FGI Rising Star Awards 2025: A Power Luncheon at the Historic 583 Park Avenue Celebrates Fashion’s Bold Future

FGI Rising Star Awards 2025: A Power Luncheon at the Historic 583 Park Avenue Celebrates Fashion’s Bold Future
By Katlean de Monchy

Alyce Panico, Robert Chavez, Tiffany Haddish, Maryanne Grisz, & Gary Wassner, Photo by Andrew Werner

Inside the soaring, neoclassical halls of 583 Park Avenue, a historic landmark building that has played host to generations of New York’s most celebrated gatherings, the Fashion Group International Rising Star Awards Luncheon brought together fashion’s next wave. Sunlight poured through the arched windows, illuminating a room pulsing with optimism, ambition, and industry-defining style. This wasn’t just another awards ceremony—it was a curated collision of creativity, and connection. Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO, set the tone with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” And the Class of 2025? They’re building, coding, draping, and innovating their way into the future of fashion.

Host Tiffany Haddish hosted the luncheon in a dramatic backless gown by Cyril Verdavainne, paired with sky-high Giuseppe Zanotti Tarifa sandals—6.7 inches of unapologetic glamour and comedic flair.

Cyril Verdavainne, Tiffany Haddish, Photo by Andrew Werner

One of the most talked-about honorees was Carly Bigi, founder of Laws of Motion and winner of the Hilldun Business Innovation Award. Her AI-powered sizing technology is radically reimagining how women shop for perfectly fitting clothing—digitizing body dimensions to deliver personalization at scale. With over 99% predictive accuracy, her vision of fashion is one where no woman is left out—or sized out.

Natalia Fedner, who also believes in size inclusivity, took home the Eveningwear Award for her revolutionary work in creating a proprietary metal textile that molds to any body type within seconds, adapting to the wearer’s heat and form. The award was presented by Ken Downing, Halston’s Chief Creative Officer, who praised her ingenuity and reminded the room that beyond the shimmer of innovation, it’s kindness and authentic connection that build enduring careers.

Ken Downing, Photo by Andrew Werner

Bonnie Young, A former Creative Director at Donna Karan, was the winner of the Ready-to-Wear Award. In a market saturated with trends, Bonnie creates pieces that stand apart, built for women who know themselves and dress accordingly. Her win at the FGI Rising Star Awards is not just recognition of impeccable design, but a celebration of a designer who understands the rhythm of real life and luxury in equal measure. Her win reminded everyone what quiet confidence looks like when woven into every seam.

Pritika Swarup, Photo by Andrew Werner

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Robert Chavez, retired Executive Chairman of Hermès Americas, who charmed the room with a story from his early retail days. Wearing a lime green shirt on the Bloomingdale’s sales floor, he was gently advised by a more seasoned colleague: if he wanted to be taken seriously in fashion, presentation mattered. That small gesture of care, he said, helped shape his trajectory—a reminder that mentorship is the ultimate accessory.

Robert Chavez

Additional Rising Stars included:

Beauty: Pritika Swarup of Prakti, elevating Ayurvedic beauty traditions with a global lens.
Fine Jewelry: Paola Sasplugas of PDPAOLA, fusing contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance.
Accessories: Tie between Nanette Adair of Rex Shoes and Sangmin Park of 4CCCCEES, both walking the walk when it comes to functional artistry.
Bridal: Jaclyn Whyte, for gowns that whisper modern romance.
Sustainability: Omar and Zane Sabré of Maison de Sabré, defining luxury through minimalism and purpose.
Macy’s Future Fashion Award: Camille Jiang of LIM, charting a future-forward path for the next generation.

The FGI Rising Star Awards 2025 reminded us that fashion is not only a business of beauty but of belief, courage, and dedication. And as Maryanne Grisz reminded us with Roosevelt’s timeless words, the dreamers are already designing the future. And the Rising Stars of 2025? They aren’t just on the rise. They’re leading the way.