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AAFA American Image Awards brings together dynamic fashion industry influencers

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By FashionUnited

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The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) drew a dazzling crowd of CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and other fashion industry influencers to its 38th Annual American Image Awards, held at the historical 583 Park Avenue event space in New York City last evening. Hosted by InStyleMagazine founding editor, Hal Rubenstein, the event supported charity partner Mercy Ships.

The 2016 American Image Awards winners included Person of the Year: Joseph Abboud; Company of the Year: BBC International LLC; Designer of the Year: Christian Siriano; Retailer of the Year: Shinola Detroit; and Fashion Maverick: Iris Apfel. Each received a statuette created by world-renowned designers and artists,Ruben and Isabel Toledo.

"At the heart of the American Image Awards is our ability to honor our incredible industry, while giving back to a charity partner that will somehow make the world just a little bit better," emphasized AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein. "AAFA was overwhelmed with the incredible generosity last night, with an unforeseen $100,000 donation to Mercy Ships made in the name of our Fashion Maverick honoree, Iris Apfel." The generous donation was made by President and CEO of United Legwear & Apparel Co., Isaac E. Ash.

Rob DeMartini, AAFA Chairman, President and CEO of New Balance Athletics Inc., and past honoree explained, "The success of the American Image Awards is a testament to the passion of a global industry to be part of something bigger than themselves. The work we at AAFA have committed to since our beginnings is only possible with the tremendous contributions of our members."

Highlights of the evening included an inspiring speech from Iris Apfel, often called a "Rare Bird" and a treasure of American boldness and individuality, who spoke of her journey from interior decorator to fashion icon. Attendees were given an inside look at Shinola Detroit, a fast-growing brand built in one of America's most infamous cities, by Shinola's President Jacques Panis. Christian Siriano, who continually intrigues legions of media and fans while he dresses many of the world's leading ladies, inspired and entertained the audience with his wit and humor. Joseph Abboud, embodying the American ideal of diversity, discussed his journey to become one of the most preeminent menswear style makers. A round of enthusiastic applause erupted as Robert Campbell, from BBC International, took to the stage and was recognized for immense contributions to the footwear industry.

Numerous past honorees were in attendance, including Isabel and Ruben Toledo; namesake designers Cynthia Rowley and Ruthie Davis; designer Yeohlee Teng of YEOHLEE Inc.; and Bill Sweedler, Co-Chairman of luxury men's fashion brand Robert Graham. The event also drew luminaries from the sports world, entertainment world, and respected industry organizations such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Parsons School of Design, and Two Ten Footwear Foundation.

AAFA
American Apparel & Footwear Association
American Image Awards
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