A$AP Rocky, who took home the Collaboration of the Year award with Puma at the Footwear News Achievement Awards the day before, is a native of Harlem. He and his parter gave back to his hometown in laidback, chic outfits. Rihanna wore a sweatshirt-dress with knit boots while A$AP rocked Puma sneakers with blue jeans and a leather jacket over a sweatshirt. Also at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem were Dapper Dan, Danielle Guizio, Colm Dillane and Emory Jones.

Jones introduced A$AP Rocky before he accepted his award at the FNAAs on Wednesday. Rocky took home his FNAA on Wednesday eight years after Rihanna won the Shoe of the Year award in 2016 for the Fenty Puma Creeper.

“Honestly, this is just like one of the best accomplishments ever,” he said in his acceptance speech at the awards show held on Dec. 4 at Cipriani South Street. “You know, I was inspired. I saw my lady receive this thing almost a decade ago. Like she inspires me a lot.”

He continued, “But besides that, you know, the thought of me being with Puma and making collaborations is a gift. I mean, I didn’t even think that was really possible. And look at us now, you know what I’m saying? It was always just like, it just felt like it was something missing in the market. And it was me, I was missing.”

Jimmy Choo is finally returning to Madison Avenue with a new flagship that is just a few blocks down from its former location.

The brand’s new spot on 667 Madison Avenue introduces a renewed retail aesthetic, where each Jimmy Choo boutique offers a one-of-a-kind environment and experience. See all the photos from the store below.

Also at the dinner was Ruth Negga, who looked chic in a pair of strappy black heeled sandals and a feathery light gray shift dress. Sharp formal looks could be seen throughout the night, with plenty of blazers accenting a range of footwear. See looks from the dinner below.

The awards ceremony took place at Cipriani South Street on Dec. 4, in New York City and the biggest and most important names in the shoe industry were present to honor this year’s honorees which included Martha Stewart, A$AP Rocky, Kenneth Cole, New Balance and more.

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.

There were some emotional moments from presenters, touching speeches from the honorees, the famous guest mingling and more fun surprises like Rihanna making her way to the stage. Take a look at some of the behind the scenes moments you may have missed and as the stars mingled and celebrated one another at FN’s annual event.

The 2024 awards ceremony, held in New York City on December 4th, brought together a diverse mix of celebrities and industry leaders. Notable honorees included Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden, who was named Person of the Year, and designer Kenneth Cole, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event also recognized the achievements of A$AP Rocky, in partnership with Puma, for Collaboration of the Year, and celebrated the influence of rising style icon Angel Reese.

Other notable awards included Retailer of the Year, which was awarded to JD Sports, and the Emerging Talent Award, presented to Philéo Landowski. Skechers was also recognized for its social impact, receiving the Icon Award for Social Impact. The FNAA’s continue to showcase a wide range of accomplishments within the footwear industry, highlighting not only individual and corporate success but also significant contributions to society.

The 2024 FNAA was a vision of who’s who of Hollywood, fashion, and footwear. The star-studded list included Rihanna, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and Martha Stewart. These portrait shots show a little of the magic of the evening.

It was a full circle, and emotional, moment for the couple as A$AP Rocky accepted the Collaboration of the Year Award with Puma — eight years after Rihanna stood on the FNAA stage to accept the Shoe of the Year award for her Puma Fenty Creeper.

Rihanna couldn’t have been a more supportive cheerleader during Rocky’s big night. She proudly brought his FN cover on stage when he asked the entire Puma team to join him for his big moment. And a few minutes earlier, she captured Rocky’s remarks on her cell phone from the audience. After the event wrapped, Rihanna and Rocky greeted the crowd, posing with Icon honoree Martha Stewart, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kenneth Cole and many others.

Perhaps the night’s best photos came during the couple’s turn in FN’s portrait studio. Check out all the action from the big night at Footwearnews.com

This year’s red carpet event attracted a constellation of prominent figures including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Nicky Hilton, Gabby Thomas, and more beside industry stalwarts like Kenneth Cole and Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden, who are set to receive major accolades. The gala not only spotlights seasoned entrepreneurs and designers but also acknowledges emerging talents and influential collaborations, including A$AP Rocky’s partnership with Puma, which earned the Collaboration of the Year.

Here, we go through some of the standout shoes of the night from a pair of Sneex sneaker heels to some unreleased Adidas heat.

This year’s red carpet event attracted a constellation of prominent figures including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Nicky Hilton, Gabby Thomas, and more beside industry stalwarts like Kenneth Cole and Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden, who are set to receive major accolades. The gala not only spotlights seasoned entrepreneurs and designers but also acknowledges emerging talents and influential collaborations, including A$AP Rocky’s partnership with Puma, which earned the Collaboration of the Year.

Footwear News’ Editorial Director, Michael Atmore, emphasized the 2024 ceremony as a tribute to outstanding business acumen and innovative design prowess across the industry. “The 2024 class of winners reflects incredible innovation, design prowess and business acumen. We are honored to reward the leaders, the brands, and the emerging talents that have shaped the year in shoes and celebrate the powerful and inspiring stories behind their achievements.”

Notable recognitions include New Balance as Company of the Year, Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura as Designer of the Year, and Martha Stewart receiving the Icon Award. Moreover, social impact also takes center stage with Skechers being honored for its contributions to societal well-being.