06/09/2026
My love of fashion started long before I ever knew it could become such a big part of my life. As a little girl, I loved dressing up and I especially loved a pair of white Mary Jane shoes my Dad bought me. I loved those shoes so much I even wore them to bed in my sleep.
Standing on that stage all these years later, being named Fashion Icon of the Year 2026, wearing another pair of white Mary Janes, suddenly brought me right back to that little girl and to Dad. I wish I’d had the chance to tell him that I’d found my white shoes again…
So this award is for Dad, the shoes, and every wonderfully weird misfit who never grew out of wearing what they love and being exactly who they are. Thank you Women in Fashion Global Pitcher Partners 🙏🏻💋👠 VIKTORIA NOVAK