Lebanese influencer Karen Wazen celebrated her sister Andrea Wazen's winning of the Emerging Talent prize at the Footwear News Achievement Awards. Wazen expressed joy and satisfaction, thanking Michael Atmore, chief brand officer and event director, stylist Jill Jacobs, and her team for recognizing her as this year's emerging talent. She thanked stylist Jill Jacobs for presenting the award and her team for their support.

Andrea, a creative, dedicated her award to her beautiful city, Beirut, her source of inspiration, and her home. She was among a list of creatives whose offices, ateliers, and boutiques were destroyed by the deadly explosion on Aug. 4.

Andrea, a Lebanese designer based in Beirut, received an award for her work in the city, which has been impacted by various events such as the economic collapse, revolution, pandemic, and explosion. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that it was unreal considering the challenges she had faced in the past year.

Andrea, a talented designer, has won the best emerging talent award at the Footwear News Awards. Her sister, Karen, who owns an eyewear brand, celebrated her success with her five million Instagram followers. Andrea's designs have been worn by A-listers and It-girls worldwide, including Katy Perry, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Cardi B. Karen, who has her own eyewear brand, expressed her pride in her sister's success.

Dancer Maddie Ziegler recently wore Dassy PVC pumps, clear pointy-toed heels with black-strap detailing, during the MTV Movie and TV Awards, marking the latest celebrity to endorse her designs.

Arab designer Wazen was among the recipients of the virtual FN Achievement Awards, while Jordanian-Romanian footwear designer Amina Muaddi was named Collaborator of the Year for her collaboration with Rihanna-founded Fenty.

Andrea, a passionate designer, attended the Fashion Design bachelor course at Istituto Marangoni Paris and later worked for leading footwear brands like Ralph Sanderson and Christian Louboutin in London. Her time in these fashion capitals helped develop her creative vision and skills, leading her to create her own footwear brand. Andrea is known for her light, feminine style and delicate fabric, creating elegant, recognizable "shoe couture" designs with a blend of craftsmanship and elegance.

Andrea Wazen won the Accessories Designer Award by Fashion Trust Arabia in 2020 and the Emerging Talent Of The Year Award by Footwear News Achievement Awards. In 2022 and 2023, she was nominated by Middle East as one of the Top Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands.

Lebanese shoe designer Wazen, trained under Rupert Sanderson and Christian Louboutin, established her brand in 2013 after relocating to the UK. She studied at the Istituto Marangoni Italian fashion school and has a wide presence across Europe, including Saks Fifth Avenue, LUISAVIAROMA, Neiman Marcus, Level Shoes, and Ounass. Wazen's shoes have been worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Lopez, and Winnie Harlow.