Last night at the iconic Plaza Hotel, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) gathered the industry’s stars, fashion executives, designers and changemakers to celebrate the 45th edition of the American Image Awards, hosted by entertainment journalist and television host Segun Oduolowu.

The honorees included CFDA member Prabal Gurung, who was recognized as Designer of the Year and took to the stage to deliver a compelling speech in review of the state of the industry’s progress on inclusion and realizing impossible dreams.

Other awardees included Chip Bergh of Levi Strauss & Co. for Person of the Year; Gap Inc. for Company of the Year; ThirdLove for Fashion Maverick; and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Fashion Initiative for Eco-Steward of the Year.

This marked the sixth year that the AAFA partnered with the CFDA Foundation as its beneficiary with proceeds funding the future of the industry and development of invaluable philanthropic programs.

“As the CFDA commemorates 60 years of fashion this year, we reflect on the industry’s evolution over the past six decades, recognizing the immense impact American fashion has created across the globe including that of which has been created by tonight’s honorees,” said CaSandra Diggs, president of the CFDA.

In attendance of the celebration were CFDA members Cynthia Rowley, Byron Lars, Nick Graham, John Bartlett, Stan Herman, Jeffrey Banks, Teddy von Ranson, Edvin Thompson, and Bach Mai.

Congratulations to all the honorees!