Artist Ruben Toledo Designs New AAFA American Image Awards Statuette

ARLINGTON, Va., April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After months of collaboration and design, world-renowned Artist Ruben Toledo today previewed the highly anticipated redesign of American Apparel & Footwear Association's (AAFA) American Image Awards (AIA) statuette, to be presented to distinguished leaders in the fashion and footwear industry Monday, April 27, in New York City.  

Toledo said, "Fashion is the great communicator and I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with AAFA on creating its new award. My vision attempts to portray the essence of fashion, culture, craftsmanship, and the consumer's excitement and prestige constantly generated by the world of fashion, which I've had the privilege to collaborate with for 30 years and counting."  

"Ruben has an intrinsic understanding of art and fashion," said President and CEO of AAFA Juanita D. Duggan. "When we sat down to collaborate with him on the redesign of the statuette, I saw how his creative vision could showcase AAFA's global mission. The final product is a stunning statuette that is truly representative of the industry – both its creative side and the business and policy side. We are overjoyed to work with such an accomplished artist, and are proud to present this statuette to industry leaders for years to come." 

Toledo continued to explain, "The globe at the base of the award defined by fashion products instead of continents, illustrates the idea that we are connected through creativity and all speak the same fashion language. The importance of fashion as a global industry is symbolized by the heroic stylized figures. The idea of diversity is sensed by the use of different metals representing humanity in living color, which for me, is what validates fashion trade and commerce. America's fashion influence truly is global and deserves to be celebrated as such. This new AAFA award statuette hopefully communicates this message and will be as cherished by those receiving it as I am honored to create it."

The AIA Gala, held this year at 583 Park Ave, draws industry leaders, fashion icons, and celebrities.

This year's honorees include: Person of the Year: Claudio Del Vecchio, Chairman and CEO of Brooks Brothers; Company of the Year: Brown Shoe Company to be accepted by Diane Sullivan, CEO, President, and Chairman; Retailer of the Year: Holt Renfrew to be accepted by Mark Derbyshire, President; Designer of the Year: Cynthia Rowley to be accepted by namesake designer herself; and Fashion Maverick: Kelly Osbourne, TV Personality, Fashion Designer, and Actress.

In 2011, Ruben and Isabel Toledo were the recipients of the Fashion Maverick Award.

More information on AIA and ticket information can be found at: www.wewear.org

About AAFA

Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $361 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. 

Contact:
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SOURCE American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)