The Fashion Trust U.S., the nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S.-based design talent, revealed its 2026 winners at its fourth annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
Hosted by comedian and actress Ego Nwodim at Nya Studios, the evening unfolded in an emerald-draped room illuminated by glowing pink sculptural lights, where guests enjoyed dinner from Jon & Vinny’s and a live performance by Lykke Li.
The ceremony, which continues to grow each year, honored achievements across ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, graduate design and sustainability, alongside Tory Burch as Designer of the Year and Michèle Lamy with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and included a special innovation prize created in partnership with Type One Ventures.
The night brought together a mix of fashion and entertainment figures, including Dove Cameron, Julia Fox, Natasha Lyonne, James Franco, Mindy Kaling, Coco Jones and Becky G, and presenters Pamela Anderson, Olivia Wilde, Jodie Turner-Smith and Melissa McCarthy.
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Anderson introduced Burch, praising her as “creative, courageous, inspiring” and “a visionary designer and fearless advocate for women.” The two met through their sons, she said, adding that she wore Tory Burch to the Met Gala last year, where the designer created a silver gown that made her feel “like a warrior, brave, confident and powerful.”
In her acceptance, Burch reflected on the importance of individuality and creative conviction, telling designers: “Fashion is an industry that constantly asks you to explain yourself…If I could offer one piece of advice, I would say to nurture your point of view, respect it and let it grow and evolve, and build the thing only you can build.”
Lamy, arriving onstage with Erykah Badu and Travis Scott, gave an impassioned speech on creativity as resistance, urging the audience toward collective action and hope: “We really want to change the world. We will.”
Tania Fares, who founded Fashion Trust and kicked off the night, said the organization is “helping the next generation of designers…through financial support, amounting this year to $600,000 alongside tailored mentorship programs,” while emphasizing the role of community and global unity in fashion. She selected the finalists alongside board members including Laura Brown, Karla Welch and Carlos Nazario, with support from presenting partner Google.
The Ready-to-Wear Award went to Zane Li of LII, presented by Stephanie Horton and Ryan Destiny. Li, who launched the brand in 2023 and is known for minimalist, architecturally inspired collections, thanked his support system, acknowledging those who encouraged him to apply.
Marcelle Barbosa of Amaramara, a graduate of Parsons School of Design at The New School, received the Graduate Award, presented by McCarthy, who described the honor as recognizing designers “who may just be starting out, but already think like a legend, [with] innovative ideas, undeniable skills and a fearlessness to create something unexpected and emotional.”
Last year’s Graduate Award winner Patrick Taylor also took the stage, showcasing his collaboration with J.Crew as part of the mentorship program, working with creative director Olympia Gayot to develop a collection that translated his nautical-inspired knitwear into a broader commercial offering.
The Accessories Award went to Andrea Marron, presented by Fernando Garcia and Skye Hankey. Marron, who founded her namesake brand in 2024 in Miami and is known for her handcrafted leather bags and goods, thanked collaborators and craftspeople who “bring my work to life every day.”
Josefina Baillères, a Mexican designer specializing in fine jewelry, took home the Jewelry Award, presented by Wilde, who emphasized the craft’s ability to “speak” and “inspire.”
The Sustainability Award went to Maxwell Osborne and Kristy Chen of AnOnlyChild, presented by Turner-Smith. Founded in 2021, the brand reworks deadstock materials into modern designs. The duo reflected on building from limited resources, noting their work is rooted in “creating something from nothing” and shaped by their immigrant backgrounds.
In partnership with Type One Ventures, Deborah Won of Pisces Rising received the Future Form Award, presented by Yara Shahidi, who noted the honor recognizes designers who “push beyond convention” and reimagine how design intersects with technology and human experience.
Winners will receive grants and ongoing mentorship through Fashion Trust U.S. and Google, continuing the organization’s mission to support designers both creatively and commercially.
