by Stephanie Maida

An influential group of fashion world change makers were honored this week at the 2023 American Image Awards presented by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). Returning to the storied Plaza Hotel, the glamorous event saw a slew of industry insiders step out for a night of cocktails, dinner, and rousing discussions on the future of the biz, from the drive for diversity to the importance of eco-stewardship.

The evening's emcee Segun Oduolowu helped introduce honorees including Brandice Daniel of Harlem’s Fashion Row; President and CEO of New Balance, Joe Preston; designer Willy Chavarria; Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and eco architect William McDonough, who each took to the stage to deliver inspiring messages to the crowd and express their thanks.

For the seventh year, the AAFA partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation as its beneficiary for the event, raising funds to support philanthropic programs fostering the future of fashion.

“Each of tonight’s honorees are at the forefront of our changing industry, and they are building communities that will shape and define the future of American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “We are very proud and thankful of our partnership with the AAFA and the positive impact it has had.”

Obviously, at an event called the "American Image" awards, guests and honorees alike were sure to put their best foot forward for the fashionable affair. Click through for a look at the best dressed attendees of the night!

[Photos by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for AAFA American Image Awards]

Willy Chavarria and Steven KolbSegun OduolowuSonya KeshwaniTefi PessoaGrace LingSerena Kerrigan

Stephen Lamar, Brandice Daniel, and Steven KolbBelle BakstTijana IbrahimovicDavid Granados and Andres RinconSarah ChiwayaErika Levin, Patti Flanagan, Lindsey Hermes and Michael ColarossiReubin Dalle, Jennifer Giannotti-Genes and Tyler Fullerton

Steven, Kolb, Stephen Lamar, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Joe Preston, William McDonough, Willy Chavarria, Brandice Daniel and Segun Oduolowu

The original article can be found here at Guest of a Guest.