The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) held its 28th Annual American Image Awards in New York City at the Grand Hyatt on May 15th. With tributes to fashion industry luminaries, the gala welcomed more than 850 guests and raised a record $1.2 Million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the AAFA Educational Programs. The evening's honorees included Peter Boneparth, Chairman and CEO of Jones Apparel Group, who received The Man of the Year Award; Actress and Humanitarian Marlo Thomas, who accepted the 2006 Spirit of a Woman Award for her tireless efforts on behalf of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital founded by her father, the late entertainer Danny Thomas; Betsey Johnson was honored as Designer of the Year; Simon Doonan, Creative Director for Barneys New York, was bestowed the Fashion Maverick Award; and Nordstrom President, Blake Nordstrom received the Retailer of the Year Award.
Pictured from left to right Simon Doonan, Peter Boneparth, Marlo Thomas, Blake Nordstrom
The Manhattan Ballroom served as the backdrop for the VIP Cocktail reception preceding the grand event. Awash in pink from the votive holders, lighting and floral arrangements, the decor echoed the color scheme of the invitation. Guests were welcomed with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. A slide show with the emcee, honorees and reel from St. Jude's reminded us why we had all joined together that evening.
Betsey Johnson and Robin Givens
Actress Robin Givens, who is currently starring on Broadway in Chicago, emceed the fete from the Grand Ballroom. Talk show pioneer Phil Donahue remarked that 'People knock me over to get to Marlo Thomas' as he presented his wife with the Spirit Award. Standing in for Karolina Kurkova who had been called away, the ever-witty Simon Doonan presented the Maverick Award to himself. 'Apparently, she had to dash back to the Ukraine because of an immigration issue. For those of us in the fashion industry, we know that when a supermodel says this, it just means she's going there for her free dentistry.' Noting that he gave his 'pretty years' to Barneys, Mr. Doonan mocked at how he 'deserved it' and that he [had] schlepped and sweated and climbed his way to the middle!' Full Frontal Fashion correspondent Judy Licht (looking stunning in a glittering black backless draped sheath) presented the Designer of the Year Award to her dear friend, the delightful Betsey Johnson. Ms. Johnson beamed as she accepted her award, 'I've never been happier. I've never been more productive.' Barneys New York President Howard Socol presented Peter Boneparth with the Man of the Year Award. Isabel and Ruben Toledo presented the Retailer of the Year Award to Blake Nordstrom.
Isabel and Ruben Toledo
AAFA President & CEO, Kevin Burke, hailed the evening as the most successful to date, with a record of ten platinum sponsors, surpassing the evening's one million-dollar goal. 'The AAFA is thrilled to have made this a record-breaking year for fundraising with the American Image Awards, while paying tribute to some of the industry's most beloved leaders,' said Mr. Burke. 'We are so proud to bring together the fashion industry in support of such a worthy cause!'
Blake Nordstrom and Betsey Johnson
The American Apparel & Footwear Association is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear, and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, including several dozen U.S. textiles companies, which compete in the global market. The AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance its members' competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints.
Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962, the Memphis-based St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.
Blake Nordstrom, Simon Doonan, Marlo Thomas, Peter Boneparth, Betsey Johnson, and Robin Givens
Images provided courtesy of The Bromley Group.
For more information about the AAFA, please visit www.apparelandfootwear.org
For more information about St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, please visit www.stjude.org.
