Mindy Grossman Accepts Lifetime Achievement

Spirits were high on Thursday afternoon for the milestone 30th anniversary of Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Awards.

Presenters like designer Nicole Miller, Bibhu Mohapatra and Fashion Institute of Technology president Jason Schupbach all offered an audience full of up-and-comers encouragement and advice at the annual luncheon, held at 583 Park Avenue. Also in attendance were Fern Mallis, Ken Downing, Marylou Luther, Bach Mai, Carlos Campos, Kate Barton and other designers and fashion executives.

Supermodel Coco Rocha kicked off the celebrations acknowledging to the room that no one got to where they are in their careers without a little help. “We all rose because someone believed in us, guided us, and gave us a chance,” Rocha said. “The FGI Rising Star Awards recognize those rising stars who are doing just that, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and an undeniable passion to everything they create.”

Before receiving the 2026 Lifetime Achievement award, Mindy Grossman, partner and vice chair of Consello and longtime industry veteran, told WWD that the accolade was a “true honor.”

“This really means a lot to me,” Grossman said. “I truly believe that the reason I’ve been successful is that I’ve focused my career on making other people successful. Be it developing talent, developing relationships, being an advocate for people, or giving them opportunities before sometimes even they think they’re ready. So, to be recognized, not just for the impact of what I may have done in business, but also for what I’ve really tried to do for the next generation, that’s what FGI is about, and it’s an honor to be recognized.”

Designer Jeffrey Banks, who hired Grossman as a junior salesperson when she was just 21 years old, presented her with the award. “Since I first met this remarkable woman, I have always known that she would be a raging success in whatever she decided to do,” Banks said. “And I’m delighted to say, I was right.”

Grossman, who received the award in recognition of her leadership and lasting influence on the retail and fashion industries, recalled how some of the legends that she worked for in her career, including Banks, Willi Smith, Tommy Hilfiger, Phil Knight and Oprah Winfrey, all taught her that leadership isn’t about power, it’s about purpose and the impact that you have on others.

“These lessons emboldened me to take risks, to always stand up for my values, to prioritize a culture of belonging and to embrace transformation,” Grossman said. “And I’ve also learned that we are never truly done. Every chapter, no matter how successful, is just the beginning of what’s next. So, to the rising stars, congratulations. Your voice, your perspective and your courage to challenge what’s next is exactly what this industry needs.”

Artist and designer Ruben Toledo, the husband of the late Isabel Toledo, paid tribute to his wife’s memory in an inspired and heartfelt address that reflected on creativity, legacy and the importance of community in supporting the next generation of talent.

“I’m really here because of my wife, who I lost, unfortunately, a few years ago,” Toledo said lovingly. “It’s actually more than a few years ago, but I’m trying to control time. I don’t want to let go. And unfortunately, we artists and creators have this ability where we think we can control everything, but we can’t.”

Toledo went on to give everyone insight into life lessons he’s absorbed along the way. “Take a good look around the room,” he told all of the rising stars. “Take a good look around the people at your table. These are the folks you’re going to be seeing coming and going for the next two or three decades. So, get to know them now and start building a community. That’s what it’s all about.”

As for the rising stars, awards were presented across categories spanning apparel, accessories, beauty, jewelry and sustainability. Presented in partnership with Simon G. Jewelry, the jewelry categories highlighted emerging voices in fine and fashion jewelry design.

In the fashion jewelry category, Ashley Moubayed of Don’t Let Disco wasn’t prepared to win. “I’ve been in rooms like this before,” Moubayed said to the audience. “I typically would prepare remarks just in case if I won, but I never did. So I wasn’t going to write anything for this event, but I read my horoscope the other day that said a ‘surprise win’ was coming to me, so I thought I’d come prepared.”

Jamie Books of Mason and Books was just as surprised for her win in the fine jewelry category. Schupbach took the stage to present the sustainability award to FIT alum Chuks Collins, while designer Nicole Miller presented the accessories award to Erin Saluti of handbag brand Eittem and Sarah Fiszel and Maxwell Federbush of footwear label Brave Pudding.

MAC Cosmetics’ Romero Jennings presented the beauty award to Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks of Ashunta, who made several clever jokes including a message to all the first-time nominees in the crowd. “This is my second time being nominated for this award,” she quipped. “So, don’t give up. Second time’s the charm, just like my marriage.”

In eveningwear, designer Mohapatra presented the award to Jeanette Limas of Jeanette Limas Studio, who reflected on her admiration of Mallis. “Fern, you make me so nervous,” she said with a smile. “Back when I was studying in the Dominican Republic, we spent two days learning all about you in my class. I always wondered what it would be like to meet you but didn’t think that would happen. Now, every time I see you, I get nervous…so now you know why.”

Finally, designer Frederick Anderson presented the last awards of the afternoon for fashion apparel: ready-to-wear, but not before calling out Saks and Neiman Marcus. “When Saks and Neiman’s fails, we all need to be ready for what’s next,” he declared to the audience. “Sometimes things just need to be said.”

The category winners included Wangda Chen of Wàngda for menswear and Aiste Hong for womenswear.

Additional special honors included the Hilldun Business Innovation Award, presented to Justin Abrams by Joshua Kapelman; the inaugural Media Impact Award presented to Bravo’s “Summer House” alum Paige DeSorbo by Sally Holmes, editor in chief of InStyle Magazine; and the Macy’s Future Fashion Award presented to Michaela Hahn by previous honoree and current Macy’s assistant buyer, Fatmata Camara.

The FGI Rising Star Awards continue to serve as a platform for designers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the industry. Past honorees include Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Brandon Maxwell, Phillip Lim and the founders of Rent the Runway.

“As we mark 30 years of the Rising Star Awards, what stands out is not only the talent we celebrate, but the enduring role of community in shaping the future of our industry,” FGI president and chief executive officer Maryanne Grisz said. “This year’s honorees reflect a new generation of leaders whose creativity and vision are already influencing the global fashion landscape.”