Vera Wang Presents Inaugural Solstiss-Academy Award to Nicole Alsonso

by · WWD
Nicole Alsonso accepts her award.Gerardo Somoza

Vera Wang presented the inaugural Solstiss-Academy Award to Nicole Alsonso, a student at Instituto Marangoni, naming her America’s Top Fashion Student at the inaugural Solstiss-Academy soirée held Friday.

The event was held at Villa Albertine the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York City.

The highlight of the evening was a runway presentation of student designs from 10 participating fashion schools, each crafted with traditional French lace and haute couture fabrics provided through the Solstiss-Academy. Wang then presented the award to the 22-year-old Alsonso for her creation. She won $5,000 of Solstice lace and a crystal award.

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Students from Parsons School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, Pratt Institute, the Rhode Island School of Design, Otis College of Art and Design, the San Francisco Academy of Art University, University of Redlands, ASU-FIDM, Istituto Marangoni Miami and Kent State University participated in the competition.

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The soirée drew leading designers, industry executives, cultural representatives and fashion media to celebrate emerging American talent and the enduring relationship between French craftsmanship and American design.

Vera WangGerardo Somoza

“I was impressed that over 200 attended the first Solstiss-Academy Award Soiree. Guests flew in from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami and Paris. I was very touched and grateful for the overwhelming support form the fashion industry for the Solstiss-Academy, and to see the creations of the Class of 2026 on the runway. It was very special to me,” said Francois Damide, president and chief executive officer of Solstiss Inc.

The winner was selected by a distinguished panel of leading fashion designers and executives, based on creativity and the innovative use of Solstiss lace.

Guests included Frederick Anderson, Bonnie Young, Epperson, Maryanne Gritz, Nicole Fischelis, Alva China, Fern Mallis, Phillip Bloch and Rebecca Moses.

Founded in Caudry, France, Solstiss is a world leader in French lace creation and manufacturing, with a heritage rooted in traditional craftsmanship dating back to the 19th century.

Established in 2023, the Solstiss-Academy gives emerging designers access to traditional French lace and haute couture fabrics, helping them develop their skills and bring innovative designs to life.