 Abboud was the first designer to win the CFDA award as Best Menswear Designer two years in a row.Many of Abboud's famous friends are also his customers, including American trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, author and former TV news anchor Tom Brokaw, and former Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra.Abboud sold his trademarks and name to JA Apparel for $65 million in 2000.