FGI Marks 30th Anniversary of Rising Star Awards with Host Coco Rocha and Keynote Speaker Ruben Toledo.

Mindy Grossman, Justin Abrams, Paige DeSorbo Honored Alongside Emerging Fashion, Beauty, Accessories, and Fine Jewelry Talent at New York Ceremony.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Alyce Panico, Coco Rocha, Maryanne Grisz, and Nancy Berger attend the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026, in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images).

New York (April 16, 2026) – Fashion Group International (FGI) marked the milestone 30th anniversary of the Rising Star Awards today at 583 Park Avenue, bringing together leaders across fashion, beauty, accessories, and sustainability for a luncheon and awards ceremony recognizing emerging talent and industry impact. Hosted by Coco Rocha, the annual event featured keynote remarks from artist and designer Ruben Toledo, whose inspired, heartfelt address reflected on creativity, legacy, and the importance of community in supporting the next generation of talent.

Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO: “As we mark 30 years of the Rising Star Awards, what stands out is not only the talent we celebrate, but the enduring role of community in shaping the future of our industry. This year’s honorees reflect a new generation of leaders whose creativity and vision are already influencing the global fashion landscape. At FGI, we are proud to continue fostering those connections and supporting the pathways that bring emerging talent to the forefront.”

Coco Rocha remarked, “We all rose because someone believed in us, guided us, and gave us a chance. The FGI Rising Star Awards recognize those rising stars who are doing just that, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and an undeniable passion to everything they create.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Ruben Toledo and Maryanne Grisz attend the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Mindy Grossman attends the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images).

The event drew a cross-section of designers, executives, previous Rising Star recipients, and tastemakers, including Fern Mallis, Ken Downing, Marylou Luther, Bach Mai, Carlos Campos, Kate Barton, and more, underscoring FGI’s role in supporting professional development, mentorship, and industry connection across a global network.

Awards were presented across categories spanning apparel, accessories, beauty, jewelry, and sustainability. Presented in partnership with Simon G. Jewelry, the jewelry categories highlighted emerging voices in fine and fashion jewelry design.

“Celebrating the next generation of creative talent alongside an extraordinary group of industry leaders is a truly special moment,” said Brooke Brinkman, Chief Operations Officer at Simon G. Jewelry.“Jewelry is about telling a story that lasts generations and watching these Rising Star nominees tell their own stories through jewelry is a reminder of why this industry continues to inspire. We are proud to support the future of fashion and design, and to play a small role in the journey of those who will shape it for years to come.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Brooke Brinkman and Alina Cho speak onstage at the FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images).

FGI Rising Star Award Winners 2026

Jewelry Awards, Presented by Simon G. Jewelry,
Fine Jewelry Award: Presented by Brooke Brinkman (Simon G. Jewelry) and Alina Cho to Jamie Books (Mason and Books),
Fashion Jewelry Award: Presented by Brooke Brinkman (Simon G. Jewelry) and Alina Cho to Ashley Moubayed (Don’t Let Disco),
Accessories Award: Presented by Nicole Miller to both Erin Saluti (Eittem) and Sarah Fiszel & Maxwell Federbush (Brave Pudding),
Sustainability Award: Presented by Jason Schupbach (F.I.T.) to Chuks Collins (Chuks Collins),
Beauty Award: Presented by Romero Jennings (M·A·C) to Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks (Ashunta),
Fashion Apparel: Ready-to-Wear Award, Menswear: Presented by Frederick Anderson to Wangda Chen (Wàngda),
Fashion Apparel: Ready-to-Wear Award, Womenswear: Presented by Frederick Anderson to Aiste Hong (AISTĖ HONG),
Fashion Apparel: Eveningwear Award: Presented by Bibhu Mohapatra to Jeanette Limas (Jeanette Limas Studio)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: FGI 30th Anniversary Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue on April 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images).

Additional special honors included the Hilldun Business Innovation Award, presented to Justin Abrams by Joshua Kapelman.

The inaugural Media Impact Award was presented to Paige DeSorbo by Sally Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of InStyle Magazine.

The Macy’s Future Fashion Award was presented to Michaela Hahn by previous honoree and current Macy’s Assistant Buyer, Fatmata Camara.

Mindy Grossman, Partner and Vice-Chair of Consello, received the FGI Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her leadership and lasting influence on the retail and fashion industries, presented by designer Jeffrey Banks.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by Fashion Group International, an organization that has long supported creativity, innovation, and emerging talent,” said Mindy Grossman. “As a CEO, I’ve always believed that our industry’s future depends on lifting up and investing in the next generation of voices and leaders.”
Now in its 30th year, the FGI Rising Star Awards continue to serve as a platform for designers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the industry. Past honorees include Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Phillip Lim, and the founders of Rent the Runway.

The Rising Star Awards remain one of FGI’s key fundraising initiatives, supporting its mission to provide resources and opportunities for fashion and beauty professionals at every stage of their careers.

Alyce Panico, FGI Chairperson, CEO, Luxe Collective Group: “For 30 years, FGI has recognized emerging designers, entrepreneurs, and creatives who are not only pushing boundaries but redefining them. It’s a launchpad for what’s next across fashion, beauty, accessories, and beyond.”

2026 Co-Chairs: Alyce Panico and Nancy Berger

2026 Sponsors: PEOPLE Inc., Hilldun Corporation, Fanatics Foundation, Macy’s, Simon G. Jewelry.

Styled by FGI Rising Stars

Maryanne Grisz wearing Kate Barton,
Mindy Grossman wearing jacket by Cyril Verdavainne,
Alyce Panico wearing Junny Ann Hibbert,
Nancy Berger wearing Bach Mai.

ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL

Founded in 1930 by a group of seventeen women leaders, with charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International (FGI) was established as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit organization remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion.

FGI is headquartered in New York City, with chapters in numerous regions worldwide, and a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle. Vital member benefits offered to FGI members include ongoing professional development opportunities, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and high-profile event platforms for professional recognition. Discover more at fgi.org

The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Fashion Group International and is dedicated to nurturing the fashion talent of tomorrow through education, scholarships, internships, and career counseling services. The FGI Foundation also promotes charitable partnerships and impactful public service initiatives.

More information : fgi.org
Follow on Instagram : www.instagram.com/fginyc

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