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Last night in Los Angeles, The Fashion Trust U.S., a non-profit that provides grants and strategic mentoring to U.S. designers, hosted their second annual awards ceremony with a star-studded carpet at a private residence. Featuring a special performance by Macy Gray, the event honored brands and individuals with a variety of awards. The night was hosted by Zooey Deschanel, and winners were selected by a panel of judges, including FTUS ambassadors and founding patrons, members of the FTUS board and advisory board, as well as Shop with Google.
Ashley Harris of the jewelry brand Don’t Let Disco received the Inclusivity Award, sponsored by Shop with Google and presented by Emma Grede. MoAnA Luu of the fashion house ManLuu won the Jewelry Award, presented by Cynthia Erivo. The Accessories Award, sponsored by Builder.ai and presented by Isabel Marant, went to designer Esha Soni. Designer Yamil Arbaje received the Graduate Award, sponsored by St. John and presented by Kristin Davis, while his contemporary Batsheva Hay received the Sustainability Award, presented by Fashion Trust U.S. and Nikki Reed, Scout LaRue Willis, and Tallulah Willis. Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio also got the Ready-to-Wear Award, presented by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Trophies for the evening were designed by Nigora Tokhtabayeva of Tabayer and were designed to be “a balancing act,” echoing “the sentiments of creatives, entrepreneurs, and designers who achieve impossible feats,” according to a release. Leonardo Lawson brought together a mentorship group for the winners, which includes Paula Sutter, Patrizia Ciccarelli, Kim Vernon, Paola Corso, Gia Kuan, Meghan Kelly, Ramya Giangola, and Alexis Bittar.
Fashion Trust U.S. board members include Tania Fares, Laura Brown, Anne Crawford, Maha Dakhil, Tan France, and Karla Welch. The organization also has an advisory board, featuring Bethann Hardison, Carme Busquets, Inez and Vinoodh, Isabel Marant, Nina Garcia, Law Roach, Maria Cornejo, Miranda Kerr, Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and others. Ambassadors include Janelle Monáe, Joseph Altuzarra, Monique Lhuillier, Natasha Lyonne, Elle Fanning, Rita Ora, Zoey Deutch, and more.
