William Rast honored

Los Angeles– based denim brand William Rast will be named “Brand of the Year” by the American Apparel and Footwear Association at its 33rd Annual American Image Awards, set for April 27 in New York. Founded in 2005 by pop star Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, William Rast is a division of Los Angeles– based People’s Liberation Inc. The AAFA will also name Neiman Marcus “Retailer of the Year.” Uggs Australia will be named “Footwear Brand of the Year.” Ruben & Isabel Toledo will receive the “Fashion Maverick Award.” And Mark Weber, chief executive officer of LVMH and president and CEO of Donna Karan, will be named “Man of the Year.”