Jessica Simpson, the singer and reality star turned fashion entrepreneur, has been recognized as an icon in the footwear industry. She will receive the Icon Award at the 2023 Footwear News Achievement Awards, which will be held in New York City on Nov. 29.
Jessica Simpson launched her eponymous brand, The Jessica Simpson Collection, in 2005 with her mother Tina and industry veteran Vince Camuto. The brand started with footwear and expanded to include a variety of categories and licenses within fashion, accessories and beauty. The Jessica Simpson Collection became a billion-dollar company that resonated with consumers of all ages with its on-trend and accessible style.
In 2021, Simpson and her mother reacquired full ownership of the brand from Sequential Brands Group, a move that enabled them to launch new categories and build out the brand’s e-commerce efforts, which became profitable in just two years. The brand continues its longstanding footwear licensing partnership with Camuto Group.
A Long Career in Entertainment and Fashion
Jessica Simpson has been in the entertainment business for more than two decades, starting as a pop singer and then becoming a reality star with her show “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica” with her ex-husband Nick Lachey. She also ventured into acting, appearing in movies such as “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Employee of the Month”.
Simpson has also been known as a style icon, often making headlines for her outfits and hairstyles. She has graced the covers of many magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and InStyle. She has also collaborated with other celebrities and brands, such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, MAC Cosmetics and Weight Watchers.
A Role Model and an Inspiration
Jessica Simpson has been praised for her honesty and authenticity, especially in her memoir “Open Book”, which was published in 2020. In the book, she opened up about her struggles with addiction, body image, divorce and sexual abuse. She also shared her journey of finding happiness and sobriety with her husband Eric Johnson and their three children: Maxwell, Ace and Birdie.
Simpson has also been an inspiration for many women and girls, who admire her for her confidence, resilience and success. She has been involved in various philanthropic causes, such as Operation Smile, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Skin Cancer Foundation. She has also been a vocal advocate for body positivity, diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
A Well-Deserved Honor
Jessica Simpson will be the third honoree to receive the Icon Award at the annual awards show, following Iris Apfel in 2016 and Kathy, Nicky and Paris Hilton as a trio in 2021. The award will celebrate her long and impressive career in footwear and fashion, as well as her status in pop culture and society.
Simpson said that she was honored to receive the award and that it was beautiful to be celebrated for trusting her own voice. She also said that being an icon meant having a legacy that transcended time and space, and that she was grateful that her spirit had connected with people who needed it.
Michael Atmore, editorial director of Footwear News and chief brand officer of Fairchild Media Group, congratulated Simpson for defying the odds and becoming one of fashion’s longest-running success stories. He also said that Simpson was embarking on the next big chapter of her evolving brand story, and that he was thrilled to bestow her with the industry’s highest honor.
