The ninth annual Rising Star Awards were presented over lunch on Thursday, January 26, 2006 in the Trianon Ballroom at the New York Hilton.

These awards, given by The Fashion Group International, celebrate innovation, creativity, and accomplishment in eight beauty, fashion, and design fields. The keynote address was given by Liz Lange, who spoke of some of the challenges she faced in building her own fashion business.

Presenters included such fashion luminaries as Carlos Falchi, who presented the award for accessories to Michael Spaulding and George Gublo of Gunmetal. Robert Lee Morris presented the award for fine jewelry to Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio of Faraone Mennella.

The award for men's apparel was presented by John Bartlett to Thom Browne. Other winners included Clement Gavarry of International Flavors and Fragrances, Laurice Rahme of Bond No. 9 New York, Dylan Lauren of Dylan's candy Bar, Ernest de la Torre of de la Torre Design Studio, and Brian Wolk and Claude Morrais of Ruffian, who tied with Phillip Lim in the category of women's apparel.

"This award is such an honor," exclaimed Lauren. "I had no idea how many categories within the fashion industry were being recognized and it's just such a great feeling, especially since we [Dylan's Candy Bar] are trying to reach out to the same consumer."