Tory Burch, the celebrated designer whose work has come to epitomize modern American elegance, was awarded Women’s Designer of the Year at the WWD Honors gala this week.
The award was presented at a star-studded evening that recognized fashion industry leaders and changemakers for their resilience, creativity, and influence in 2024.
The gala followed day one of WWD’s Apparel and Retail CEO Summit, which explored the theme, “The Power of Resilience,” a fitting tribute to an industry evolving amidst global challenges.
In the lead-up to the award ceremony, Burch joined her husband and business partner, Pierre-Yves Roussel, for a fireside chat with Jim Fallon, Chief Content Officer at Fairchild Fashion Group. Together, they discussed Burch’s vision for the future of luxury fashion, her commitment to women’s empowerment, and the evolving role of brand responsibility within the industry. Burch’s message echoed the summit’s theme as she highlighted her dedication to maintaining her brand’s core values while meeting the needs of a changing market.
The night’s festivities took a lively turn as actress and comedian Chloe Fineman took the stage to present Burch’s award. Fineman, a celebrated Saturday Night Live alum, delighted the audience with a light-hearted impersonation of Burch—a witty callback to her viral impression from September 2022. The playful moment added a touch of humor and warmth, underscoring the sense of camaraderie and admiration permeating the evening.
Photographed by Noa Griffel, Burch stood resplendent as she accepted her award. Her journey, from her early days on a Pennsylvania farm to her influential career in New York, reflects the all-American inspiration woven into her brand’s DNA. After studying art history at the University of Pennsylvania, Burch cut her teeth working for iconic names such as Zoran, Harper’s Bazaar , Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Loewe. Her vast experience across the fashion and publishing sectors fueled her vision, leading her to launch her namesake brand in 2004 with a singular mission: to build a global luxury lifestyle brand rooted in purpose.
Today, Tory Burch LLC is synonymous with relaxed sophistication, a testament to Burch’s design ethos that draws on the effortless chic of American sportswear. Every piece in her collection is marked by craftsmanship, quality, and a timeless sensibility that resonates with a global audience. But beyond fashion, Burch’s legacy is one of impact. In 2009, she established the Tory Burch Foundation to support women entrepreneurs across the United States, offering them access to capital, educational resources, and a community of support. This pioneering model has become an industry standard for socially responsible brand-building, one that underscores Burch’s commitment to empowering women around the world.
With her recognition as WWD Women’s Designer of the Year, Tory Burch cements her role as not only a fashion innovator but also a champion for purpose-driven luxury. The honor celebrates her achievements in both design and social impact, recognizing a designer who has built a brand that resonates far beyond the runway. For Tory Burch, this is not just an accolade but a reflection of a career dedicated to resilience, authenticity, and the empowerment of women—a legacy that inspires and elevates the fashion world.
