Cocktail party – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Fashion Group International’s 40th annual Night of Stars at the Plaza Hotel was a testament to the organization’s significant impact on the fashion industry. This grand event, the non-profit’s largest annual fundraiser, was established to recognize the achievements of outstanding individuals in fashion, beauty, entertainment, sustainability, arts, culture, and humanitarian communities, inspiring hope and progress for the future.
Harrison Ball, Zac Posen – photo by Lieba Nesis
The 2024 Night of Stars was hosted by honorary chairs Zac Posen, creative director of Gap Inc. and chief creative officer of Old Navy, model, and author Coco Rocha, and Richard Dickson, CEO of Gap Inc. Zac currently holds the title of Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy.
Coco Rochas – photo by Lieba Nesis
The dinner and awards ceremony was preceded by a cocktail reception hosted by Cyril Verdavainne, a rising star in the fashion industry and this year’s FGI Rising Star co-winner of eveningwear. During her pre-dinner welcoming remarks, FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, who wore one of Cyril’s designs, recognized the unique voices who have been integral in driving the Night of Stars these past 40 years and especially Margaret Hayes and Diane Clehane, who created the event as FGI’s largest fundraiser.
Gary Wassner, Maryanne Grisz, Cole Wassner – photo by Lieba Nesis
I’ve been to every Night of Stars since its inception and recall them as relatively small, intimate affairs held at the Hotel Pierre. Boy, have things changed. Inclusion, community, and philanthropy were the hallmarks of an evening that attracts an increasingly diverse and eclectic group of honorees, presenters, and attendees each year.
Jean Shafiroff, Linda Fargo & Marilyn Kirschner – photo by Lieba Nesis
The event brought together a diverse mix of rising stars and industry veterans including past honorees like Elie Tahari, Dennis Basso (who offered a celebratory toast during dinner), Gary Wasser, and Marylou Luther. Among the 300 guests were influential figures such as Fern Mallis, Linda Fargo, Frederick Anderson, Jeffrey Banks, Jean Shafiroff, Stan Herman, Terry Singh, Andrew Yu, Carlos Compos, Constance White, Jennifer Su, Nicky Hilton, Bibhu Mohapatra, and Ruben Toledo, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Bibhu Mohapatra, Jeffrey Banks & Stan Herman – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Last year, they announced an FGI X Isabel and Ruben Toledo Student Grant at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a renowned institution known for its cutting-edge fashion programs and role in nurturing young talent. This announcement showcased the event’s diverse and comprehensive nature.
Jennifer Su, right, wore a jacket made of white balloons – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The dress code was black tie, but for a New York fashion crowd, that can mean anything and everything, from elegant evening wear to outfits better suited for Halloween. Jennifer Su’s top was made of multiple white balloons. Jean Shafiroff took the word ‘stars’ seriously. There were almost more ‘stars’ in Jean’s gown than in the entire constellation, lol!
Marylou Luther & Marilyn Kirschner – photo by Lieba Nesis
Coco Rocha wore an indigo denim off-the-shoulder jacket and long skirt custom-made by Zac Posen. I was on the same denim wavelength (“think Gap”) with my ensemble: an embellished denim jacket by Alice + Olivia and a Levi mermaid skirt.
“Stay tuned. I still have much more up my beautiful sleeves, including a documentary in the works. Why not? Everyone else is doing one!” – Fern Mallis, FGI, Humanitarian Award Honoree.
Bibhu Mohapatra & Fern Mallis – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Linda Fargo, who never met a leopard print she didn’t love, wore a leopard-printed Oscar de la Renta dress. Fern Mallis, known for her love of caftans, was dressed by her dear friend, designer Bibhu Mohapatra, who she thanked during her speech.
Fern Mallis and group – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Fern Mallis was presented the Fashion Group International’s Founder’s Award by Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC. Mallis observes that Ruhle does not back down. She referred to Stan Herman as her “partner in crime” for 10 years at the CFDA and thanked him for his additional 23 years of friendship.
Fern thanked FGI President Maryanne Grisz for making FGI an important force in our industry and she also thanked her team at the 92 Street Y for offering her a platform 14 years ago, which completely changed her life when she was unsure what was next.
Rebecca Vanyo – photo by Lieba Nesis
Mallis, who, among many other things, is “Fashion Godmother” to 8-year-old couture protégé Max Alexander, also noted that over her 30-plus-year career, she’s helped, supported, and championed many designers, including several of last night’s honorees, Reed Krakoff and LaQuan Smith. Indeed, they both acknowledged Mallis in their speeches.
Reed Krakoff – photo courtesy FGI
“He’s sold more bestselling bags than anyone in history, but to know Reed Krakoff means to know that his full design journey goes far beyond the commercial side of fashion.” – Trey Laird, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Laird+Partners
Fashion designer Cyril Verdavainne flanked by models wearing his designs – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Reed Krakow, who received the Fashion Visionary Award from advertising legend Trey Laird, thanked those who saw things he did not see in himself, like Tommy Hilfiger. He also spoke about the incredible relationships and the people who make fashion what it is.
Marc, Heidi and Dixie D’Amelio – photo by Lieba Nesis
Trey noted that Krakoff is a multi-hyphenate creative leader, a truly rare breed, and is simply in a league of his own in all areas of fashion and design. “Reed has a point of view that is uniquely American and at the highest level of design,” said Laird. He’s the guy who can take a New York City paper coffee cup and re-imagine it in Tiffany sterling silver.
Todd Snyder, Anna Ceballos – photo by Lieba Nesis
One of the most poignant moments of the evening was when LaQuan Smith, who recently dressed Kamala Harris for an event in Washington, accepted the Fashion Vanguard Award from his longtime business partner Jacqueline Cooper. Smith, who was given a Singer sewing machine by his grandmother at age 13, spoke about his journey from his grandmother’s basement to the stage, evoking a strong sense of connection and empathy among the audience.
“My clothes are for women who appreciate an unapologetic New York glamour and who are not afraid to be the center of attention,” – LaQuan Smith, Fashion Vanguard Honoree.
He thanked Ms. Cooper for being the “lithium in my battery” ever since they met. He acknowledged her continued support and help in growing his label, which, from the beginning, was all about epitomizing “The New American Sexy” and “The New American Luxury.”
Maryanne Grisz & fashion designer Cyril Verdavainne flanked by models wearing his designs – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The multi-talented singer/actress Kate Hudson presented the Design Heritage Award to Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, Max Mara’s global brand ambassador and omnichannel retail director. Catherine Bomboy Dougherty, senior vice president of global brand integrated communications at Estée Lauder Cos, received the beauty award from Alexandra Devlin, William Morris Endeavor
Frederick Anderson & Linda Fargo – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Marc, Heidi, Charli, and Dixie D’Amelio, the social media and reality stars, took home the Media award. In 2019, when Charli was only 15, she began posting dance videos on TikTok and rose to breakout fame. D’Amelio Brands launched in 2022, and, to date, the company has introduced a line of women’s footwear, a skincare line, and a fan merchandise company. Heidi and Charli also appeared on “Dancing With the Stars,” and the family’s docuseries, “The D’Amelio’s Show,” streamed on Hulu.
Harry Kargman, founder and CEO of Kargo, a leading mobile brand advertising marketplace, was honored with this year’s Humanitarian Award for his work combating poverty in New York City. He was not in attendance as his beloved father-in-law, Arie Kopelman, former President and COO of Chanel, passed away last week at 86. Kargo’s Chief Client Officer Jeannine Shao Collins accepted on his behalf.
Latest Comments:
I look forward to every article. Thank you.
Mary McFadden Designs were sumptuously BEAUTIFUL as is your tribute to her
I feel as if my words were delivered by you, Marilyn! Our time was vibrant with beauty as part of…
Great insights into New York Fashion Week—finding standout pieces is key!
Laurel Marcus…..loved this article, wish I knew about this show. Please do more of this!
Armani is an icon embodied with transcending style that manifests as beauty!
Designs by Cyril Verdavainne IMPRESSED me!
Fashion Today as shown suggests insecurity and confusion reign supreme!
Designs by Cyril Verdavainne IMPRESSED me!