By Katlean de Monchy
Alyce Panico, Robert Chavez, Tiffany Haddish, Maryanne Grisz, & Gary Wassner, Photo by Andrew Werner
Inside the soaring, neoclassical halls of583 Park Avenue, a historic landmark building that has played host to generations of New York’s most celebrated gatherings, theFashion Group International Rising Star Awards Luncheonbrought 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 Haddishhosted the luncheon in a dramatic backless gown byCyril Verdavainne, paired with sky-highGiuseppe Zanotti Tarifasandals–6.7 inches of unapologetic glamour and comedic flair.
Cyril Verdavainne, Tiffany Haddish, Photo by Andrew Werner
One of the most talked-about honorees wasCarly Bigi, founder ofLaws of Motionand winner of theHilldun 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 theEveningwear 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 byKen Downing, Halston’s Chief Creative Officer, who praised her ingenuity and reminded the room that beyond the shimmer of innovation, it’skindness and authentic connectionthat 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
TheLifetime Achievement Awardwent toRobert 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 SwarupofPrakti, elevating Ayurvedic beauty traditions with a global lens.
- Fine Jewelry:Paola SasplugasofPDPAOLA, fusing contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance.
- Accessories: Tie betweenNanette AdairofRex ShoesandSangmin Parkof4CCCCEES, both walking the walk when it comes to functional artistry.
- Bridal:Jaclyn Whyte, for gowns that whisper modern romance.
- Sustainability:Omar and Zane SabréofMaison de Sabré, defining luxury through minimalism and purpose.
- Macy’s Future Fashion Award:Camille JiangofLIM, 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.
Carly Bigi
Gary Wassner, Carly Bigi
Douglas Hand wearing a Fleur’d pin, Photo by Andrew Werner,
