AAFA Announces Fashion Visionaries to Receive American Image Awards

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the prestigious 2018 American Image Awards Fashion Maverick honor will go to Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel, the founders of Mansur Gavriel. The design duo will be joining a dynamic group of honorees including: Person of the Year, Emanuel (Manny) Chirico, Chairman and CEO of PVH Corp.; Company of the Year, Camuto Group; Designer of the Year, Joseph Altuzarra; and Retailer of the Year, Fred Segal. Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Katie Couric will emcee the annual gala, taking place on April 16, 2018 at the historic 583 Park Avenue in New York City.

Recognized for its unique approach to retail, Mansur Gavriel launched its first sold out products mainly via Instagram. Founded in 2012 with just a bucket bag and a tote, Mansur Gavriel's Italian made accessories have since become iconic and allowed the brand to successfully expand into ready-to-wear last year, with more product categories to come. 

"We are pleased to honor these individuals and organizations for their creativity, innovation, and business leadership. Each honoree is disrupting the industry with keen imagination and the ability to inspire today's consumers," said Rick Helfenbein, President and CEO of AAFA. "We welcome Katie Couric as our host with great anticipation, helping to shine a well-deserved spotlight on each of their contributions to the industry."

Katie Couric is an award-winning journalist, cancer advocate, documentary filmmaker and New York Times best-selling author of The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons From Extraordinary Lives. Known for reporting from the front lines of politics, entertainment, sports, philanthropy, the arts, and business — Couric is an expert at sharing the unique stories of leaders and visionaries.

The AAFA American Image Awards honors those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing, and retail. Through this event, AAFA brings together a unique cross-section of influencers to celebrate creativity while drawing attention to public policy impacts on fashion and design.

For the second year, AAFA is proud to partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation as its beneficiary.

More information on the AAFA American Image Awards is available here. Supporters can join the conversation using #AmericanImageAwards.

American Apparel & Footwear Association
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, retailers, and manufacturers — AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its nearly four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $384 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA provides exclusive expertise in supply chain management, trade policy, and brand protection, to help our members navigate the complex regulatory environment and lower costs. Members gain unparalleled access to information and exclusive insights on regulation and policy, and premier opportunities for networking and collaboration.

CFDA Foundation
The CFDA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, which was created to raise funds for charity and industry activities. Through innovative partnerships with brands, retailers, and CFDA designers, the Foundation is able to leverage fashion and effectively generate awareness and funds for these charitable causes.

Media Contacts:

Nataly Blumberg
[email protected] 
212-696-1100

Alexander Gibson
[email protected]
202-853-9356

SOURCE AAFA