(Yicai Global) Oct. 12 -- The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences has held the International Star Diamond Awards in conjunction with Blue Ocean Capital Group and Gitium in Oheka Castle, New York.

Nicholas Perricone, the founder of skincare brand Perricone, received one of the awards, while former baseball player Bobby Valentine, American actor Armand Assante, and the founder of alcohol maker Mezcal 33 Premium Francisco Lozano also received honors.

Distinguished guests in attendance include Hilton Group heir and fashion designer Nicky Hilton as well as James Rothschild, Hollywood star Tony Lo Bianco and baseball player Derek Jeter.

Nicky Hilton expressed her preference for Chinese designers at the event. "I like clothes designed by Chinese designers, they are very elegant," she said. "I gain a lot of inspiration from them"

Set up by AAHS, the International Star Diamond Awards are highly thought of in the high-end service sector. Previous winners include prominent figures such as incumbent US President Donald Trump and Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York.