Tracy Margolies was honored with the Hall of Fame Award at the 2023 Footwear News Achievement Awards — where the Saks Fifth Avenue CMO was digitally introduced by none other than designer Christian Louboutin.
“You’re truly gentle, and such a dedicated person — to the extension that sometimes, you’re almost nagging, as you never take no for an answer,” Louboutin wittingly shared in a digital video. “Bravo, my dear Tracy, for this award — more than deserved.”
During her own acceptance speech, Margolies reminisced on her decades of hard work in the fashion industry and how her career has grown over time.
“When I first started my career, it actually felt a little bit more like a hobby than it did the job,” Margolies recalled onstage in New York City. “I was always working towards a career so to be here tonight really means a lot. It’s not so much a hobby anymore, but a lot of it has come together.”
While accepting her award, Margolies notably thanked her team at Saks — including Marc Metrick, Josh Tillman, Ron Thrash and Jennifer Dahlheimer — and shared her passion for products and the fashion community.
“I’m a product person, anyone that knows me. I’ve always enamored by the quality, the craftsmanship,” Margolies said. “Tonight is about the fashion community getting together and really inspiring others, and inspiring for our customers. So, thank you, everyone.”
Margolies was also presented onstage by Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet — who reminisced on their first meeting nearly 20 years ago.
“I had a rack of pants and some swatches, and Andrew Rosen asked her as a favor to me; I was 23, and I’m pretty sure that I rollerbladed to her office with my pant samples in a backpack,” Bendet recalled of first meeting Margolies. “Her talent as both a buyer and a merchant have created a legendary industry success.”
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. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
