Icons Making Fashion Statements
On November 2, 2024, Boston Fashion Icons held their inaugural gala. This idea was brought to life by one of Boston’s own fashion designers, Thierry Zadi, the creative mind behind VAVA ZADI Designs.
It was on that evening ten individuals were celebrated for their contribution to the fashion scene in Boston. It was an evening of recognition for paving the way for future designers and brands to flourish in Boston and Massachusetts.
Although we learned a bit about each Icon as they were awarded, more of their stories deserved to be shared. People wanted to know how did these amazing individuals survive the GQ stories, the economic downturns, the issues of their time and still shine so brightly.
On May 18, 2024, in front of a standing room only crowd, the Icon honorees gathered again to share their stories and offer some advice, answer questions and provide inspiration for the audience.
As said by Gustavo Leon, awarded his Icon status as an Ambassador to the fashion community, “it’s all about support”. This was the theme echoed by Mike Zotos, awarded Icon for show producer, as he talked about the importance of keeping the community together through the pandemic and how he kept Boston Fashion Awards going through the support of the community.
Making sure the behind the scenes people were well celebrated, Donna Sousa, honored as an Icon for her work in Hair & Makeup, gave the group some great advice, “stay connected to the people you meet and treat them well.” She shared many examples about how this philosphy has allowed her to grow and be supported by those in the industry.
Angela Cornacchio, awarded the Media Icon for her continual support, “from the pit” as a photographer and journalist recording the chronicles of the Boston fashion through her company Scene and Style. She has tirelessly captured the events and told the stories of the brands and businesses that make Boston fashionable and was well-deserving of the recognition.
Photo by Hill Zhou
The evening closed out with the Lifetime Achievement Icon awarded to a name synonymous with glamour in Boston, Yolanda Cellucci. The former owner of Yolanda’s in Waltham, this self-made fashion Icon shared her humble beginnings selling wigs out of her trunk to the full bridal center that she ran for over 50 years.
In response to the comment about the state of fashion here in Boston, Yolanda emphatically said, “We have it all here in Boston!” Her advice for those in the room, “Don’t be afraid to be daring. Don’t be afraid to do what you want to do. When you reach for that sequin dress in the closet and think, maybe I shouldn’t wear it, my girlfriends told me we were going to dress down.” She brought the entire room to applause when she said, “you wear that sequin dress anyway!”
She closed out the night with a statement that captured the essence of the evening, “If you love fashion make your fashion statement, whatever it is!”
Boston Fashion Icon Awards will be held on November 2, 2025, in Woburn. Follow @BostonFashionIcon for details.
