The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) represents more than 1,000 world famous name brands, retailers, and manufacturers as the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.

The AAFA American Image Awards began in 1977 to honor those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including design, manufacturing, and retail. The gala has become a spectacular celebration of our industry’s finest leaders, companies, and vision, bringing together a unique cross-section of influencers to celebrate creativity while drawing attention to public policy impacts on fashion and design. 

Charity beneficiary

Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation logo

Celebrating our eighth year of partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation, the CFDA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to raise funds for charity and industry activities. Through innovative partnerships with brands, retailers, and CFDA designers, the Foundation serves the needs of its American designer members and helps them advance their goals while continuing to provide social impact and philanthropic initiatives to better the American fashion industry at large.

Your commitment as a ticket or table holder enables AAFA and the CFDA Foundation to help fund the future of our industry and the development of invaluable philanthropic programs.

AAFA promotes trusted trade partnerships; inspires more sustainable, traceable, and responsible supply chains; drives accountability, authenticity and innovation; and supports diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity so that every day we wear values along with our fashions while improving lives and livelihoods in the U.S. and around the world. For more than 47 years, AAFA has hosted a gala that honors excellence, achievement, stewardship, collaboration – and celebrates true visionaries and inspired leaders across EVERY corner of the industry - from design and manufacturing to retail and e-commerce. Meet all of the honorees, and follow along on social with #AmericanImageAwards

For questions or media inquiries, contact americanimage@aafaglobal.org.

For questions about sponsorship or tables, please contact: Scott French, Principal, VERY New York at scott@verynewyork.com, (917) 816-0665; or Susan Lapetina, Consultant, AAFA at slapetina@aafaglobal.org.