The acclaimed Danish-American designer has been honoured as Designer of the Year at the 2025 American Image Awards held this spring in New York City
Yesterday, the American Apparel & Footwear Association unveiled the honourees for its 2025 American Image Awards, taking place on the 29th of April in New York City. Celebrating the most outstanding achievements in the fashion industry, the event recognises brands and individuals for their excellence and innovation across various sectors, from design and manufacturing to retail and the full product lifecycle.
Among the creatives highlighted at this year’s ceremony is acclaimed Danish-American designer Ulla Johnson, who has been named Designer of the Year. She is joined by other visionary honourees, including American Textile Co., spotlighted as Company of the Year, and D’Wayne Edwards, president at Pensole Lewis College, acknowledged as Fashion Maverick. Taking to Instagram, Johnson described her recognition as a “great honour.”
Ulla Johnson at her brand's SS25 showcase during New York Fashion Week last September. Photo: Getty
Johnson, whose father hails from Denmark, has been in the fashion business for over 25 years, establishing her eponymous label in 1998 fresh out of university. The daughter of archaeologists, Johnson travelled extensively with her family to far-flung locales – a continuous source of inspiration for the designer, which she blends with a contemporary New York aesthetic. Her bohemian yet sleek designs, characterised by bold colours, vibrant prints, rich textures and feminine, flowing silhouettes, are celebrated for their masterful fusion of artistry and craftsmanship. Johnson often collaborates with artisans from across the globe, including in Peru, Kenya, India, and Uruguay, supporting and empowering predominantly female-led communities in rural areas.