MapBrown: Fashion Group International Inc, 18th Annual Rising Stars Awards

On Friday Feb 6, Fashion Group International Rising Stars Luncheon and Annual Awards took place at Cipriani's 42nd street in New York City. FGI, is a global non-profit organization made up of 5000 professional member in the fashion, beauty, and home industries. FGI recognized newly emerging talents in such categories as womenswear, menswear, beauty, fragrance, and accessories. Formerly winning the FGI award in 2008, fashion designer Jason Wu returned as this years the keynote speaker; giving a brief speech about his start-up into the fashion industry and the challenges of the business. Wu spoke openly to a packed audience of fashions most esteemed professionals. As the luncheon continues, presenters in each nominated category announced the finalist and presented the winner with their awards.

Accessories Award: Beth Macri wins over fellow finalists Fairchild Baldwin; JGeren's Lori Wallis and Jen Gerenraich; Jill Haber; and Yliana Yepez.

Home/Interior Design Award: Marks and Frantz’s Lydia Marks and Lisa Frantz are the winners, over fellow finalist Kriest; Lazzoni USA; and Sam Allen Interiors.

Fine Jewelry Award: PHYNE by Paige Novick is the winner in this category over fellow nominees Eva Fehren's Eva Zuckerman; and Lisa Black Jewellery.

Retail Award: Frank & Eileen’s Audrey McLoghlin is the winner, other finalist were Artisan Connect; Tinker Tailor; Spring; and Wanelo.

Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur Award: Patti Pao Founder / CEO of Restorsea wins in the category over fellow finalist Lurk; Mèreadesso Inc; VBeautè; and Willagirl.

Beauty/Fragrance Corporate Award: The Winner is Mimoza Disha of M.A.C Cosmetics.

Menswear Award: Salence's co-founders Whitney Hunter and Andy Gathings wins. Other finalist were, Alder New York; and Alexander Nash,

Women's Ready to Wear Award: Haus Alkire's Julie Haus Alkire & Jason Alkire as well as Sally LaPointe, tied and are both winners in the category of womenswear.

Karen Harvey Business Innovator Award; was given to Amber Venz of rewardsSTYLE.