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(Free-Press-Release.com) May 14, 2009 -- New York, NY May 13, 2009 – It was a cheerful night of nostalgia and whimsy Tuesday as the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and nearly 400 attendees celebrated the 31st Annual American Image Awards at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. Hosted by candid style expert and TV personality, Stacy London, who didn’t spare the audience a little dose of her famous “What Not to Wear,” fashion advice, the evening kicked off to upbeat laughter and applause as top industry executives and icons were awarded with honors.

“We’re so proud each year to honor some of the industry’s best talent and true legends, and to share the evening with such a stellar audience of celebrities and top decision makers in retail and fashion. The American Image Awards has grown

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31st AAFA American Image Awards Honors Leaders in the Industry

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into a true, must-attend industry event,” says Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of the AAFA.

Carson Kressley, a former Fashion Maverick Award recipient himself, made a welcomed, animated return to the event to present a humble and gracious Norma Kamali with the Designer of the Year award. While accepting her award, Norma clarified that her famous sleeping bag coat inspired while camping was designed not after having to brave the cold to go “to the bathroom,” but “in the woods.” Kamali also acknowledged how thrilled she is with her timely partnership working with discount retailer Walmart, given the current consumer shopping trend.

Eternally flawless fashion icon Barbie, who began her long relationship with the fashion world as a model in 1959, was

honored with this year’s Fashion Maverick Award. The award, which also recognizes Barbie’s 50th Anniversary, was presented by InStyle magazine’s Hal Rubenstein and accepted by Richard Dickson, GM of Barbie Worldwide. While presenting the award, Rubenstein joked that “unlike most gay men in their childhood, I was not interested in playing with dolls until Barbie was created. I can’t tell you how excited I was to play with Barbie’s Malibu Beach House, which was redecorated at least once a month!”

The always entertaining Isaac Mizrahi, host of Bravo’s new program “The Fashion Show,” turned out in pink Belgian loafers to pay tribute to his fashion idol - Lilly Pulitzer who received the Spirit of a Woman award, accepted by Scott Beaumont CEO of Lilly Pulitzer. Carson also made several nods to Pulitzer in his speech, thanking Lilly for making it popular for even non-gay men to wear bright shades of pink and bold prints. “I especially look forward to wearing the pink paisley pants when I’m on the golf course,” said Kressley.

Matt Rubel, President & CEO of Collective Brands, entertained guests with the most referenced speech of the evening in which he read a personal note from Vice-President Joe Biden paying tribute to Gilbert Harrison, Founder and Chairman of Financo, Inc. Rubel also commented on Mizrahi’s pink shoes, noting that he was inspired to “design a similar version in an upcoming collection.” Harrison was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his legendary M&A deals for some of the industry’s best known brands.

Also honored was multi-brand powerhouse Wolverine World Wide, Inc. which received the Excellence in Lifestyle Branding award, accepted by CEO & President Blake Krueger. His presenter, Founder and President of retail consulting firm 22, Inc. Dave Kollat, had prepared Krueger for this award several years ago with the sage advice “Don’t screw it up!” Krueger also gave credit for his honor to all those that preceded Wolverine in the business and all the “brand fanatics” involved in their global business.

Receiving this year’s Retailer of the Year award was leading network retailer QVC, presented by award winning fashion designer and author of “The Science of Sexy”, Bradley Bayou, and accepted by President & CEO Mike George. George humbly noted how grateful he was to stand among the leaders of an industry “that seeks to lift up, to inspire people every day.” George culminated his very heartfelt and gracious acceptance by bringing the audience back to the real purpose of the evening: “To help develop and nurture those young designers who will someday stand before us accepting our recognition and accolades.”

Other notable industry personalities in attendance included celebrity stylist and TV personality Robert Verdi, Designers Dennis Basso, Judith Ripka, and Jonathan Adler, joined by reality TV stars Alex and Simon McCord and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”

The evening’s charity partner was The Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries, the charitable body at F.I.T.


About the AAFA
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (www.apparelandfootwear.org) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. 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.

About the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries
The Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries (www.fitnyc.edu) serves as an advisory and fundraising body to FIT. The special relationship between the college and foundation creates valuable opportunities to share knowledge and experience. Board members, who include today's leaders and innovators, serve on panels and appear as special lecturers, enabling students to meet outstanding representatives from the fields of industrial production, labor, design, merchandising, and the arts.
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