The American Apparel & Footwear Association has chosen a diverse group of executives and companies as honorees for this year’s American Image Awards.
Matt Rubel, president and chief executive officer of Payless ShoeSource, will be the Retailer of the Year, and George Feldenkreis, chairman and ceo of Perry Ellis International, will be honored as Man of the Year. Kimora Lee Simmons of Baby Phat will be named Designer of the Year.
New Balance will be honored with the Innovation in Performance Award. Patricia Field will accept the Fashion Maverick Award and Dany Levy of DailyCandy will accept the Golden Pen Award.
Forty percent of the evening’s net proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Former tennis star Anna Kournikova will be presented with the Spirit of a Woman Award, recognizing her work for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
In the last few years, the AAFA American Image Awards dinners have raised almost $5 million.
“The AAFA is delighted to recognize this year’s outstanding honorees, and to raise funds and awareness for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” said Kevin M. Burke, president and ceo of AAFA, the national trade association representing brands in apparel, footwear and other sewn products. “This truly is an impressive lineup and we are thrilled to celebrate their great successes.”
The May 14 event at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Manhattan will be hosted by makeup artist and TV personality Jay Manuel.