AAFA honors Black In Fashion Council, Gabriela Hearst at 2021 Image Awards

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jun 24, 2021

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) named its 2021 Image Award honorees on Monday, celebrating fashion industry leaders awarded for their achievements in sustainability, innovation, diversity, and global stewardship. 

The honorees, celebrated during the digital gala, include HanesBrands, named Company of the Year; Walmart, named Retailer Innovator of the Year; Black In Fashion Council, awarded the Fashion Maverick award; Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the recipient of the Eco-Steward of the Year award; Gabriela Hearst, the recipient of the Designer of the Year award; and ShopShops, awarded Digital Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Hosted by TV personality Segun Oduolowu, the 43rd annual ceremony benefitted the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation.

“We cherish AAFA’s support and efforts in strengthening American fashion’s global impact. In a year that has been filled with great challenges and uncertainty, leaning into our communities and these partnerships has made all the difference in our continued recovery,” said CFDA CEO, Steven Kolb. 

Stephen Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, said the awards were about “celebrating the future of fashion and the path upon which our industry has embarked in the post-pandemic era. This year’s honorees are the very embodiment of where the industry is heading, and it was a privilege to showcase their success.”

For its 2020 edition, the AAFA Image Award honorees included Kenneth Cole, as Person of the Year; Ralph Lauren Corporation, as Company of the Year; Brandon Maxwell, as Designer of the Year; and more.