“Your dreams can come true at any age,” said Ruthie Davis after winning the American Image Awards Collaboration of the Year with Disney.
A trailblazer in the realm of collaborations, Davis has recently partnered with Disney on the notable Disney Princess x Ruthie Davis shoe collections for Snow White, Mulan and Jasmine with more to come. From the fairest of them all to the warrior princess, the first two Disney Princess x Ruthie Davis collections – of what will ultimately be 11 Disney Princesses it started with Snow White and Mulan. Jasmine will launch in conjunction with Disney’s Live Action Aladdin film hitting theaters this Spring 2019.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) hosted the AAFA American Image Awards with a sold-out event, celebrating the accomplishments of the fashion and retail industry at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Hosted by award-winning actress Brooke Shields, the gala honored leaders, influencers, and innovators in the apparel and footwear industries and benefitted the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation.
“What my brand stands for and what Disney Princess stands for are totally in sync,” said Davis. “My design aesthetic is to create shoes that make the woman wearing them feel special, powerful, confident, and beautiful. These characteristics also describe the Disney Princesses. As a woman designing for women, I wear my shoes and am in touch with what women want. Therefore, the idea of designing multiple collections inspired by each of the Disney Princesses is like a dream come true!”
The popular collaboration was recently honored by the American Apparel & Footwear Associationwith the 2019 American Image Award for Collaboration of the Year. Disney was looking for designs that were “not only inspired by the distinctive character traits, but also key and pivotal scenes from these iconic Disney movies.” The result has been a product assortment that is distinctive, bold, and rich with color from stilettos to sneakers. In the age of Amazon and Millennials, a company’s secret to success is that it has to include an intentional mix of trends, great quality and exciting product launches for consumers.
Guests were treated to a fun and engaging video from Ruthie Davis X Disney which showed the launch of a new princess collection for Aladdin featuring highlights of this empowering collaboration. Guests listened honorees such as designer Ruthie Davis and Heather Sanchez who is the Senior Licensing Manager for Consumer Products. They spoke about the successful partnership which was so special for me because it was about teamwork, women supporting women & believing anything is possible.
The AAFA American Image Awards honorees included Person of the Year: Isaac Ash, President and CEO of United Legwear & Apparel Co.; Retailer of the Year: American Eagle Outfitters; Company of the Year: Birkenstock; Designer of the Year: Eileen Fisher; Media Brand of the Year: WWD; and Fashion Collaboration of the Year: Disney Princess X Ruthie Davis.
“It is no secret that our industry has been navigating profound change in the way we sell and bring product to market. Our honorees have not only welcomed these changes, but have thrived,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the AAFA. “The American Image Awards is about celebrating the future of fashion. This year’s honorees exemplify where the industry is heading, and it was a privilege to showcase their success.”
Eileen Fisher accepted the Designer of the Year award. Known for her commitment to social issues and timeless designs. Legendary for both his business acumen and generosity, Isaac Ash was presented with the Person of the Year Award. Ash received a resounding response and spoke about his deep-rooted philosophy in giving back to those in need as an everyday occurrence. During his electrifying speech, Ash committed to donating 500,000 pairs of socks to Delivering Good. The Media Brand of the Year award was presented to Paul Jowdy, Chief Business Officer and Publisher of WWD & Fairchild Live, and James Fallon, the WWD Editorial Director. David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas, accepted the Company of the Year Award.
The red carpet buzzed with celebrities, fashion executives, and designers in celebration of the night’s honorees. Designers and Creative Directors included Peter Som (Fashion Designer), Naeem Khan (Fashion Designer), Nick Graham (Fashion Designer), Brandon Maxwell (Fashion Designer, Judge of Project Runway), Stacey Bendet (CEO, Alice and Olivia), Sara Eisen (Squawk on the Street, Co-Anchor and Closing Bell, Co-Anchor, CNBC), TV Personality Lala Anthony. Victor Luis (CEO of Tapestry), Josh Schulman (CEO of Coach), and President of Tapestry, Todd Kahnrepresenting the heavy-hitting business contingency.
“We thank the AAFA and all those who attended the American Image Awards for the support to the CFDA Foundation. Through the Foundation, we are able todevote funds towards important causes and initiatives, such as HIV/AIDS, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, disaster relief, domestic manufacturing, and education and professional development,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA.
Ruthie Davis is the founder, designer, and president of luxury shoe brand Ruthie Davis. Her shoes are worn by celebrities, including Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. She was named American Apparel and Footwear Association‘s 2014 Footwear Designer of the Year. Ruthie continues to expand her brand with her unique and beautiful designs. Ruthie Davis offers more than fashion and footwear, she offers a lifestyle that embodies the brand DNA that has been so carefully crafted over the years: to stand out and stand tall, to set trends yet stay timeless. As a CFDA member and one of AAFA’s Designers of the Year, Davis designs footwear that is far from conventional. Every shoe is a piece of architectural art, all while staying true to the chic, modern and sporty designs that women worldwide have fallen for. www.RuthieDavis.com
