Lifetime Achievement Award

Avery Fischer, Ralph Lauren

Avery Fischer is recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for a career that has helped define modern American luxury. Over decades, he has shaped enduring brand standards, mentored generations of leaders and balanced innovation with timeless values. His vision has strengthened global trust in Ralph Lauren and established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire the industry.

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Beauty & Wellness Counsel of the Year

Carol Hee, Sephora

Carol Hee has not only transformed Sephora’s real estate practice but also expanded her responsibilities to encompass Ethics & Compliance when called upon. In an increasingly regulated beauty and wellness sector, she has led the way on new compliance requirements, working collaboratively and consistently demonstrating integrity, sound judgement and values that enable the business to grow without compromise.

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Luxury Leader of the Year

Ellen Brooks, Ralph Lauren

For 32 years, Ellen Brooks has helped protect Ralph Lauren and its heritage. Working with customs officials, law enforcement and outside counsel around the world, she has handled some of the brand’s toughest challenges with sound judgement, grace and humility. She leads by example, treating colleagues with kindness and earning the trust of those she works with. Her exceptional dedication and leadership make her a deserving winner of Luxury Leader of the Year.

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Corporate Counsel of the Year

Paula Barnes, Gucci

Paula Barnes has demonstrated exceptional leadership as part of a tight-knit team, combining clarity, care and commercial focus. By building trust, encouraging collaboration and creating a strong sense of shared purpose, she has contributed to a cohesive team that consistently delivers for the business. Her ability to bring out the best in those around her while providing sound, trusted counsel makes her a deserving winner of Corporate Counsel of the Year.

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General Counsel of the Year

David Eshmoili, David Yurman

David Eshmoili is recognised for protecting David Yurman’s creative legacy while enabling disciplined growth. He aligns intellectual property protection, negotiations and risk management with design integrity and partner trust, safeguarding the house and positioning it for sustainable growth.

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Legal Department of the Year

Gucci

The Gucci legal team is recognised for steering the business through a changing economic climate with calm, principled leadership and commercial focus. The team has balanced cost pressures, shifting regulations and brand risk while continuing to enable growth and innovation. Its clear judgement, trusted counsel and disciplined prioritisation have helped the company remain resilient. Led by David Warren, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer of Gucci Americas, the team is a deserving winner of Legal Department of the Year.

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Fashion Entrepreneur

Busayo Olupone and Margarita Serrano

Margarita Serrano founded her brand with a vision to transform Milan tailoring fabrics into timeless investment pieces for women. Combining craftsmanship with quality, transparency and responsible growth, she creates garments designed to last.

Busayo  Olupona has transformed her Nigerian heritage into a distinctive fashion business. Combining traditional textile craftsmanship with contemporary design, she champions local artisans and brings a bold entrepreneurial vision to an international audience. Both entrepreneurs are recognised for their creativity, craftsmanship and distinctive contributions to the fashion industry.

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Rising Star

Natalia Tenaglia, G-III Apparel Group

Natalia Tenaglia has rapidly distinguished herself in one of fashion’s most demanding legal environments. She played a key role during a landmark year that included the Marc Jacobs acquisition, helping manage complex agreements and safeguard the business with precision and composure. Her clarity, drive and discernment mark her as one of fashion law’s most promising rising stars.

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Fashion Counsel of the Year

Areal Allen-Lee, Hermès

Areal Allen-Lee is recognised for safeguarding Hermès’ heritage while enabling thoughtful innovation. She navigates complex intellectual property, regulatory and partnership matters with calm clarity, protecting brand values and strengthening trust across teams.

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Brand Leader of the Year

Heather Greenberg, Marquee Brands

Heather Greenberg is recognised for steering Marquee Brands through a pivotal luxury expansion, leading the Roberto Cavalli investment and embedding strong brand protections into every agreement. Her approach has balanced creative integrity with global growth, establishing a blueprint for responsible luxury brand stewardship.

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