The third annual Fashion Trust U.S. gala brought together celebrities and industry leaders in Los Angeles to honor and support the next generation of American fashion talent with awards across diverse categories.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, The Lot at Formosa in Los Angeles hosted the third annual awards gala for Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging American fashion talent. Founded by board member Tania Fares, the event brought together a star-studded assembly of actors, models, musicians, stylists, and designers to celebrate and uplift new voices shaping the future of fashion.
The evening was hosted by actress and singer Keke Palmer and featured a wide array of prominent figures from the fashion community. Among those attending were Kate Hudson, Kerry Washington, Hailey Bieber, Julia Fox, Colman Domingo, stylist Law Roach, Cara Delevingne, Becky G., Fergie, Ciara, Maddie Ziegler, Laura Harrier, Barbara Palvin, Sofia Boutella, designer Jeremy Scott, Willy Chavarria, actress and activist Laverne Cox, photographer Petra Collins, Gabrielle Union, and Erin Wasson. Also present were key fashion industry leaders such as Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello and Marni’s Francesco Risso, accompanied by Domingo, Fox, Collins, Piero Golia, and Courtney Trop.
FTUS board members Karla Welch, Maha Dakhil, Laura Brown, and Carlos Nazario joined a panel of judges from the fashion world to evaluate and honor promising designers. The goal of the gala was to fund, nurture, and mentor emerging talent whose work demonstrates innovation and strong creative potential within American fashion.
Monique Lhuillier, FTUS Ambassador and creative director of her Los Angeles-based eponymous line, spoke to the value of such support. “I think it is important for our fashion community to come together to support and recognize up-and-coming designers who will potentially shape the future of the fashion industry,” she said during the event, as singer Natasha Bedingfield performed.
Awards were presented across several categories, highlighting diverse talents:
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The Ready-to-Wear Award, sponsored by Google Shopping, was given to Rachel Scott of Diotima. Her line is distinguished by its focus on crochet techniques inspired by her Jamaican heritage. Presenters included stylist Law Roach and Google Shopping’s Stephanie Horton.
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The Graduate Award was awarded to Patrick Taylor, a London-born knitwear designer recognized by St. John’s Lauren Parrish and Mandy West.
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Accessories designer Dani Griffiths of CLYDE, known for her hats, gloves, and bags, received the Accessories Award from actor Colman Domingo.
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The Jewelry Award was bestowed upon Rebecca Zeijdal-Paz of Beck Jewels, presented by singer and actress Ciara.
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The Sustainability Award went to Nana Kwame Adusei, a Ghanaian native and founder of the L.A.-based label Kwame Adusei. The award was presented by Kate Hudson.
Additionally, FTUS presented an inaugural Honorary Award to Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent. Hailey Bieber, an ambassador for the brand and friend of Vaccarello who wore one of his designs during the evening, presented the honor.
The event underscored Fashion Trust U.S.’s ongoing commitment to championing the next generation of designers who are expanding the boundaries of contemporary fashion in America.
Source: Noah Wire Services
