New York, UK – Fashion Group International (FGI) recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Rising Star Awards. The event, held in New York, honoured new talent and important figures in fashion, beauty, and accessories.
Model Coco Rocha hosted the awards, which also featured a speech from artist Ruben Toledo. He spoke about creativity and the importance of community in helping new talent grow.
Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO, said, “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.” She added that this year’s winners show how new leaders are already changing global fashion.
Coco Rocha also shared her thoughts, saying, “We all rose because someone believed in us, guided us, and gave us a chance. The FGI Rising Star Awards recognise those rising stars who are doing just that, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and an undeniable passion to everything they create.”
The event brought together many important people from the fashion world, including designers and executives. Awards were given in several categories, such as apparel, beauty, jewellery, and sustainability.
2026 FGI Rising Star Award Winners:
- Fine Jewellery: Jamie Books (Mason and Books)
- Fashion Jewellery: Ashley Moubayed (Don’t Let Disco)
- Accessories: Erin Saluti (Eittem) and Sarah Fiszel & Maxwell Federbush (Brave Pudding)
- Sustainability: Chuks Collins (Chuks Collins)
- Beauty: Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks (Ashunta)
- Men’s Ready-to-Wear: Wangda Chen (Wàngda)
- Women’s Ready-to-Wear: Aiste Hong (AISTĖ HONG)
- Eveningwear: Jeanette Limas (Jeanette Limas Studio)
Special awards were also given. Justin Abrams received the Hilldun Business Innovation Award, and Paige DeSorbo was given the inaugural Media Impact Award. Michaela Hahn won the Macy’s Future Fashion Award.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Alyce Panico 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Andrew Werner 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Coco Rocha 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Harrison Berrío 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Michaela Hahn 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Alyce Panico 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jen Su 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jen Sugermeyer 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Colleen Salonga 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Evan Hirsch 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Holly Garrard 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Joseph Millman 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Lauren Finelli 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Justin Abrams 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Paige DeSorbo 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Fern Mallis 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Cyril Verdavainne 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Samantha Siu 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jason Schupbach 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Evelyn Anastos 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Jason Schupbach and Fern Mallis 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Brooke Brinkman 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jeffrey Banks 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jenny Jing Zhu 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jennifer LoTurco 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Tara Seruya 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Johanne Brazela 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Alex Schinasi 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Carlos Campos 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Paige DeSorbo, Sally Holmes, and Jean Luo 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Carlos Campos, Briana Luna, and Darlyn Portes 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Carlos Campos and Briana Luna 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jeanette Limas 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Tijana Ibrahimovic 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Greivy 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Natasha Das 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Jean Luo 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Aiste Hong 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Sonia Singh 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Chuks Collins 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Eva Platini-Hernandez 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Katya Tolstova 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Clara Son 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Daneida Polanco 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: (L-R) Nancy Berger, Brooke Brinkman, and Alyce Panico 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, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Leah Wyar 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Erin Saluti 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Katlean De Monchy 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Soneca Guadara 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Maggie Wibright 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Sara Jacobson 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Ashtin Earle 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 16: Rujuta Sheth 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)
Mindy Grossman, a partner at Consello, received the FGI Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-lasting impact on the retail and fashion industries. She said she believes the industry’s future depends on supporting new voices and leaders.
Over the past 30 years, the FGI Rising Star Awards have helped many successful designers and entrepreneurs, including Tory Burch and Jason Wu. The awards also help FGI raise money to support fashion and beauty professionals at all stages of their careers.
Alyce Panico, FGI Chairperson, said, “For 30 years, FGI has recognised 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.”
The 2026 event was co-chaired by Alyce Panico and Nancy Berger, with support from sponsors like PEOPLE Inc., Hilldun Corporation, Fanatics Foundation, Macy’s, and Simon G. Jewelry.
Discover more at fgi.org