Gayle King's Love for Shoes Shines Through as She Presents Favorite Daughter with Launch of the Year Award at 2025 FNAAs

On Wednesday, Gayle King attended the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City to present the Launch of the Year Award to sisters Erin and Sara Foster of Favorite Daughter. The brand, which began in partnership with Centric Brands in 2020, made a notable entry into the footwear market this year with support from Caleres.

King described the special occasion as a union of her two passions: I have two things I love deeply: remarkable, stylish, strong women, and stunning, sophisticated shoes. Tonight, Im celebrating both.

Dressed in a full Favorite Daughter ensemble featuring a plum suit and black pointed boots, King emphasized the transformative power of shoes. People say chocolate, cheeseburgers, and desserts are treats. But shoes? Theyre carb-free. They boost confidence, enhance moods, and, yes, attract attention. The right pair can change how you move, how you feel, and how you enter a room. Shoes have magic, she said, echoing Marilyn Monroes famous sentiment about footwear and empowerment.

King highlighted the craftsmanship of Favorite Daughter, sharing details about her own outfit. She praised the brands attention to detail and playful approach to sizing, noting the care the Fosters put into every piece.

The label is projected to reach $100 million in sales this year. King also spoke about the new shoe collection, which includes boots, pumps, flats, loafers, and sneakers that combine style and comfortwhat the brand affectionately calls C for Comfort.

Describing the line further, King said, Favorite Daughter footwear is bold, sleek, and compelling. Its timeless, fun, and undeniably cool, with a strong, distinct identity.

She also praised the cofounders, Sara and Erin Foster, for their hands-on approach. Theyre involved in every detail, from design to marketing, attending all fittings and approving fabrics. They dont just lend their namethey live the brand, King said.

King added that, unlike other brands that might rush growth, the Fosters prioritize understanding their discerning customers. The collaboration with Caleres has produced shoes built to last.

Beyond footwear, the sisters are involved in other creative projects, including the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, with Erin as creator and Sara as executive producer. King celebrated their multifaceted talents, noting, Like their shoes, the Fosters inspire and captivate. Theyre impossible not to admire.

King recalled a touching backstage moment with Coco Gauff and Storm Reid, where Sara Foster connected with Gauff to FaceTime her daughter before the tennis star took the stage.

For 39 years, the FN Achievement Awardsoften called the Shoe Oscarshave honored style icons, innovative brands, emerging talents, and industry leaders. The 2025 event was supported by Caleres, Listrak, Nordstrom, Skechers, Vibram, and Wolverine Worldwide.

Commentary: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Vision in Footwear

Attending the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards, I witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful design and entrepreneurial vision. Presenting the Launch of the Year Award to Erin and Sara Foster of Favorite Daughter highlighted how a brand can combine creativity with business acumen. Since partnering with Centric Brands in 2020, the Fosters have cultivated a footwear line that balances style, comfort, and distinct identity.

Favorite Daughter's collection, supported by Caleres, demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a playful yet practical approach to sizing. Their boots, pumps, flats, loafers, and sneakers reflect a philosophy that footwear should enhance confidence and mood—a sentiment I echoed while wearing their plum suit and black pointed boots. The projected $100 million in sales this year underscores the brand’s growing influence in the market.

What stands out most is the Fosters’ hands-on involvement in all aspects of their brand. From design to marketing, they maintain a direct connection with their customers and ensure quality craftsmanship. Beyond footwear, their creative ventures, including the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, demonstrate the breadth of their talent and vision. The FN Achievement Awards remain a testament to celebrating innovation, style, and the leaders shaping the future of fashion.

Sources:

• Gayle King Shares Love of Shoes While Presenting Favorite Daughter With Launch of the Year Award at 2025 FNAAs