"These are the winners who actually set the bar higher for the rest", Michael Atmore, FN's editorial director explained as he opened the event sponsored by Zappos Couture, FFANY and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America.

Winner’s reactions were know on the spot. Nicole Richie awarded the first prize of the night for Influencer of the Year, immediately reacted: "I don't consider myself a [style influencer], because I have been influenced by so many womenmy mother being one, Sarah Jessica [Parker] being another”, adding, [This award] is a great encouragement to [our team]", thanking Nordstrom for giving the collection its first home.

Kevin Bailey accepted the Brand of the Year Award for Vans, thanking the brand's retailers, including presenters Opening Ceremony: "It's not about the celebrity status of a brand... It's about connecting with our base, staying humble".

Brooke Burke-Charvet paid tribute to the Skechers team, who gave her her first modeling gig 20 years ago. She praised the company's charitable efforts as she presented Michael Greenberg with the award for Company of the Year.