The rebirth of Sui: Anna on top

 

Earlier this week, the CFDA announced that 1990's rockn'roll design icon Anna Sui would receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime achievement awardat this year's Fashion awards; scheduled to air Monday.   This prestigious award, which puts Anna in the ranks with fashion power-houses such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren solidifies her position as one of the most influencial American designers in recent history.

It is now known that Anna has also received the 2009 Fashion Icon of the Year, at the China Fashion awards held recently, giving her international, multicultural recognition not common in the industry.

Anna Sui began her rise to glory in the 1980's.  After attending Parsons and doing time at Junior sportswear labels, Anna is fabled to have begun designing her own line out of her New York City apartment.

In 1991 the first Anna Sui runway show was held, and received massive critical acclaim and media coverage.  Following the show, the first Anna Sui retail shop was opened, complete with the red floors, purple walls and dolly-head manequins which would become her trademark; "goth-chic" .

Over the years the Anna Sui line saw ups and downs as her Rock and Roll sensibilities came in and out of  vogue.  Despite the sometimes fickle fashion audience Anna stayed true to her self, and her design principles churning out one glittery music-infused show after another, making her a favorite with musicians.

Now, nearly 20 years after her first major show, Anna has risen to the top of her industry.  Through awards, increased sales, and her collection's inclusion on the chic mega-hit show Gossip Girl, Anna has proven once and for all that she is a rockin' fashion force to be reckoned with.

Congratulations Anna Sui!