AAFA American Image Awards
The American Apparel & Footwear Association will host the 50th AAFA American Image Awards on April 21, returning to Gotham Hall in NYC! This year's event will honor incredible leaders of today and look back at the forces that shaped our past.
We invite you to join us at the gala, and to experience our exciting conversation with Nina Flood, Timberland's global brand president since 2023.
Fashion Maverick
Timberland
Nina Flood, Global Brand President, accepting
As the driving force behind Timberland's vision and cultural relevance, Nina reflects upon Timberland’s 1970s beginnings, connecting with the consumer of today, and the brand's consistent values. Read on as she takes pride in the company's craftsmanship, authenticity, integrity, purpose - and vision for the future!
As we celebrate America's 250th this year, is there a product launch in your 50+ year story that resonates as an iconic moment in U.S. fashion history?
As we celebrate America’s 250th, the launch of the Original Yellow Boot in 1973 stands out. It started with a practical purpose: keeping workers’ feet dry through harsh New England winters. It wasn’t designed to make a fashion statement but to solve a real problem through craftsmanship and innovation.
The boot quickly took on a life beyond its original intent. Embraced across generations, the Yellow Boot became a symbol of durability, function, authenticity, and self-expression. From job sites to city streets, music to fashion runways, it evolved into an icon while staying true to its roots.
This journey mirrors the American story: something grounded in hard work and purpose, growing into a global force without losing its soul. The Yellow Boot reflects the American Dream: humble beginnings, resilience, and the belief that practicality and creativity can shape culture.
More than fifty years later, the Yellow Boot remains proof that authenticity can transcend time, trends, and boundaries. It’s a living symbol of how American innovation can move from utility to icon, from workwear to cultural cornerstone, while staying true to its origins.
Comparing your start in the ‘70s to the Gen Z consumer of the 2020s - how does your consumer continue to relate with Timberland’s brand promise?
When you look at Timberland’s beginnings in the 1970s and the Gen Z consumer of today, what’s striking is how consistent the connection has been. At its core, Timberland was built on craftsmanship and authenticity—values that drove its earliest adoption by culture, from New York City hip‑hop to the Paninaro movement in Milan to the rave scene in London. It wasn’t about trend‑chasing; it was about showing up with integrity and purpose.
That same foundation is exactly what Gen Z is responding to today. This generation has a deep appreciation for craft, transparency, and brands that stand for something beyond aesthetics alone. They value authenticity, heritage, and proof over hype. At the same time, they are paving their own paths.
Gen Z is discovering Timberland not as a nostalgic icon, but as a brand that aligns with their values, on their terms. Just as culture has shaped our brand over the past 50 years, we’re excited to see the influence of Gen Z and future generations over the next 50.
MORE FROM NINA
Get your table or ticket(s) today as we count down to an incredible 50th celebration!
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AAFA is proud to continue the longstanding partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation as our partner and beneficiary.
Benefiting:
Proceeds from the evening support the CFDA Foundation as it advances design and manufacturing innovation through mentorships and business grants. Learn more about CFDA Foundation's programming and initiatives.
For questions about sponsorship or tables, please contact Scott French or Susan Lapetina.
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March 24, 2026
Spring is finally here in Washington and we’ve gathered a few fresh updates shaping the apparel and footwear industry.
South Asian Apparel Leaders Fear Fallout From Ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
March 23: ... Indeed, nervousness pervades the Indian apparel industry, which exported $16.26bn worth of readymade garments in 2025 as per the figures released by the country’s Apparel Export Promotion Council. “From every point of view, we are very concerned,” Chandrima Chatterjee, secretary general of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry told Just Style. Attacks by Iran on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the biggest cause of worry, given the UAE’s key role as an international trading hub and distribution center. (Source: Just Style)
Methodology for Defining Data Requirements for the Digital Product Passport Under the ESPR Framework
March 19: This report presents a practical, step-by-step methodology to define a proposal of which data should be included in Digital Product Passports (DPPs) under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and why it should be included. It complements and extends existing ESPR methodological work by focusing on the semantic definition and prioritization of DPP information requirements within the specific context of the DPP, while also systematically investigating current industry data collection and data-sharing practices across product value chains. (Source: European Commission)
U.S. Furiously Seeks to Avert Potential Monthslong Closure of Strait of Hormuz
March 19: U.S. officials are furiously trying to avert a potential monthslong closure of the Strait of Hormuz, privately acknowledging that reopening the key waterway is a problem without a clear solution and dependent at least in part on what lengths President Donald Trump is willing to go to force the Iranian regime’s hand, multiple administration and intelligence officials tell CNN. “One of the core conundrums of this conflict is the Iranians have real leverage with this, and there’s not an obvious fix for it,” an intelligence official said of efforts to reopen the strait. (Source: CNN)
PTA and MEG Price Volatility Puts Pressure on India’s Polyester Textile Value Chain
March 13: Sharp fluctuations in the prices of key polyester raw materials—Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)—have created uncertainty across India’s synthetic textile value chain, with downstream manufacturers warning of rising cost pressures. Prices of PTA and MEG, essential inputs used in the production of synthetic fibres, filament and yarn, increased by Rs. 20.48 (US $0.22) per kilogram on 10th March before falling by Rs. 14 (US $0.15) per kilogram on 12th March. Despite the partial correction, industry stakeholders said the sudden spike has already begun to affect manufacturers further down the value chain. (Source: Apparel Resources)
LISTEN: Bloomberg Intelligence: Oil Dives as Trump Backs Off Iran Threats
March 23: ... Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, discusses the impact of tariffs. He discusses the industry reaction to the SCOTUS decision on IEEPA. He also talks about how the supply chain crisis caused by the war with Iran is impacting the industry. (Source: Bloomberg Intelligence)
A New Executive Order Further Enforces Made-in-USA Labeling Requirements
March 19: ... Last week, President Trump issued an order that would hold advertisers accountable for making false claims around Made-in-USA labeling. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its Made-in-USA labeling rule, thereby prohibiting the use of Made-in-USA or Made-in-America labeling on products that do not meet the standard. (Source: Advertising Specialty Institute)
CBP’s 4-Part Tariff Refund Process Inches Forward
March 19: ... The agency estimates that it is between 45% and 80% finished with development and testing of the four components of its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, known as CAPE, according to a Thursday filing with the Court of International Trade. (Source: Supply Chain Dive)
Extended Mideast Conflict Would Slow Trade and Growth, W.T.O. Warns
March 19: The World Trade Organization said on Thursday that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could slow global trade and economic growth more than expected, as high energy prices weigh on economic activity, and travel and transport disruptions put pressure on trade and food supplies. The group said it was forecasting trade in goods to grow by just 1.9 percent in 2026, down sharply from 4.6 percent growth in 2025. The group had anticipated a sharp drop-off in trade growth as the effects of President Trump’s tariffs settled in and purchases of expensive artificial intelligence chips slowed. (Source: New York Times)
White House Releases AI Policy Blueprint for Congress
March 20: The White House on Friday published a long-awaited policy wishlist for the federal regulation of artificial intelligence that it hopes Congress will codify into law. The light-touch framework blends the Trump administration’s effort to create a national AI rulebook on issues like political bias within models and reducing barriers to innovation with protections for children and teens online. (Source: POLITICO)
Some Creators Don’t See Immediate Value in Instagram’s Controversial ‘Shop the Look’ AI Test
March 19: Spurred by reports that House leaders are trying to fast-track a bill to separate the U.S. Copyright Office from the Library of Congress, a coalition of consumer rights, industry, open internet and library groups has again sent a letter to the House Committee on Administration urging it to consider the bill on the regular timeline to avoid “unintended consequences.” (Source: Modern Retail)
How Evolving Counterfeit Risks Are Reshaping Brand Protection Strategies and Consumer Trust in a Digitally Driven Economy
March 18: Counterfeiting has moved beyond isolated incidents to become a persistent consideration within modern commerce. As digital marketplaces expand and consumer access increases, the way counterfeit products are encountered, evaluated, and purchased has evolved. According to Marcus Kneen, CEO of SnapDragon, this shift requires businesses to rethink how they approach brand protection, not as a reactive measure, but as an ongoing strategic priority. (Source: International Business Times)
Organizations Warn Fast-Track of Bill to Separate Copyright Office from Library of Congress Would Be a ‘Grave Mistake’
March 17: Spurred by reports that House leaders are trying to fast-track a bill to separate the U.S. Copyright Office from the Library of Congress, a coalition of consumer rights, industry, open internet and library groups has again sent a letter to the House Committee on Administration urging it to consider the bill on the regular timeline to avoid “unintended consequences.” (Source: IPWatchdog)
Jennifer Hanks, AAFA’s Senior Director of Brand Protection, on Capitol Hill today with fellow anticounterfeiting advocates.
A call to Congress on anti-counterfeiting:
Today, AAFA’s Senior Director of Brand Protection Jennifer Hanks delivered remarks on Capitol Hill at the Congressional Trademark Caucus event “Exploring the Growing Problem of Counterfeits in Sports Apparel & Merchandise” to highlight key findings from AAFA's recent study, "Unboxing Fake Fashion Unleashing Real Dangers."
The event was a partnership with the International Trademark Association (INTA), International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Congressional Trademark Caucus co-chairs Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) each spoke along with panelists from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fanatics, Nike, and Under Armour to discuss the impact on brands and to consumers
Related updates are delivered regularly to the Brand Protection Council; join for the next monthly meeting on April 8. For questions, please contact Jennifer Hanks.
Transportation disruptions:
As the flow of goods through the Strait of Hormuz remains at an impasse, AAFA is closely monitoring how the crisis impacts our industry’s supply chains from transportation, material costs, and sourcing. As the situation continues to evolve, we strongly encourage members to participate in AAFA’s Transportation Team, led by Audrey Clark, for timely updates and information.
Trade developments:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing its progress in developing a dedicated system to process refunds for International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs that were ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court last month. AAFA is continuing to monitor the progress and provide guidance to members on obtaining refunds.
We encourage all members to join our next Member-Only Tariff Call on Monday, April 6 at noon ET, and to participate in the AAFA Trade and Customs Committee (TCC). Registration is also open for the next TCC call on April 14. Contact Beth Hughes for questions.
Brands General Counsels Committee spotlight:
AAFA's Brands General Counsels Committee is a dedicated forum to stay ahead of the advocacy and regulatory issues shaping our industry. This group brings together legal leaders to exchange insights, share best practices, and help inform AAFA’s policy priorities. Designed as both an information hub and a collaborative space, the committee plays a key role in strengthening industry engagement and advancing effective, coordinated advocacy. In addition to monthly calls, the Counsel will gather in NYC on June 2. To get involved, reach out to Maureen Storch.
Member Welcome: Shahi Exports
Shahi Exports is India's largest apparel manufacturer and exporter, known globally for ethical, vertically integrated, and sustainable operations.
March-April
March 25 | Online: Webinar: Managing Hazardous Solvents Across Textile Supply Chains
March 30 | Online: Webinar: Driving Credibility Through Certification: Trends Reshaping the Textile Industry
April 1 | Online: Webinar: The Contract-to-Cash Playbook: Reducing Freight Cost Leakage
April 6 | Online: Member-Only Call on Tariffs*
April 8 | Online: Webinar: AI and Supply Chain Risk: Enterprise Challenges and Solutions
April 14-15 | In-Person: Global Supply Chain & Trade Conference
April 20 | Online: Webinar: Building Leather Traceability Beyond Tier 1
April 21 | In-Person: 50th AAFA American Image Awards
April 22 | Online: Monthly Member-Only Shipping Roundtable*
April 27 | Online: Webinar: Sustainability Claims & Biobased Verification
April 27 | Online: Member-Only Call on Tariffs*
April 29 | Online: Webinar: Prove It or Lose It: Affirming Supply Chain Traceability for Cotton and Beyond
*Member-only content
About the American Apparel & Footwear Association
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Representing more than 1,100 world famous name brands, AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.6 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $523 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA drives progress on three key priorities: Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; and Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches this work through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology.
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