The event kicked off the event with CEO and Founder Dee Rivera — also the founder of Hamptons Fashion Week — welcoming everyone. Mistress of Ceremony, Jean Shafiroff; James Corbett, Founder of The Fashion Week Experience; Vanessa Coppes CEO/Editor-in-Chief of Bella Magazine; and NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, honored and presented I Love New York awards to several impactful figures. Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President, was presented with the Leadership Award. Tom Harris, of The Times Square Alliance, was presented with the award for Community Leadership. Designer CJackson was presented with the Designer of the Year Award, and Designer Mohikas was presented with the Rising Star Award.
Seawright also honored Rivera with a New York State Proclamation for Times Square Fashion Week and for contributing to fashion and diversity in New York City.
“I can’t believe we are in our fourth Year. I am always extremely grateful for all of the talented designers that showcased their work for Times Square Fashion Week every year as well as the Times Square Alliance who have supported us throughout the years!” said Rivera.
Jessica Mackin-Cipro is an editor and lifestyle writer from the East End of Long Island. She was previously the Executive Editor of The Independent Newspaper and co-founded James Lane Post in 2020. She has won multiple NYPA and PCLI awards for journalism, design, and social media, including the Stuart C. Dorman Award for Editorial Excellence. In 2023, she was a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award at the United Nations 67th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. She aims to share the stories of inspirational people and places on the East End and beyond.