New York (April 16, 2026) – Fashion Group International (FGI) celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Rising Star Awards at 583 Park Avenue, bringing together leaders across fashion, beauty, accessories, and sustainability for a distinguished luncheon and awards ceremony honoring emerging talent and industry impact. The milestone event underscored FGI’s longstanding commitment to supporting the next generation of creatives shaping the future of the global fashion landscape.
Hosted by Coco Rocha, the afternoon carried a tone of mentorship, innovation, and forward-thinking excellence. The program featured keynote remarks from artist and designer Ruben Toledo, whose heartfelt address reflected on creativity, legacy, and the importance of community in nurturing and elevating new voices within the industry.
For three decades, the Rising Star Awards have served as a pivotal platform for discovery, spotlighting designers and innovators at defining moments in their careers. This year’s honorees exemplify a new wave of leadership—individuals whose work merges craftsmanship with cultural relevance, global perspective, and a clear vision for the future.
Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO, reflected on the significance of the occasion: “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. This year’s honorees reflect a new generation of leaders whose creativity and vision are already influencing the global fashion landscape. At FGI, we are proud to continue fostering those connections and supporting the pathways that bring emerging talent to the forefront.”
Coco Rocha added, “We all rose because someone believed in us, guided us, and gave us a chance. 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.”
Beyond the awards themselves, the event highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines fashion at its highest level, uniting established industry figures with emerging talent in a shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. As FGI looks ahead, the Rising Star Awards remain a cornerstone of recognition—where new voices are discovered, celebrated, and propelled onto the global stage.
