The 39th AAFA American Image Awards honored big name designers and companies on Monday, April 24th on Park Avenue.
Many special guests came out such as Emma Roberts Evan Peters, Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” sister bloggers, Natalie and Dylana Suarez, Alan Cumming, Nikki Taylor and more.
“We’ve always supported made in NYC products, designers, we love everything that’s made here,” said influencer Natalie Suarez.
The night was to recognize the fashion industries leaders such as Andrew Rosen, founder and CEO of Theory (Person of the Year), Marc Fisher Footwear (Company of the Year), Stuart Vevers, creative director of Coach, Inc. (Designer of the Year), Nick Graham (Fashion Maverick), and Ed Nardoza, former WWD Editor-in-Chief (Lifetime Achievement Award).
Alan Cumming on screen and broadway actor was the host of the night. “I consider myself a reasonably fashionable young man, but amongst the rest tonight I am a bit out of my league, but I am wearing a Nick Graham suit this evening.”
Founder of Joe Boxer himself, Nick Graham spoke about his inspirations and achievements, “There’s no strategy, I think being open to anything that might come around. It’s significant, working with someone like Bill it’s significant character.”
The two met at a science conference and came up with the partnership of creating a bowtie collection for Bill Nye who now has become a fashion icon in the past men’s fashion week in New York City.
“First of all, except that I’m just that cool to start there,” said Bill Nye. “No, I met Nick Graham at an astronomy radio show that has an auditorium audience and he said, ‘have you ever thought about having a line of bowtie,’ and I said yes I tried three or four or half dozens times to have a line of bowties, but Nick got it immediately.”
Kenneth Cole opened up the stage as he brought up life-long friend Rosen to receive his award with his moving speech on Andrew Rosen’s incredible work also quoting Anna Wintour.
“I’m honored to receive this award amongst so many of my friends and colleagues. I’m grateful to the AAFA for all that they do in particular in support of the manufacturing initiative, an incredible program for the future of garment production in New York City,” said Andrew Rosen as he came on stage to receive his award.
Designer Norma Kamali also called out Ed Nardoza onto the stage as he was in tears for receiving Lifetime Achievement Award for being WWD leading man since 1991.
The American Apparel and Footwear Associations represent more than 1,000 leading brands as they are the political voice for this industry. It is their hard work that helps brands gain the recognition they need.
The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative which is a program from Council of Fashion Designers in America was a partner of the awards. They help preserve the garment production in New York City.
