NEW YORK, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Joseph Abboud, Chief Creative Director of Tailored Brands Inc., has been named 2016 Person of the Year by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). The award will be presented to Abboud at the 38th Annual American Image Awards in New York City on Tuesday, May 24^th.

The AAFA American Image Awards honors those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry including education, design, manufacturing and retail. Each year, the Person of the Year award recognizes an undisputed leader who has achieved business success, inspired others and demonstrated innovation within the fashion industry.  

“Inspiring confidence and creativity through timeless style has been extremely rewarding,” said Joseph Abboud. “It is that moment when the consumer becomes the best version of themselves. I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award.”

Abboud has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for over 30 years. Beginning his career at the iconic Louis of Boston, Mr. Abboud went on to launch his namesake brand in 1987, wrote Threads: My Life Behind the Seams of the High-Stakes World of Fashion in 2004, and received numerous honors such as Menswear Designer of the Year from the CFDA two years in a row in 1989 and 1990. As Chief Creative Director of Tailored Brands Inc., he currently designs for Joseph Abboud and oversees creative for Men’s Wearhouse, Moores Clothing for Men, K&G and Jos. A. Bank, totaling 1,700 doors nationwide. Joseph Abboud tailored clothing is proudly made in America by dedicated and skilled craftsmen at the Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp. in New Bedford, MA. 

“As a designer, entrepreneur and industry change agent, Joseph Abboud is an outstanding choice for this year’s Person of the Year,” said Rick Helfenbein, President and CEO of AAFA. “From his early beginnings to his recent return to the runway, Joseph has championed American style and artisanship, and we’re proud to have him represent our industry.”

The American Image Awards are hosted by AAFA which, through this event, brings together a unique cross-section of influencers to celebrate creativity while drawing attention to how public policy impacts fashion and design. Other 2016 American Image awards and honorees include: Company of the Year: BBC International LLC; Retailer of the Year: Shinola; Designer of the Year: Christian Siriano; and Fashion Maverick: Iris Apfel.

The American Image Awards draws hundreds of apparel and footwear executives, industry influencers, fashion icons, and celebrities to its red carpet event. For the second year in a row, it will benefit Mercy Ships, a global organization committed to providing the world’s impoverished with free basic healthcare and life-changing medical surgeries. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has served individuals in 70 countries, touched 2.5 million patients, and provided over $1.2 billion in services.

More information on the American Image Awards can be found here.

About Joseph Abboud
Since the age of sixteen, Joseph Abboud has been passionate about fashion. He started his career in menswear at Louis of Boston and later Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1987, Joseph Abboud launched his own eponymous label. Shortly after its debut, Abboud was accorded numerous honors including the distinction of being the only designer to have received the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year twice in a row (1989 & 1990) from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Other awards and honors include TheCutty Sark Award for Most Promising Menswear Designer in 1988, the first Woolmark Award for Distinguished Fashion in 1989 and again in March of 1993.

Abboud joined Tailored Brands Inc. (NYSE: TLRD) as its Chief Creative Director in December 2012. Abboud was reunited with his namesake brand in August 2013 when Tailored Brands Inc. acquired JA Holding Inc., the parent company of the celebrated American clothing brand, Joseph Abboud. Abboud re-launched his label, reestablishing the brand as a sophisticated modern-American lifestyle collection. The Joseph Abboud designer collection launched in October 2014 on JosephAbboud.com and is now available at the Joseph Abboud Flagship Store in New York City. For additional information on Joseph Abboud, please visit www.josephabboud.com and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @JosephAbboud and Facebook.

About AAFA
Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its four million U.S. workers, and its contribution of $361 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA stands at the forefront as a leader of positive change for the apparel and footwear industry and delivers a unified voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers. Learn how AAFA wears our mission at www.wewear.org.

Tailored Brands Inc. Press Contacts:
Director of Public Relations All Brands
Diego Louro, [email protected]

Public Relations Marketing Manager – Joseph Abboud
Caroline Smith, [email protected]

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SOURCE Tailored Brands Inc.