30th Annual American Image Awards

If there's one thing I love about New York, is that there's always something going on. Even on a Wednesday night (of all nights). Last night (well now that it's nearly 1am on Friday...I guess I have to say Wednesday night May 13) I was fortunate enough to have attended the 30th Annual American Image Awards presented by The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). This event benefits two wonderful charities, in my opinion, Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S) and Fashion Delivers.

Being honored last night (hey it's still Thursday night and not early Friday morning in my book) were some of the most prominent (and my fave) people in the fashion business.

Honorees:

· Spirit of a Woman Award recipient: Alek Wek,(presented by IMAN)

· Designer of the Year Award recipient: Badgley Mischka

· Lifetime Achievement Award recipient: Marvin Traub

· Excellence in Lifestyle Branding Award recipient: VF Corporation

· Retailer of the Year Award recipient: Belk, Inc.

Also in attendance were: Miss USA and Miss Universe and the girls of The Real Housewives of New York City. I actually saw (and got to speak to) Bethenny Frankel (and her eternally cute boyfriend...and yes it's still Jason) and Ramona Singer (who didn't look trashy like on the show) but she had a nasty little attitude when she couldn't get her table directions...bi*** I saw Alex McCord (and yeah her hubby was right next to her). Unfortunately I didn't get a glimpse of Jill Zarin (my fave!) nor the "Countess" Luann deLessep.

Now I nearly freaked out when I saw Iman- as in Supermodel, Icon, Glamorous, the Beautiful (and according to her old- because she needs glasses to read!). Iman presented Supermodel Alek Wek with the Spirit of a Woman award. Alek's speech was very heartwarming as she spoke a little about her native Sudan and the struggles. I don't know if you all remember but Alek did write a book last year (Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel) which speaks about her struggles and triumphant success.

(Alek Wek)

(Mark Badgley and James Mischka)

Now I'm sorry but I've seem to lost my USB cord so I can't upload my pictures from my camera but I'll do that tomorrow in another post.

Overall I'm so excited that I got to attend this event. I got to meet some GREAT people, ate some hardly done steak and a wonderful cheesecake, and got a WONDERFUL goodie bag that had Alek's book, a bottle of wine, free gift certificates ($250 at Judith Ripka, HELL YEAH!), and Badgley Mischka scented candle among other things.

*******Now a little note on the charities that this event benefits. This was my first time hearing of them and I must say I am impressed and want to help out as much as possible (and I urge you guys to do the same in any way possible). When it comes to charities and organizations, there are only two that I feel tied to (Breast Cancer awareness and March of Dimes) but after seeing a video at this award show I was touched.

Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S) is an organization that gives millions of brand new products to children suffering in poverty or disaster-stricken areas. These kids are given new toys, coats, clothes, shoes- whatever- anything to give them a reason to smile. Fashion Delivers was formed after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Through an extended network of over 1,000 shelters and organizations in the U.S. these charities provide to children and families that are victims of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami. For more information or to donate (c'mon $25) visit www.fashiondelivers.org and www.kidsdonations.org