Fashion Group International South Florida Board Members and Designers
Miami, FL – September 30, 2023 — The glitz and glamor of Miami’s fashion scene took center stage this past weekend as Fashion Group International South Florida hosted its inaugural Rising Stars Awards. Held at the magnificent Southeast Financial Center in downtown Miami, the event not only celebrated the region’s emerging fashion talent but also honored fashion and beauty veteran, Derek Warburton, with the prestigious Icon Award.
Recipient of the Icon Award, Derek Warburton, with FGI South Florida regional director, Sandra Madjdi.
The evening was a star-studded affair that drew Miami’s top fashion insiders, celebrities, TV personalities, and influential fashion designers, all gathering to applaud the creative spirit and innovation that defines South Florida’s fashion industry.
Italian luxury handbag & fashion designer, Claudio Civitico and Alejandra Villalobos
But the event didn’t just captivate a local audience; it also attracted international attention. A constellation of renowned celebrities graced the occasion via video congratulating FGI and its newest icon Derek Warburton, including Cynthia Baily, Candace Bushnell, Nigel Barker, Nicole Miller, Tara Reid, Peter Facinelli, Durek Verrett , Peter Thomas Roth, Princess Martha Louise of Norway, and others.
FGI South Florida’s regional director Sandra Madjdi says,
“What a memorable evening to kick off our inaugural Rising Stars in South Florida. It’s truly an honor to lead and celebrate a community of such talented creative entrepreneurs.“
FGI South Florida regional director Sandra Madjdi with Fine Frenchie designer, Valeria Krasavina (right), as she was honored during the night’s event with a prestigious FGISF Award for her innovative fashion brand.
The FGI South Florida Rising Stars Awards marked a significant moment for the fashion and beauty industry in the region. It shone a spotlight on emerging talent across various categories, from Accessories and Innovation to Ready to Wear and Swimwear.
Here are the deserving winners:
Fashion Accessories Winner: Alessandro Vasini
Innovation in Fashion: Valentina Varnavskaia
Ready to Wear Winner: Valeria Krasavina
Swimwear Winner: Nikoza by founder/designer, Olga Nikoza
Members Choice Winner: The Shop Miami – Calyann Barnett
Icon Award Recipient: Derek Warburton
Valentina Varnavskaia receives her award for Innovation in Fashion.
Olga Nikoza (left) receives her award for the Swimwear Fashion.
Fashion Group International (FGI) is a global, non-profit organization that traces its roots back to 1930 when it was founded by Edna Chase, a former Vogue editor, and a group of influential female leaders in New York City. FGI’s mission is to provide a unique professional network that fosters shared business resources, community building, and discussions, all of which drive impactful creativity and innovation.
Derek Warburton with Sports Illustrated model and jewelry designer, Kelly Hughes
left to right: New You Media President Vanessa Walker, Derek Warburton, and New You Media Managing Director Toni Negas
Fashion publicist and influencer, Timur Tugberk with Derek Warburton.
This glamorous fashion event, organized by one of the world’s leading fashion non-profits, has truly put South Florida on the fashion map.
