The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today announced its 2017 American Image Awards honourees. Andrew Rosen, founder and CEO of contemporary clothing company Theory, Inc. is the person of the year, while Marc Fisher Footwear has been named the company of the year. Stuart Vevers of Coach, Inc. is the designer of the year for 2017.

Designer and entrepreneur Nick Graham has been given the Fashion Maverick award and Edward Nardoza, the former editor-in-chief of Women’s Wear Daily has been chosen for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“As a leader in the fashion world, the American Image Awards honours our industry’s highest achievers. These are the mavericks, influencers, and rebels who continue to transform fashion and our business. We are thrilled to highlight the accomplishments of the 2017 honourees,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the AAFA.
Rosen has redefined contemporary fashion through his unique vision. With a commitment to young American talent, Rosen has cultivated, mentored, and invested in the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs. Marc Fisher has set a new standard in design and innovation, cultivating an aesthetic that is accessible to a broad base of style-minded consumers for each brand under their portfolio.

At Coach, Vevers has reignited the legendary accessories house as he oversees all creative aspects of the brand, including women’s and men’s product design, brand imagery and store environments. Nick Graham single-handedly revolutionised an entire category of the fashion industry. As for Nardoza, he led WWD for 25 years. One of the finest editors of his generation, Nardoza built the top news operation across fashion, beauty and retail. 
AAFA has partnered with the Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to benefit Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), which awards grants through the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to support advancements in domestic manufacturing training, design innovation, and production intelligence.

“We thank the AAFA for its support of the CFDA Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, an important program to preserve garment manufacturing in New York,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the CFDA. “With the funds raised on this special evening, CFDA will be able to contribute to an important aspect of New York City’s economy.”

Owned and operated by the AAFA, the American Image Awards began in 1977 to honour those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing and retail.