The 44th Annual BRAG Gala was held at The New York Hilton midtown Manhattan. This years theme “Dare, Defy, Disrupt,” exemplified the spirit of this years honorees. Honorees included Edward Enninful, Fashion and Style Director at W Magazine, who received the BRAG Business Achievement Award, Shawuan Johnson, SVP/ GMM of Women’s Apparel and Accessories at Tommy Hilfiger, received the BRAG Special Recognition Award and Boris Kodjoe, Patrick Kodjoe & James G. Brown, Jr. founders of ALFA (The Luxury for Custom-Tailored Clothing), where honored with The BRAG JJ Thomas Innovator Award.
Lloyd Boston, TV Host and Style Contributor, hosted of this year’s event and his year’s special music talent included guests DJ Kiss, as well as a live performance by singer/ songwriter Sebastian Mikael.

Honoree Edward Enninful was unable to attend due to travel, however, modeling icon Ajak Deng and W Magazine Market and Accessories Director Karla Martinez accepted on his behalf.

Scholarships were awarded to 31 students who are interested in pursuing careers in fashion and retail related industries.

About the BRAG Gala: Each year as BRAG celebrates excellence in fashion and retail, it also awards scholarships to students who are interested in careers in the industry, have achieved academic success, and exhibit the financial need. As advocates for diversity in retail-related industries, BRAG serves as one of few organizations that offer guidance to high school students, college students and young professionals. To date, BRAG has awarded over $900,000 in scholarships to more than 400 students.