AAFA names Claudio Del Vecchio Person of the Year

The American Apparel & Footwear Association today announced Claudio Del Vecchio, Chairman and CEO of Brooks Brothers, as Person of the Year for the 37th Annual American Image Awards. Del Vecchio will be honored at the annual AAFA American Image Awards Gala April 27, in New York City.

Del Vecchio has served as Chairman and CEO of the iconic Brooks Brothers company, the country's oldest clothing retailer, since 2001. His work within the industry captures the spirit of the American Image Awards, which stands as an emblem of honor for those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing, and retail.

“Every year, the AIA awards honor those who are true leaders and innovators in the industry,” said Juanita D. Duggan, President and CEO of AAFA. “Claudio is a global leader of great distinction, making him a natural selection for AAFA’s highest honor.”

“For nearly 200 years Brooks Brothers has stood for quality, innovation and American style,” said Claudio Del Vecchio. “I am proud that we, as a global brand, are able to continue this tradition and we are honored to be recognized by the AAFA.”

Additional honorees, previously announced, include: Company of the Year: Brown Shoe Company to be accepted by Diane Sullivan, CEO, President, and Chairman; Retailer of the Year: Holt Renfrew to be accepted by Mark Derbyshire, President; Designer of the Year: Cynthia Rowley to be accepted by namesake designer Cynthia Rowley; and Fashion Maverick: Kelly Osbourne, Fashion Police Co-Host, Fashion Designer, and Actress.

This year’s award will feature a new iconic design of the American Image Awards statuette designed by world-renowned artist Ruben Toledo, a 2011 American Image Awards Fashion Maverick recipient himself. The award ceremony will also feature new charity partner Mercy Ships, a global organization committed to providing the world’s impoverished with basic healthcare and life-changing medical services.