On Tuesday, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hosted its annual American Image Awards at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. In an elegant room filled with industry leaders, executives and trailblazers, host Segun Oduolowu of the Boston Globe Today took the stage for the second year in a row.

The night’s honorees included New Balance Athletics Inc. accepted by President and CEO Joe Preston for Company of the Year; Harlem’s Fashion Row accepted by CEO and Founder Brandice Daniel for Fashion Maverick; William McDonough for Eco Steward of the Year; and Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization accepted by her son Dr. Uzodinma Iweala for Global Vanguard.

“We are witnessing a generational shift in American fashion with an exciting group of young designers who, through their work, powerfully address the time and culture we live in.” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, the beneficiary of the awards for the seventh consecutive year.

CFDA Member Willy Chavarria was honored with this year’s Designer of the Year Award.

Chavarria has designed for Ralph Lauren, was director of design for underwear, footwear, and accessories at American Eagle, is the founder of his own namesake label, and currently the Senior Vice President of Design for Calvin Klein.

“I discovered this brilliant business we call fashion,” he said, “And I found my purpose…We are all here together not only because we can make money in this industry but because we realize the greatness of what our work does. We make people feel…we are so fortunate that we can make people think and feel a way that can make the world a better place.”

The night’s many notable attendees included actor David Granados, influencers Estefanía “Tefi” Vanegas Pessoa and Serena Kerrigan, as well as a few of CFDA’s newest members and interim members Brandon Blackwood, Danielle Frankel Hirsh, Andrew Kwon, Charles Harbison, Grace Ling and Nicholas Raefski.