.
In her welcoming remarks, Alyce Panico—CEO of Luxe Collective Group—emphasized the values that define the Rising Star Program:
“Leadership and mentorship are at the heart of the FGI journey and the roots that inspire the FGI Rising Star Program. They’re not just buzzwords—they’re the building blocks of creative growth, personal development, and long-term success.”
2025 Event Sponsors
The 2025 FGI Rising Star Awards were proudly sponsored by Hilldun Corporation and Macy’s.