The American Apparel & Footwear Association has announced an inspirational slate of honorees for its 2025 American Image Awards on Tuesday, April 29 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

CFDA member Ulla Johnson is being recognized as Designer of the Year, alongside other distinguished honorees who have made significant contributions across the fashion industry and in communities around the world, including Target as Retailer of the Year; American Textile Company as Company of the Year; Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President, Pensole Lewis College as Fashion Maverick; Apparel Impact Institute as Eco-Steward of the Year; and Katherine Gold, GoldBug, as Trailblazer.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation is the event’s longstanding charitable beneficiary.

“As we approach a half of century of hosting the American Image Awards, I am proud to reflect on the breadth, innovation, and reach of this industry, as well as the individuals who drive it. Collectively and individually, this year’s honorees have forged a legacy of accomplishment, inclusion, and empowerment, which will be vital as we tackle pressing challenges in such areas as supply chain flexibility, talent and mentorship, healthy communities, industry accountability, and global sustainability. We are excited to celebrate the next generation of designers, manufacturers, supply chain partners, and circularity pioneers,” Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the AAFA, said.

“The longevity of the AAFA-CFDA Foundation partnership — now in our ninth year — allows us to inspire our unique membership to align on and amplify future-focused impact year-over-year,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said. “Thank you to AAFA for another year of partnership and investment.”

The American Image Awards spotlights visionaries across all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including design, manufacturing, and retail – and the full product lifecycle. Full details about the honorees and gala, including how to participate, can be found at www.americanimageawards.org.