The fashion industry is always looking for its next rising stars, so Fashion Group International decided to make it official with its Rising Star Awards.
Now in its 15th year, the awards recognize emerging talent in a number of categories, including womenswear, menswear, beauty, fragrance and accessories, reports Women's Wear Daily.
While most of this year's nominees are far from being household names, the FGI nom bodes well for each: 2009's winner for womenswear was Christian Cota and in 2010 Joseph Altuzarra, beloved by fashion insiders, won in the same category.
This year's awards, which will be presented January 26 with Isabel and Ruben Toledo delivering a keynote address, are as follows:
Womenswear Award, presented by Ralph Rucci
Nary Manivong and Alexandria Hilfiger of Nahm
Elene Cassis
Norman Ambrose
Nara Paz of Nara Paz Design Internationale
Misha Nonoo of Nonoo
Steven McDermott of Stevie Mac New York
Stacy Lomman of Stacy Lomman: New York
Menswear Award, presented by Thom Browne
Simon Spurr
Rob Magness of Grown & Sewn
Ian Velardi
Luis M. Fernandez of Number: Lab
Accessories Award, presented by Rami Kashou
Deborah Sawath of Thale Blanc
Ron Donovan; Katherine Kim of Roman & Sunstone
Michelle Vale
Blythe Harris of Stella & Dot
Serra Turker of Misela Inc.
Adriana Castro
Michelle Watson of Mimi & Lu
Fine Jewelry Award
Jessica Kagan Cushman of Jessica Kagan Cushman Studio
Wendy Brandes
Torrubia & Torrubia sisters Yolanda Torrubia and Amaia Torrubia.
Retail Award
Randi Jacobson of Realm
Tom Wilscam of Hommage Atelier by Julien Farel
Vasken Demirjian of Vasken Demirjian Salon
Recognize any names on this list? We happen to already have a small style crush on Simon Spurr, who makes Hollywood's most fashion-conscious men look good. Plus you gotta love Ally Hilfiger from rising from a spoiled caricature on MTV's short-lived "Rich Girls" to, well, a rising fashion star.
As for the rest? They may sink into obscurity... or become this year's Joseph Altuzarra. Read more at WWD.com.