Awards
Week of January 6, 2003
Cotton Inc. recognizes designers
NEW YORK CITY — Five fashion designers were honored last month as fashion industry leaders gathered for a gala evening at The Metropolitan Museum of Art here for Cotton Incorporated’s 14th “Celebration of American Style.”
“Cotton Incorporated has a long history of working with key designers,” said J. Berrye Worsham, president and CEO, Cotton Incorporated. “The five designers showcased continue that tradition. They are today’s most distinctive and talented designers, and have been singled out because they not only embody the spirit of American style, but also serve as inspiration to the young designers of tomorrow.”
Those chosen were Kenth Andersson, Stephen Hardy for Squeeze, Jerry Kaye for Perry Ellis, Lilly Pulitzer and Lars Nilsson for Bill Blass. The highlight of the evening was a specially produced fashion presentation, “The Best In American Cotton Design,” featuring vignettes of each honoree’s designs.
Andersson’s philosophy is to design clothes to complement a woman’s style, never to overpower her. His made-to-order collections have a loyal following of professional and high-profile women.
Hardy is the first in junior clothing to present a truly designer approach to denim. Squeeze’s made-to-order collection features one-of-a-kind pieces, embraced by celebrities such as Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears and Brandy.
Kaye, executive vice president and design director for Perry Ellis Menswear, has been at the helm of one of America’s legendary menswear manufacturers for the last six years.
For Pulitzer, it all started with a fruit stand in Palm Beach and ended up with the now famous “Lillys.” Her first dress was designed to camouflage fruit stains: a comfortable sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton in pink, green, yellow and orange. Before long everyone wanted one, including school chum Jackie Kennedy.
Nilsson was appointed head designer for Bill Blass, Ltd. in January 2001. He came to the position with quite a designer pedigree, having worked in Paris for several prominent courtiers. Moving to New York at the end of the 1990s, Nilsson became design director for Ralph Lauren women’s wear.
