In December 2019, Footwear News hosted its 33rd Annual Achievement Awards at the IAC Building in New York City. The Oscars of Shoes celebrates industry legends, rising talents, the best shoes, retailers, style influencers, and more.
This year, the iconic Dr.Martens 1460 boot was named Shoe of the Year based on “retail sales, consumer feedback, social media prowess, and overall buzz.”
Jordanian-Romanian Amina Muaddi won the Designer of the Year award, fashion designer and Pyer Moss founder Kerby Jean-Raymond won Person of the Year, and Colombian singer J Balvin scored Style Influencer of the Year.
Style Influencer of the Year J Balvin and Person of the Year Kerby Jean-Raymond at the 2019 Footwear News Achievement Awards at the IAC Building in New York City on December 3, 2019 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
In addition, Puma and the sustainable e-commerce shoe brand Rothy shared the title of Brand of the Year. VF Corporation—the owner of Vans, Timberland, and The North Face—was awarded Company of the Year.
Retailer of the Year went to Dick’s Sporting Goods, while Collaborator of the Year was given to Tommy Hilfiger.
Donna Karan and Kenneth Cole were honored with the Icon Award for Social Impact at the 2019 FNAA
Donna Karan and Kenneth Cole received the Icon Award for Social Impact for their joint shoe collection that promotes Haiti’s artisan culture.
Milan-based labels Midnight 00 and Paris Texas were given the Emerging Talent Awards. Jeffrey Kalinsky, Steve Madden, and Jimmy Choo’s creative director, Sandra Choi, were co-inducted into FN’s Hall of Fame.
Steve Madden and Sandra Choi co-inducted into Footwear News’ Hall of Fame 2019
The ceremony also saw a star-studded lineup of presenters, including Adriana Lima, Paris Hilton, and Nicky Hilton. Below are other notable stars who walked the gray carpet with interesting shoe choices.
1. Christie Brinkley Sparkles in Off-White $4,000 Crystal Boots at FNAA 2019
Footwear News’ 2018 Style Influencer Christie Brinkley looked chic in a black trench coat-style dress by Tom Ford. The chic LBD showed off her legs and featured a waist-cinching belt with a crystal-embellished buckle.
The wealthy TV personality and former model was forced out of Dancing With the Stars in September due to an injury during training.
Still wearing a hand brace, she told AOL: “It’s doing okay. It was just a little bit worse than I thought it would be. It’s taken a lot longer [to heal] than I thought it would.”
Christie Brinkley shows off her legs in a Tom Ford coat dress at the 33rd Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards
The model looked great, with her voluminous curls cascading over her shoulders. She applied shimmery eyeshadow with mascara, dark liner, and a swipe of red lipstick for her face.
Christie Brinkley has her voluminous curls cascading over her shoulders
Christie added sparkle to her look with a silver YSL purse and Off-White Fall/Winter 2019 boots. Her slouch boots, which retail for over $4,000, are encrusted with sparkling crystals and feature pointed toes and about 4-inch stiletto heels.
Christie Brinkley teams her LBD with crystal-embellished Off-White boots
2. Kat Graham Stuns in Red Floral Dress and Midnight 00 ‘Shell’ Pumps
Kat Graham dazzles in a vibrant red brocade dress paired with whimsical polka-dot Midnight 00 ‘Shell’ pumps
Kat Graham presented Midnight 00’s Ada Kokosar with the Emerging Talent award and paid tribute to the designer by wearing one of her signature designs.
Kat Graham wears her long dark hair in loose curls with glossy red lipstick
The 30-year-old actress was hard to miss in a red floral brocade knee-length dress, which allowed her to show off her Midnight 00 ‘Shell’ pumps.
She styled her dark tresses in loose curls and wore glossy red lipstick to match her outfit.
Kat Graham slips into a pair of Midnight 00 polka-dot pumps
The unique, playful pumps are covered with polka-dotted tulle and clear PVC, featuring the same polka-dotted tulle and PVC ruffles along the topline.
Midnight 00 ‘Shell’ Polka-Dot Pumps, $672
3. Designer Ada Kokosar Shines in Velvet and Her Own Midnight 00 Creations
Ada Kokosar was pictured with Vanessa Hong, Kat Graham, and Caroline Vreeland.
Vanessa Hong, Kat Graham, Ada Kokosar, and Caroline Vreeland at the 2019 Footwear News Achievement Awards
The 39-year-old designer looked hot in a dark green velvet dress by French fashion designer Manfred Thierry Mugler. It featured a cleavage-baring off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, a belted waist, and a straight hem that fell just above her knees.
Ada teamed her outfit with stockings and, of course, with shoes from her label. She wore the same shoes as Kat Graham, but hers were in a different color combination.
Ada Kokosar stuns in her own Midnight 00 ‘Shell’ pumps featuring playful polka-dot tulle and dramatic PVC ruffles
4. Tove Lo Honors Dr. Martens with Gothic Elegance and Classic ‘Holly’ Shoes
Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo honored Dr. Martens in a pair of classic Docs while presenting Dr. Martens Ceo Kenny Wilson with the Shoe of the Year award.
“I still remember when I got my first pair of black Docs. I was around 16, and it was around the time I dyed my hair black, got my first tattoo, told my parents I was going to pursue music despite their many worries and protests,” Tove recalled.
She also said she was still wearing her first pair of Docs seven years later on a songwriting trip to London.
“Dr. Martens have always been for young people who are on their own paths, living outside the norm,” she added.
Tove Lo embraces gothic-chic vibes in a mixed-media black dress paired with edgy Dr. Martens ‘Holly’ shoes and layered silver chains
Staying true to her quirky fashion sense, the 32-year-old singer wore a loose-fitting mixed-media black dress. It features sweater-style long sleeves, ruffle detail on the bodice, and a softly pleated ankle-length skirt.
Tove Lo flaunts her septum ring and wears her dip-dye blue hair in loose waves
She wore her dip-dyed blue hair in loose waves and highlighted her features with subtle smoky metallic eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, soft blush, and lip gloss.
Tove Lo completes her gothic-chic ensemble with sleek Dr. Martens ‘Holly’ platform shoes
Tove toughened up her look with layers of silver chain necklace, earrings, and a septum ring. For her feet, she selected a pair of black patent leather Dr. Martens ‘Holly’ shoes.
Dr. Martens ‘Holly’ Black Buttero Shoes, $151
5. Caroline Vreeland Rocks Tuxedo Chic with Midnight 00 ‘Miss Pump’ Heels
Caroline Vreeland opts for androgynous chic in tuxedo shorts
Singer-songwriter Caroline Vreeland wore a chic androgynous look, wearing a black velvet tuxedo with a white shirt underneath. She paired the look with tiny shorts, which put her slender pins on display.
Caroline Vreeland wears a chic updo with face-framing fringe and bronzed eyeshadow
The German beauty styled her hair in a chic updo with a face-framing fringe, wore bronzed eyeshadow, and wore pink lipstick.
Caroline Vreeland adds a pop of color to her look with pink satin Midnight 00 pumps
She then kept her accessories simple, allowing her hot pink satin pumps from Midnight 00 to do the talking. She slipped into a pair of ‘Miss Pump’ pumps featuring a strap across the arch and a crescent-shaped buckle.
Midnight 00 ‘Miss Pump’ Pumps, $462 – $470
6. Giorgia Tordini Glows in a Yellow Mini Dress and Amina Muaddi ‘Begum’ Pumps
Giorgia Tordini wears a thigh-grazing mini dress from her label, Attico
Attico co-founder and creative director Giorgia Tordini was a ray of sunshine on the gray carpet. She wore a cute but sexy yellow mini dress from her clothing label’s Spring/Summer 2020 Collection.
The tiny dress features a deep v-neckline, bishop sleeves, a ruched waist with button fastening along the front, and a flouncy mini skirt.
She accessorized her look with a crystal-embellished purse and balanced on a pair of Amina Muaddi ‘Begum’ pumps. These sold-out pumps are topped with crystal-embellished buckle at the toes and feature the designer’s signature sculptural heels.
Giorgia Tordini teams her yellow dress with black Amina Muaddi pumps
7. Vanessa Hong Elevates Plaid Trench Coat with Midnight 00 Satin Pumps
Influencer and The Haute Pursuit founder Vanessa Hong looked elegant in a brown checked trench coat with black leather cuffs and epaulets.
Vanessa Hong looks chic in a leather-trimmed plaid trench coat
She styled her hair in soft retro curls and highlighted her features with makeup in a natural palette.
Vanessa Hong styles her short hair in soft retro curls
A pair of bronze satin pumps with PVC ruffles from Midnight 00 rounded out her look.
Vanessa Hong pairs her coat with Midnight 00 pumps
8. Aurora James Dazzles in Tom Ford Gown and Brother Vellies Heels
Brother Vellies founder and creative director Aurora James wore a stunning $8,900 Tom Ford gown at the event. The peach-colored dress features an all-over ruched detail, a structured bodice, and crystal-embellished sleeves.
Aurora James slips her curves into an $8,900-Tom Ford dress
She wore her raven tresses half-up and half-down, accentuating her eyes with silver eyeshadow and mascara.
Aurora James wears a pair of pumps from her fashion label
The Canadian-born designer kept the rest of her look simple, with just a pair of earrings and an anklet. She toted a springbok billfold bag and balanced on a pair of brown pumps from her label, Brother Vellies.
Brother Vellies Pointed Toe Pumps, $595
As the founder of Brother Vellies, Aurora James continues to inspire with her commitment to sustainable and culturally rich designs. Her vision shines through in every creation, from the elegant pumps she showcased at FNAA to her brand’s signature pieces adored by celebrities.
One such fan is Vanessa Hudgens, who elevated her gym look with Brother Vellies’ “Marabou Lamu” slide slippers, showcasing the versatility and luxury of the brand. Vanessa paired the fuzzy currant-colored slides, inspired by Kenyan craftsmanship, with chic workout attire, proving that Aurora’s designs are not just for the red carpet but for every moment in between.