Kate Upton Embraces Old Hollywood Glamour in Black Valentino Gown at FN Achievement Awards 2023
Kate Upton brought her modelesque style to the 2023 FN Achievement Awards on Wednesday in New York, opting for classic touches in a Valentino gown.
To present Sam and Libby Edelman with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Upton paired her black scoop-neck ballgown, which included a voluminous skirt, with gold-colored Sam Edelman heels.
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“I’m so honored that they thought of me,” Upton told WWD about presenting the Edelman’s with the prestigious honor, reflecting on her “relationship early on” with the couple’s brand. The Sports Illustrated model has worked with the footwear designer’s on many occasions throughout the years, including their 2013 urban heritage-themed campaign shot in an undisclosed location in New York.
“Kate’s a total professional, but she’s also one in a million. She changed the fashion and modeling world. She’s an amazing girl,” Sam Edelman told WWD while standing next to his wife Libby, who shined in a silver Simkhai dress with a fringe trim.
Upton’s husband, Houston Astros baseball star Justin Verlander joined her at the event, donning a classic tuxedo. When it comes to dressing for Verlander’s games, the model often dons varsity jackets, baseball caps and other sportswear styles — a style difference from her usual red carpet glamour.
“Sports fashion is a fun. It’s a play on athleisure, from shopping for specific items to finding your personal style within the team’s colors,” Upton said, later adding “I always try to be comfortable, effortless and put together.”
For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. This year’s honorees included Sam and Libby Edelman, Gherardo Felloni for Roger Vivier and Brandon Blackwood. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.
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