The accolades were well-earned and the energy unmistakable, as the new stars of beauty, fashion, and design accepted their honors at The Fashion Group International’s 19^th Annual Rising Star Awards, held last month at New York’s Cipriani on 42^nd Street. Margaret Hayes, president of The Fashion Group International, welcomed attendees with a salute to the accomplishments of the winners and inspiration for those continuing on their creative journey.


“The Rising Star program offers an opportunity to recognize emerging talent, for both the entrepreneur and for the corporate risk takers. The process begins with 120 nominees and the judging continues among the FGI membership, both online and in-person, with a numbered scale, ultimately arriving at 20 finalists,” said Hayes. “The vote reflects a microcosm of the consumer public,” she said.


Directing comments to all the finalists in the room, Hayes highlighted the work and achievements that had brought each of the nominated individuals to where they are now.


“While talent is a natural ability, it can only be realized through the relentless drive each of the finalists show in their creativity. I would remind you that over the years we have had nominees that have come back three or four times, so please do not feel less than your perfect self if you do not win today,” said Hayes.

 
The Awards Program

 
Keynote speaker, Linda Fargo, senior vice president, Bergdorf Goodman, was introduced by Hayes as, “the eyes of Bergdorf Goodman.” Renowned for spotting trends and creating the visual identity of the famous New York store, Fargo recognized the talent gathered in the room for the award luncheon.“


We are all here, members of this fashion tribe, all united around this fire,” said Fargo. “We gravitated here as fledglings. You all deserve an award just for being here. There’s plenty of room for you and your talent,” she said.


Fargo explained that the industry is vast, noting, “There are 75 million individuals employed by the fashion industry around the world, and 4 million in the US alone,” she said. “The constellation of stars that enter the field inevitably creates competition, and the smartest and the best rise to the top.
 

Categories and Presenters
 
Accessories Award Category, presented by Cornelia Guest, designer.
Finalists
Dee Ocleppo – Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger
Edie Parker – Brett Heyman
Freida Rothman – Freida Rothman
Mr. – Heather Hubbard
Shoes of Prey – Jodie Fox, Michael Fox, Mike Knapp
Soap – Elena Corsano, Michelle Vale
Yliana Yepez LLC – Yliana Yepez
Winners in a tie: Dee Ocleppo – Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger and Edie Parker – Brett Heyman
 
Beauty/Fragrance Corporate Award, presented by Emily Dougherty, Elle
Finalists
Estée Lauder, Lab Series Skincare for Men – Stefano Ruggieri
Firmenich – Clio Ermenidis
Givaudan – Linda Song
LVMH Fragrance Brand, Givenchy – Ana Paredes
Winner: Firmenich – Clio Ermenidis, Fragrance Development Manager
 
Fine Jewelry Award, presented by Carol Brodie, jeweler
Finalists:
By/Natalie Frigo – Natalie Frigo
Cadar – Michal Kadar
Katie Scott Jewelry – Katie Scott
Meredith Marks – Meredith Marks
Winner: Cadar – Michal Kadar
 
Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur Award, presented Katia Beauchamp, Birchbox
Finalists:
Amazon Beauty, Inc. / Rahua – Fabian Lliguin
Drunk Elephant Skin Care – Tiffany Masterson
Mèreadesso, Inc. – Linda Stephenson
Scenterprises, Inc. – Sue Phillips
vbeauté  – Julie Macklowe
Winner: Julie Macklowe
 
Home/Interior Design Award, presented by Margaret Russell, Architectural Digest
Finalists:
Aerin – Aerin Lauder
Mela Artisans – Dipali Patwa
Savage Interior Design – Jonathan Savage
Winner: Aerin – Aerin Lauder
 
Retail Award presented by Roopal Patel, Saks Fifth Avenue
Finalists:
Plan de Ville – Catherine Smith
The Sweet Shop NYC – Kelly “The Candyman” Jaime
Trunk – Aimee Grubel, Radka Osickova, and Natasha Samoylenko
Zady – Maxine Bèdat
Winner: Plan de Ville – Catherine Smith
 
Menswear Award presented by David Curcurito, Esquire Magazine
Finalists:
EFM – Donrad Duncan
Greg Lauren LLC – Greg Lauren
Malan Breton Homme – Malan Breton
Peyman Umay LLC – Peyman Umay
Rochambeau – Lawrence Chandler and Joshua Cooper
Winners in a tie: EFM – Donrad Duncan and Malan Breton Homme – Malan Breton
 
Women’s RTW Award, presented by Nina Garcia, Marie Claire
Finalists:
Brandon Maxwell – Brandon Maxwell
Houghton – Katherine Polk
Ji Oh – Ji Oh
Kempner – Meggie Kempner
MM.LaFleur – Sarah LaFleur
Nha Khanh LLC – Khanh Nguyen
Novis – Jordana Warmflash
Orley – Matthew Orley, Alex Orley, and Samantha Orley
Winner: Brandon Maxwell
 

All the winners graciously thanked The Fashion Group International for the honors they received. Among them, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Accessories winner, who thanked her team, saying “It takes a village,” and acknowledged the support of her husband Tommy Hilfiger for his ongoing support. Aerin Lauder, who won for Home Design Interiors, quoted her uncle, Leonard Lauder, saying, “My uncle always told me to have a great team, and I am surrounded by the best.”
 
  
Clio Ermenidis, Fragrance Development Manager, Firmenich, and winner in the Fragrance Corporate category, thanked all of the perfumers who inspire her every day, and gave special thanks to her uncle, Ilias Ermenidis, renowned perfumer, who encouraged her to pursue her career.
    

Brandon Maxwell, winner of the Women’s RTW award, thanked all the designers who inspired him, and noting he was a former stylist, also thanked all the magazines that gave him coverage and have supported him throughout his career. “The only thing that really gives me joy and happiness is designing these clothes,” said Maxwell.
    

Additional information about The Fashion Group International and its range of programs and events may be found at: www.fgi.org.