Kith just keeps winning.
Founder, creative director and CEO Ronnie Fieg — who accepted his fifth FN Achievement Award on Wednesday night, this time for Retailer of the Year — outlined for attendees the difference a year can make.
“Just one year ago, I had seven shops. One year later, this year, we have 14 shops. That was pretty difficult,” Fieg said during his speech at the 37th annual FN Achievement Awards, held Wednesday at Cipriani South Street in New York.
In 2023, Fieg opened Kith’s Toronto flagship in September, marking its entry into Canada. Prior to that, Fieg opened a Kith store in January in Beverly Hills, Calif., followed by two stores in March: one in Miami in the city’s upscale Design District, and one in Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
This expansion could not be done without a strong team in place, which Fieg acknowledged in his speech, applauding them for their efforts. Fieg especially took a moment to thank Kith COO Nick Annacone, who has been by his side throughout his retail journey, and shared a story of their humble beginnings.
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“In 2011, 12 years ago, before we opened our first door, Nick was an intern. I had five employees and he was one of them,” Fieg said. “About two months before opening the shop, we were sleeping in the store and building the store with our own hands. We had an 800-sq.-ft. small shop in SoHo, we were literally carrying the tiles out from the truck and Nick cut his finger, went to the hospital, turned white. I thought he was going to die. He ended up becoming the COO, and is still very close with me.”
Fieg’s work with Kith was also lauded by New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, who presented the retail visionary with the award. In November 2022, Fieg — in addition to the many hats he wears at Kith — became the first-ever creative director of the Knicks.
“Ronnie once told me he had the greatest job in the world. I told him, ‘have you ever been in [Madison Square] Garden getting cheered?'” said Hart, getting a laugh from those in attendance. “To start something from scratch, that takes up so much space that it can’t be ignored, that’s an accomplishment few get to experience.”
He continued, “That takes a lot of early mornings, late nights, determination that you can’t fake.”
Using his time on stage to thank others, Fieg also acknowledged Fairchild Media chief brand officer and FN editorial director Michael Atmore for being a champion of the footwear industry.
“Every year I come here and I feel so much better about what I do,” Fieg said. “All year, we work so hard. I speak to my friend Teddy [Santis of Aimé Leon Dore] almost every day and we always say to each other, ‘Man, there’s no awards for what we do.'”
He continued, “You brighten our days and we have something to look forward to every year — and I wouldn’t miss it.”
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.
