April 28, 2011
It was a lively and energetic room last night as the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and nearly 700 attendees celebrated the 33rd Annual American Image Awards at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Hosted by fashion stylist and television personality Robert Verdi, the event celebrated many of the fashion industry’s most influential brands, people and humanitarians, and raised over $1.1 million for charity.
The evening began with a heartfelt overview of the event’s charity partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research globally, and was followed by a spirited awards presentation. Famed artist Ruben Toledo provided illustrations for the event invitation, and also designed the stunning stage set which depicted New York City as a whimsical pop-up book complete with taxi, night sky, and sweeping city views.
“We’re so proud each year to honor some of the industry’s best talent and true legends, and to share the evening with such a stellar audience of celebrities and top decision makers in retail and fashion. The American Image Awards has grown into a true, must-attend industry event,” said Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of the AAFA.
The evening’s awards included: Brand of the Year presented to William Rast; Footwear Brand of the Year presented to UGG Australia; Retailer of the Year presented to Neiman Marcus; Mark Weber, CEO of LVMH, and Chariman & CEO of Donna Karan International, presented with Man of the Year; Whoopi Goldberg honoring Ruben and Isabel Toledo as Fashion Maverick; and David Koch, owner and Executive Vice President of Koch Industries, receiving the Humanitarian Award
About the AAFA
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (www.apparelandfootwear.org) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance its members' competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints.