Rihanna, Zendaya Among Thoses Honored At 30th FN Achievement Awards

Footwear News, the industry bible of the shoe business for more than 70 years, Wednesday hosted its 30th FN Achievement Awards at IAC Headquarters in New York City, this year highlighting new stars working their way to the top, as well as the figures who have shaped the industry for years.

The annual event, often referred to as the “Shoe Oscars,” recognizes and celebrates the best and brightest stars in the footwear industry, including footwear executives, designers and consumers.

Rihanna, who wore a Vetements Spring 2017 black ensemble, was honored with Shoe of the Year presented by Michael Atmore, editorial director ofFN.

Zendaya on behalf of Daya by Zendaya was honored with Launch of the Year award presented by Michael Kors. Paul Andrew was named Designer of the Year presented by Ansel Elgort and Alexandre Birman on behalf of Schutz was honored with Brand of the Year, presented by Olivia Palermo.

Chiara Ferragni also was named Style Influencer of the Year .

Other honorees included Iris Apfel for the Icon Award, John Varvatos with the Award for the Social Impact presented by Cuba Gooding Jr., Aldo Bensadoun of the ALDO Group for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Nicolò Beretta for the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award, Mark King of Adidas for Person of the Year, Kristina Blahnik on behalf of Vetements X Manolo Blahnik for Collaboration of the Year, Dick Johnson on behalf of Foot Locker Inc. for Company of the Year, Ronnie Fieg for Retailer of the Year and Aero Akura on behalf of Nike for Marketer of the Year.

The awards show also included several Hall of Fame inductees including Edoardo Caovilla, chief operating officer and creative director at Rene Caovilla, presented by Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Linda Fargo, fashion director and senior vice president of visual presentation for Bergdorf Goodman, presented by Aquazzura founder Edgardo Osorio.

The FN Achievement Awards were sponsored by the Fashion Footwear Association of New York, Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America , Zappos Luxury and Two Ten Footwear Foundation.