Fashion’s next generation took the spotlight as the Fashion Group International (FGI) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its prestigious Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. The milestone luncheon and awards ceremony brought together a dynamic mix of designers, executives, tastemakers, and past honorees, all united in recognizing emerging talent shaping the future of fashion, beauty, accessories, and sustainability.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Alyce Panico, Coco Rocha, Maryanne Grisz, and Nancy Berger 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)
Supermodel and entrepreneur Coco Rocha helmed the event with her signature energy, while acclaimed artist and designer Ruben Toledo delivered a heartfelt keynote address. Reflecting on creativity, legacy, and the importance of mentorship, Toledo emphasized the power of community in nurturing the next wave of innovators.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Ruben Toledo speaks 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)
The room buzzed with industry luminaries including Fern Mallis, Ken Downing, Marylou Luther, and designers like Bach Mai and Carlos Campos, a testament to FGI’s enduring influence and global network.
This year’s Rising Star Awards highlighted standout creatives across multiple categories. Jewelry honors, presented in partnership with Simon G. Jewelry, recognized Jamie Books of Mason and Books for Fine Jewelry and Ashley Moubayed of Don’t Let Disco for Fashion Jewelry. In accessories, Erin Saluti of Eittem shared the spotlight with Sarah Fiszel and Maxwell Federbush of Brave Pudding, while Chuks Collins earned the Sustainability Award for his forward-thinking approach.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: 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)
Beauty visionary Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks of Ashunta Beauty took home the Beauty Award, and in fashion, Wangda Chen (Wàngda) and Aiste Hong (AISTĖ HONG) were honored for menswear and womenswear. Eveningwear designer Jeanette Limas rounded out the fashion categories with her win for refined, statement-making designs.
Beyond emerging talent, the ceremony also celebrated industry leaders making lasting impact. Mindy Grossman received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by designer Jeffrey Banks, recognizing her transformative leadership across retail and fashion. “Our industry’s future depends on investing in the next generation,” Grossman noted in her acceptance.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Jeffrey Banks and Mindy Grossman 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 inaugural Media Impact Award went to Paige DeSorbo, while Justin Abrams was honored with the Hilldun Business Innovation Award. The Macy’s Future Fashion Award spotlighted rising talent Michaela Hahn, reinforcing the event’s commitment to fostering new voices.
FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz underscored the significance of the anniversary, highlighting not only the exceptional talent honored but the organization’s continued dedication to mentorship and connection. “These designers are already influencing the global fashion landscape,” she said.
As the Rising Star Awards celebrate three decades, their legacy remains clear: a launchpad for tomorrow’s icons. With past honorees including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, and Phillip Lim, the event continues to champion innovation while shaping the industry’s future one rising star at a time.