The Fashion Group International 2012 Rising Star awards were held last week at Cipriani 42nd Street and I had the most amazing time! We arrived at the
venue (beautiful!!) and the first order of business for finalists was to check in and
choose a corsage, which distinguished us as finalists. I chose a
vibrant pink orchid to go with my raspberry tights. Next we waited to
have our photo taken by the press on the red carpet and interview by ChicTv.
 |
| Getting instructions for the red carpet in my pink tights :) |
We were able to enjoy a drink and mingle before the luncheon and awards
and met everyone from a lawyer who's focus is fashion, the owner of an
online retail shop and the creators of the skincare line , Worker B.
 |
| Cipriani 42nd street |
We
sat for lunch (incredible! I ate every bite) and listened to speakers Ruben and Isabel Toledo. On one side of us sat a teacher at FIT
(Fashion Institute of Technology) and on the other, the owner of a NY
Fashion PR company.
 |
| Lunch. Yum. |
Our category (accessories) was presented by Project Runway participant and designer, Rami Kashou. He read a brief description of each designer as pictures of our line were projected on the large screen above the stage. The winner of our category was Blythe Harris of Stella and Dot, a direct sales jewelry company founded in 2004.
Attendees included Ralph Rucci, Thom Browne, Catherine Malandrino and Tommy Hillfiger who's daughter, Ally Hilfiger, was nominated (along with her design partner, Nary Manivong) in the Womenswear category for their line, NAHM. (that's her next to me in the group pic)
A highlight was as we were leaving the event and I met Rami Kashou (the presenter of my category). We was so kind and encouraging and came across as an overall warm and genuine person. It was nice that someone who has met such success still took the time to connect with a fan and up and coming designer such as myself. Thanks, Rami!
(Watch him on the current season of Project Runway All Stars!)
Not winning my category was by no means a disappointment. We often make fun of the phrase "it's an honor just to be nominated" but in this case, it truly was. As a pretty small fish in a sea of fashion experts and entrepreneurs, I was able to relax, sit back and take in the experience. Most winners had a prepared speech but with no expectations I had no speech (or even a thought of one!) prepared. However, while I could go on and on about those who have been such an instrumental part of this journey so far, I would like to take a moment to extend just 4 "thank yous" here:
-Fashion Group International for the recognition and choosing me as a finalist in the 2012 Rising Star awards. It's been an honor and amazing experience
- Tauni Green for being such an enthusiastic fan of Mimi & Lu and for nominating me in the first place.
- My parents who encouraged their kids to do what they love.
-My husband- the most patient man on earth- who, when I told him I was quitting my job to twist wires in a spare bedroom, didn't bat an eye.
 |
| Back in San Diego with my plaque recognizing me as a finalist in the 2012 FGI Rising Star awards. |
Thank you Mimi & Lu fans!!!
