Maryanne Grisz welcoming guests, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
On Monday night, Fashion Group International rolled out the red carpet for its 41st annual Night of Stars. For the first time in 26 years, this black tie red carpet gala and awards celebration went back to the Rainbow Room.
To say that things have changed markedly since 1999 (in the world and in the fashion landscape) is an understatement. One thing that hasn’t changed is the Rainbow Room’s incredible views. The choice of venue made for a spectacular, theatrical setting.
Linda Fargo and Jean Shafiroff, photo by Randy Brooke
FGI’s mission remains unchanged, continuing to nurture emerging professionals in the fashion, beauty, and related sectors. Proceeds from the evening support the organization’s mission-driven professional development, mentorship, scholarships, and resources, supporting and connecting fashion and beauty professionals at every stage of their careers.
Philanthropist Lauren Amos, honoree Iris Van Herpen, Co-Chair Alyce Panico, photo by Randy Brooke
Co-Chairs of the event were Alyce Panico & Claudia Poccia. Host committee members were Linda Fargo, Jason Wu, Joseph Altuzarra, Nina Garcia, Nolan Meader, and past FGI honorees Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger.
Martha Stewart, photo by Randy Brooke
Among the luminaries and leaders of the fashion and fashion-adjacent world, designers, executives, tastemakers, media leaders and leading cultural figures who took the elevator up to the 65th floor of 30 Rock were FGI President Maryanne Grisz, Ken Downing, Fern Mallis, Jean Shafiroff, Dennis Basso, Martha Stewart, Julia Fox, Law Roach, Julia Fox, David Lauren, Wes Gordon and Alina Cho.
Marilyn Kirschner, photo by Randy Brooke
The theme of this year’s event was “Artists & Icons,” and it was more than fitting that the Fashion Visionary award was presented to the inventive Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen. Herpen’s work, which weaves 3D printing, laser cutting, ultrasonic welding, and other technology into haute couture, blurs the lines between fashion, art, and science.
Dining Room, photo Marilyn Kirschner
Celebrity stylist Law Roach was there to present the award to Iris. As Roach noted, the words visionary and genius are thrown around a lot in fashion, but every once in a while, someone comes around who actually reminds us what those words actually mean. Iris turned couture into something cosmic. She takes air and turns it into structure. She takes science and turns it into sensual. She infuses technology with a heartbeat.
“You see Iris’s work and you don’t just look at it. You feel it,” says Roach. Every piece is a conversation between the future and the divine. Iris is a real visionary. Her work has changed how we see the human body and what we believe it can become. It’s not just about fashion or being seen. It’s about being felt. It’s about connection.
Iris thanked philanthropist Lauren Amos for her continued support, and she thanked Fashion Group for celebrating everyone last night and “believing in the universal language of imagination and creativity that moves us all.”
Jordan Roth, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Not only was Jordan Roth, dressed in pink Comme de Garçons for the occasion, the recipient of the Fashion & Art Award, the award was made with Jordan in mind, noted award-winning journalist Alina Cho, who, dressed in Chanel, was there to present Jordan’s award, at his request.
Julia Fox, photo Randy Brooke
There is no question that the seven-time Tony award winner, couture aficionado, and fashion innovator is an actual work of art. Recognized as a fashion innovator, Roth is a significant figure in couture and is frequently named on the “best-dressed” list.
In his speech, Jordan spoke about his creative and rigorous practice of celebrating “narrative fashion”. For Roth, it is more than simply getting dressed. The artistic practice of fashion is a daily act of discovery.
It’s a demanding exercise. “We are each of us, the art of our own design. I have a team that gets me into my clothes, but only one person gets me out of them; my husband,” Richie, he joked.
Town & Country’s popular editor in chief and editorial and brand director, Stellene Volandes, was presented with the Media Award by David Lauren (early in her career, she worked at Ralph Lauren). It was very apparent in Stellene’s speech that she is lucky to do what she loves. Above all, Stellen loves that her job brings her together with the creative people she adores.
Among the three key business forces also recognized on Monday night were Sarah Wetenhall, the owner and chief executive officer of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla., who picked up the Leadership in Luxury Lifestyle award.
Another executive, who is accustomed to dealing with travelers, was also among the honorees: Away and Trove’s Jen Rubio was given the “Retail Trailblazer” award. Commando’s Kerry O’Brien received the FGI Founders’ Award. The Changemaker Award was presented to MAC Cosmetics’ Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois.
“A Room with a View,” photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Upon exiting, all guests were gifted with a large black goody bag filled with an assortment of items, many courtesy of the evening’s honorees. Included were various cosmetics (Sisley, Nars, MAC, Shiseido), fragrance (Pierre Cardin’s CHOC), the October issue of Town & Country, and The Ballet Signature Bodysuit from Commando.
