The 2019 Rising Stars

Presenter Alexandra Mor with winnersNeha Dani (right) and Emmanuel Tarpin (left)

Winner Gabriela Hearst with presenter Jennifer Bandier Presenter Phillip Lim with winner Victoria Hayes

THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

1CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

22nd Annual Rising Star Awards

3Rising Star Cocktail Party

4The Hong Kong Factor

FGI Annual Board MeetingUpcoming Events

5In Memoriam: Susan Glick

6In Memoriam:

Lucille Bourlet McDonnellFaith Hope Consolo

Sandra Alford

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

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ChairKatie Kretschmer

Editor / Contributing Writer

Writers / EditorsWendy D'Amico, Creative Consultant

Nancy Jeffries, Contributing Writer

Carolyn Moss, Contributing Writer

Melissa Pastore, Contributing Writer

Graphic DesignDebora DeCarlo, DDC Graphics

PhotographyRising Star Awards: Eric MichelsonRising Star Cocktail: Bruce Borner

The Fashion Group International Rising Star Awards

Kerby Jean-Raymond with winner Daniel Mofor for Don Morphy

Presenter Caleb Anderson with winnerSebastien Leon Agneessens of Atelier d'Amis

Presenter Gary Wassner with Bree Blazek, SVP of Afterpay

Presenter Dee Ocleppo Hilfigerwith winner Shivam Punjya of Behno

(Left): Presenter Kristina Rodulfo with winners Kate McLeod and Nichola Gray of Body Stones by Kate McLeod

Winners Jaclyn Aguilera, M.A.C. Cosmetics and Morgan Fulcher, Jo Malone London

Accessories Beauty / Fragrance EntrepreneurBeauty / Fragrance Corporate (Tie)

Fine Jewelry (Tie) MenswearHome Furnishings / Product Innovation

W i n n e r s

Retail Hilldun Business InnovationWomenswear

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Rising Star Luncheon 2019: A Shout-Out to the Future

On January 24th, Fashion Group International hostedits 22nd annual Rising Star Luncheon. Held atCipriani 42nd Street, the organization gathered to recognize this year’s talent pool. Donald J. Loftus,chairman of FGI’s board of directors, welcomed theaudience and shared the nomination and selectionprocess that determined the winners. Board members and the overall membership eventuallychoose the finalists who best showcase the classifications that define our industry. Thanks weregiven to corporate sponsors: The Hearst Corporation,Tory Burch and The Hilldun Corporation. Movado wascredited for creating the physical award given to thewinners. After acknowledging the presence of pastwinners Andy Hilfiger, Carlos Campos and Jeffrey Doddin the audience, luncheon was served.

The program began with a keynote address by Tommy Hilfiger. The noted fashion designer, charitable force and last year’s Night of Stars humanitarian honoree, recalled his early start inElmira, New York. Starting by selling jeans out ofthe trunk of his car, his perseverance led him to create a multinational business with a presence in2,000 stores in 118 countries. His latest foray intothe disruptive concept of “See now, Buy now” willlaunch this February in Paris with a collection thatincludes a collaboration with the young star Zendaya.He urged all young designers and entrepreneurs tobe true to themselves, push boundaries, ensurestrong business partners and eventually give back by helping others. Wishing all of the winners futuresuccess he introduced the presenters, all previouswinners of the Rising Star competition.

Alexandra Mor presented the Fine Jewelry award.This year there was a tie between Emmanuel Tarpinfor Emmanuel Tarpin and Neha Dani for Neha DaniJewelry.

The Home Interior/Product Innovation prize was presented by Caleb Anderson and was given toSebastien Leon Agneessens of Atelier d’Amis. In hisacceptance speech Agneessens stressed the importance of a working relationship between furniture and fashion.

For the first time in Rising Star competitions, there was a tie in the Beauty/Fragrance Corporate category. Jessica Pels awarded the prize to bothMorgan Fulcher of Jo Malone London and JaclynAguilera of M.A.C. Cosmetics.

Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger first complimented husbandHilfiger on his keynote speech, and then handed theprize for Accessories to Shivam Punjya for Behno.

The 2018 retail winner Jennifer Bandier presentedGabriela Hearst her award in the Retail category.

Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur presenter KristinaRodulfo congratulated winners Kate McLeod andNichola Gray for Body Stones By Kate Mcleod. McLeodmentioned that last year, she was creating product inher kitchen and here she was one year later winningthis special award.

Kerby Jean-Raymond was on hand to present theMenswear prize to Daniel Mofor for Don Morphy.Thanking his Dallas team, Mofar told how he quit his jobas an engineer at Walmart to focus on creating his line.

Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation, presentedthe Hildun Business Innovation Award to Afterpay.This new payment instrument allows the aspirationalcustomer to seamlessly connect with product and givethem access to labels that they normally couldn’tafford by allowing them to pay in four interest-freeinstallments. Currently they have 2,500 retail partners and more than one million customers.

Phillip Lim, 2006’s Rising Star womenswear winner,presented the last award of the day to Victoria Hayesfor womenswear.

All of the recipients warmly thanked FGI for theirprestigious awards. The common thread in all theiracceptance speeches was to acknowledge their teams,and also to strengthen their commitment to be con-siderate of the environment in future endeavors. Theadvice given to all was to remain true to themselvesand to continue to design from the heart.

As the afternoon closed we all felt secure that thefuture remains bright as the next generation is onroute to updating tradition by using new technology ina modern and mindful way.

–– Carolyn Moss Contributing Writer

Rising StarsAccessoriesBehno – Shivam PunjyaBobby Roaché – Genevieve FoddyJibs Life – Natalie KathleenLelet NY – Sara Bieler SassonLutz Morris – Tina Lutz Morris

Beauty / Fragrance – Corporate (tie) Créme de la Mer – Kathryn StukeInternational Flavors and Fragrances – Mackenzie ReillyJo Malone London – Morgan FulcherM.A.C. Cosmetics – Jaclyn Aguilera

Beauty / Fragrance – Entrpreneur Body Stones by Kate McLeod – Kate McLeod & Nichola GrayFlesh – Linda WellsHigh Beauty – Melissa JochimNateeva – Hope FreemanPeach & Lily – Alicia YoonScentinvent Technologies – Abby Wallach & CarolineFabrigas

Fine Jewelry (tie)Amanda Pearl – Amanda Pearl BrotmanEmmanuel Tarpin – Emmanuel TarpinFoundrae – Beth BugdaycayMisahara Jewelry – Lepa Galeb-RoskoppNeha Dani Jewelry – Neha Dani

Home Furnishings / Product Innovation Atelier D’Amis – Sebastien Leon AgneessensPandemic Design Studio – David RozekThe Original Lawn Furniture Co. – Charles Pavarini III

Menswear Don Morphy – Daniel MoforÉclectic – Franck MalegueHead of State – Taofeek AbijakoReali New York – Lisa Reali

Retail Gabriela Hearst – Gabriela HearstGraupel, Inc. – Christina FitzpatrickNova Octo – Silje Lubbe

Womenswear Cristina Ottaviano – Cristina OttavianoHaus Von M – Ludi WangJulianna Bass – Julianna BassLand of Distraction – Danita Short & Christian Juul NielsenLaurence & Chico – Laurence Li & Chico WangSophia Is – Sophia Tezel-TzelepisVictoria Hayes – Victoria Hayes

Hilldun Business Innovation Award Afterpay

Keynote speaker Tommy Hilfiger

Rising Stars Cocktail Party“I’m thrilled just to be a finalist,” said HopeFreeman, who’s in the beauty/fragrance – entrepreneur category for her brand Nateeva. It’s a cliché because it’s true, and it’s why FGIfetes all the finalists each year, ahead ofannouncing the winner at the Rising Star luncheon. This year, the gathering was generouslyhosted by Tory Burch, at her bright Tory Sportstore in the Flatiron neighborhood. Finalists mingled with board members and FGI committeefolk, enjoying drinks and snacks and allowingthemselves to enjoy their achievement.“Remember,” said Maryanne Grisz, FGI’s directorof special events and social media strategies,“many entrants have competed many timesbefore taking home a trophy.”

All the more exciting for Daniel Mofor, a finalistin the menswear category, who’s line, Don Morphy,made it to the finalist round on his first try.Nathalie Kathleen said she was hoping the thirdtime would be the charm, as her shoe collection,Jibs Life, made it to the finalist round this year.

Grisz noted that it was the 22nd year for theRising Star awards, with past winners now fillingthe fashion firmament—host Tory Burch was a past winner, along with well-known namesincluding Catherine Smith, Donrad Duncan, LorisDiran, Brandon Maxwell and more.

“Supporting and advancing both new and seasoned professionals is a cornerstone of the FGI mission,” Grisz said.

–– Katie KretschmerEditor/Contributing Writer

Rising Stars Cocktail Party Rising Stars Finalists 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retail finalist Silje Lubbe, Nova-OctoWomenswear finalist Ludi Wang, Haus Von M

Menswear finalist Taofeek Abijako, Head of StateFine Jewelry finalist Beth Bugdaycay, Foundrae

Beauty Entrepreneur finalist Melissa Jochim, High BeautyBeauty Entrepreneur finalist Hope Freeman, Nateeva

Beauty Corporate finalist Kathryn Stuke, Créme de la MerAccessories finalist Natalie Kathleen, Jibs Life

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Hosted at Tory Sport, Flatiron, NY

2019 Annual Board Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Early on February 7, Chairman Don Loftus greeted members attending The Fashion Group International’s requisite annual meeting at FGI Headquarters in New York. Following some final voting, he welcomed membersnewly elected to the Board of Directors, including John Wall and Lisa Lori, as well as James D’Adamo of HearstMagazines and Ricardo Alvar of Force Brands, who are returning to the Board. Lisa Marie Ringus of 24 Sevenwas also appointed and is now an official Board member.

Pam Linton was named treasurer and Caroline Fabrigas was named secretary of the FGI Board.

Following a brief round of reports from committee chairs—including Katie Kretschmer for Publications,Amy Rossi for Special Events, Maryanne Grisz for Social Media, Trish Maffei for Membership, and EricaRoseman for the Regional Conference—Loftus presented the President’s Service Award to Gabriel Alaya,FGI’s graphic designer and social media assistant.

–– Katie KretschmerEditor/Contributing Writer

Interesting and informative, some of the key takeawaysfrom the event were:

• The idea that department stores are antiquated, andfailing because they’re afraid to try new brands whilesome mom-and-pop stores have let go of fear and aresuccessfully trying new brands.

• No longer can consumers be told what they need orwant; customers are in charge, clear about what theywant and clear that it must be delivered.

• What matters is what consumers are willing to pay;not what things cost to make.

• Perception of value is critical: a blouse made inItaly may be perceived as superior, but on a hot day the silk wrinkles, can smell and needs to be dry-cleaned. The item might be made on a 100-year-old machine by a 100-year-old woman. According tothe panel, the better value is the blouse made inChina of “the miracle fabric,” polyester.

• There are fewer mills in Europe and the U.S., sotextiles must be sourced from where they’re made—China. And most clothing made in America is manu-factured with Chinese textiles. China, by the way,dominates the manmade fiber market.

• The Chinese government now respects environmental,sustainability and labor regulations.

• Since 2015, Fashion Hong Kong has participated ininternational fashion weeks and events to showcaseHong Kong’s unique and diversified designs—brandswhich are now recognized as on a par with Westernbrands.

The event, held on Monday, February 11, at FGIheadquarters, wrapped up with an amusing remarkfrom Gonzalez, who said, “Don’t take marketingadvice from Dolce & Gabbana!”

–– Wendy D'AmicoCreative Consultant, wendydamico7@gmail.com

Calendar of Events

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The Hong Kong Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There’s no question that all signs point to HongKong—as one publication headlined it—as afashion haven. And to ca l l a t tent ion to the creativity, skill, speed, capabilities and standardsof quality now integral to the work of manufactur-ers and designers in that part of the world, theFGI membership committee, helmed by TrishMaffei, presented “Sourcing: Here or Abroad?Building Effective Relationships.” The sold-outevent began with a lavish, celebratory ChineseNew Year buffet generously hosted by the HongKong Trade Development Corporation, followed byintroduct ions by membership chair , fashion consultant and editor-in-chief of FashionEdits,Michelle Henley.

Mercedes Gonzalez, founder and director of GlobalPurchasing Companies, whose resume claims 30years of international experience and expertise,offered an in-depth view of sourcing in eight coun-tries; for the purposes here, focusing on China. SoniaPark, assistant vice president of the NYC EconomicDevelopment Corporation, leads the city’s fashion programming on the Industry Innovation Team. Priorto her role there, she worked in the fashion industryfor 18 years focusing on product development, pro-duction, building relationships and supply-chainchannels for Polo Jeans Co. and Liz Claiborne, amongother major companies. Fashion Group memberAnthony Mak, New York director of the Hong KongTrade Development Corporation, is multilingual, internationally experienced and the awardee of manyhonors in leadership and business, and has been promoting Hong Kong fashion design and craftsman-ship during New York Fashion Week since 2014. Makrecognized and welcomed a contingent of designerguests who arrived from Hong Kong, some directlyfrom the airport, luggage in hand.

From left: Membership Chair Michelle Henley, Anthony Mak,Sonia Park, Mercedes Gonzalez

For more information and to purchase tickets Visit www.fgi.org or call 212.302.5511

Susan Glick once said that her management style was one of sharing her enthusiasm, her spirit of creativity and inspiration by example: precepts, standards and the moral compass by which she conducted both her professional and personal lives.

Susan Glick passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, on Tuesday, January15, in Chicago; an unimaginable and unsurmountable loss.

A Fashion Group member of 48 years, Susan was the very heart and soul ofthe organization; liaison to three districts, overseeing regions in 10 cities across this country and in six foreign regions. As the key organizer and workshop and discussion leader of the annual Regional Directors Conference,she once explained that, as challenging as it was to manage this multifacetedthree-day meeting, she found this role her most rewarding, saying that “to share the vision of FGI with every region is a responsibility I take very seriously.” And without doubt, it was Susan’s conviction in the value, influence and importance of Fashion Group that has been instrumental inthe growth and future of the organization. Susan also served as announcerand narrator of the annual Rising Star Luncheon and Awards ceremony and, when the role of stage manager, announcer and voice of authority atthe annual Night of Stars celebration became available practically over night, Susan stepped up and into that role with grace, style and not a moment’s hesitation.

With a passion for fashion, realized at an early age, Susan’s eyes were opened to the excitement of retail when she secured a part-time job as a phone operator at Carson Pirie Scott—at the time, the shopping destination for Chicago’s chic and stylish. Using her considerable powers of persuasion, she then managed to talk herself into the job of secretary to the store’s fashion director, experience which led her to positions with Bonwit Teller and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In Memoriam: Susan Glick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I N M E M O R I A M

S U S A N G L I C KH O W G R E A T O U R L O S S

Recruited by her friend, mentor and fellow FGI member, the late fashion legend Dorothy Fuller, a veteran Chicago retailer who, to stage fashion shows,founded her own company, Dorothy Fuller Productions, Susan joinedChicago’s Merchandise Mart. There, for the last 30-plus years, she served asvice president of apparel marketing, producing and marketing six women’sapparel and bridal trade shows a year. These platforms for exhibitors and buyers, Susan described as “the perfect match; the creative aspect of fashionmerged with the business of selling.”

A woman of character, kindness, generosity and the ultimate in integrity,Susan was admired, respected, loved and venerated by all who knew her andwhose lives she touched.

She leaves behind her husband, Larry Glick, her sons Eric Glick and MarcGlick; her colleagues at the Merchandise Mart, friends around the world and aFashion Group membership whose loss is inconceivable.

–– Wendy D'AmicoCreative Consultant, wendydamico7@gmail.com

“ To s h a r e t h e v i s i o n o f

F G I w i t h e v e r y r e g i o n

i s a r e s p o n s i b i l i t y

I t a k e v e r y s e r i o u s l y . ”

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leadership positions and making invaluable contributions, most notably as treasurer andregional director.

Having graduated with a major in fashion designfrom Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architectureand Art, Sandra forged ahead to a burgeoningcareer in the field she had loved from an early age:fashion. After seven years as fashion coordinator atIvey’s, known at the time as a specialty retailercatering to an upscale clientele, Sandra steppedinto the role of head designer for all lines at The Mack Shirt Company. A visionary and creative artist and fashion designer with considerable business acumen, Sandra foundedthe Alford Studio and Gallery in the San Marcoarea. Inspired by women who look for—anddemand—superb craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics and classically beautiful clothes, accessories and jewelry, she specialized in couture that met those exacting standards. Shealso ventured into the fragrance business with theintroduction of her signature scent, Sandra AlfordNo. 1, which was sought-after by women both hereand abroad.

Sandra Rigsby Alford passed away in December2018 and is survived by three brothers, a sister,and their families, and legions of friends and colleagues who admired and loved her. Ward Lariscy, a well-known designer inJacksonsonville said “Sandra is designing for theangels now” to which Sandra’s very close friend,Rochelle Proctor, added, “…and they have neverlooked better.” Sandra Alford will be missedbeyond measure.

–– Wendy D'AmicoCreative Consultant, Wendy7d@aol.com

Sandra Alford

After joining Fashion Group in1989, Sandra Rigsby Alfordbecame a charter member ofthe FGI North Florida regionin Jacksonvil le, serving, over the years, in several

In Memoriam: Sandra Alford In Memoriam: Faith Hope Consolo

classically trained operatic soprano, Lucille performed for the summer pops and the NewOrleans Philharmonic. In the 1960s, withoutabandoning her love for music and performance,she turned her attention to her love for fashionand set out on a career in retail, serving in vari-ous positions at some of New Orleans’ best-lovedshopping destinations: D.H. Holmes, Kreefer’sand Coleman E. Adlee. A tireless volunteer as anactivist in the New Orleans community, Lucille’slaurels included, among so many richly deserved honors, YWCA Role Model, Peoples’ Health Champion and NO/AIDS Task Force Art Against AIDS.

Recognized many times for her dedication andservice to Fashion Group, Lucille was awardedthe 1989 Fashion Group International of NewOrleans Lifetime Achievement and DistinguishedAchievement Awards and, in 1990, theDistinguished Service Award.

Chuck Steelman, Neiman Marcus’ corporate special events manager and FGI’s district director overseeing the Boston, DetroitMinneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Pittsburghand Greater Washington D.C. regions, said, “I aminvolved in FGI today because of LucilleMcDonnell. She was persistent and confidentthat I needed to join FGI in New Orleans over 20years ago. A few years after I became a member,I became the regional director for that chapter.She was such a dedicated member and alwaystook advantage of any opportunity to promote FGIin the New Orleans community. She was a hardworker who made sure scholarship dollars wereraised each year and granted to deserving designstudents. She was a professional and classiclady. She will be missed.” And so say we all.

Lucille leaves behind her daughter Beth, scoresof loving friends and colleagues throughout theNew Orleans and Fashion Group communities.

–– Wendy D'AmicoCreative Consultant, Wendy7d@aol.com

In Memoriam: Lucille Bourlet McDonnell

Lucille Bourlet McDonnell

A Fashion Group member fornearly five decades LucilleBourlet McDonnell, passedaway in December 2018. Analumna of Loyola UniversityCollege of Music as a

Faith Hope Consolo

Appointed to the FashionGroup Board of Directors onlya year ago, in February 2018,but in that brief time FaithHope Consolo made a deepand lasting impression on her

fellow board members, as she did with everyonewith whom she came in contact. Blessed with alarger-than-life personality and an outspokennature, Faith could be counted on to take a leader-ship role under any circumstances.

Chairman of Retail Leasing & Sales at PrudentialDouglas Elliman Real Estate, Inc., Faith was internationally recognized as the “Queen ofRetail,” a savvy observer once remarking, “Thereare great dealmakers. There are fashionistas. Andthen there is Faith.”

Suddenly and shockingly, Faith passed away inDecember, but, in the fleeting moment of time shespent with us, we were the beneficiaries of herbusiness acumen, her understanding of the fashionindustry and her “Google Earth” knowledge of theinternational retail landscape that brought her top-tier clients—Buccellati, Cartier, Versace, YvesSt. Laurent, Louis Vuitton—the list goes on andon—for which she was acknowledged as a keyplayer in Fifth Avenue’s return as the “LuxuryWalk” and Madison Avenue once again reclaimingits luster as the “Golden Mile.”

Generous of spirit and heart, and with her boundless expertise, Faith was a widely sought-after speaker and served as a guest instructor atNew York University, Wharton Business School,Parsons School of Design and the StevenL. Newman Real Estate Institute at BaruchCollege. An inveterate supporter of innumerablephilanthropies and charities, she gave unstintinglyof her time, which brought her scores of richlydeserved awards and honors.

Loved, admired and respected by her colleagues atElliman and her clients, and warmly embraced byher fellow members on the FGI Board of Directors,Faith will be sorely missed.

Faith’s business slogan was “You Need Faith.”And we all did.

–– Wendy D'AmicoCreative Consultant, Wendy7d@aol.com

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