For Immediate Release
January 23, 2012
Fashion Group International® (FGI) Toronto announces
first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
-- FGI award bestowed posthumously on Canadian fashion innovator Shirley Cheatley --
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Chapter of Fashion Group International® (FGI) bestowed its first annual Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously on Shirley Cheatley, a long-standing member of FGI and daughter of the Toronto chapter’s founding member, Elen Henderson. The Lifetime Achievement Award has traditionally recognized members who are industry icons or leaders in other Fashion Group chapters around the world. Accepting this honor on behalf of
Mrs. Cheatley was her widow Peter, son Peter and daughter-in-law at the chapter’s Annual General Meeting held earlier this week. Mrs. Cheatley passed away in September 2010.
“Since FGI Toronto’s inception in 1958, many people have voluntarily given their time and devotion to the organization. We wanted to establish an award that recognizes the significant contributions of truly outstanding members who have gone above and beyond,” said Leesa Butler, regional co-director, Fashion Group International Toronto.
“Shirley Cheatley was instrumental in children’s fashionwear,” commented Farley Chatto, regional co-director, Fashion Group International Toronto. “We are proud to showcase a woman who played a key role in our chapter for so many years. She will be greatly missed, not only by FGI but by the entire fashion community,” added Chatto.
Mrs. Cheatley sat on the Board of Directors, numerous committees and was the longtime chair of archives for Fashion Group. Her most recognized accomplishment was the transformation of her mother’s small, designer childrenswear local retail destination, into a multi-million dollar international enterprise. Under Shirley’s leadership, the production grew from one line to four including, E-H Girls' Dresses, Elen Henderson Baby, Harper's by Rosemarie and O for boys. Mrs. Cheatley received many industry awards for merchandising excellence including an Ontario Fashion Design Award. During her tenure with FGI, she served for over a decade in various capacities: Treasurer in 1967, Director in 1969, Chair of the Awards Committee and Chair of Archives.
About FGI
Fashion Group International (FGI) is a global, non-profit professional association established in 1928 with more than 5,000 members of influence including executives, designers and entrepreneurs representing all areas of the fashion, beauty and design industries. With more than thirty chapters around the world, FGI provides a high-profile forum to promote fashion and beauty. For more information on Fashion Group International Toronto, visit www.fgitoronto.org or follow on Twitter @fgitoronto.