Of “Kors”…

Michael Kors & Hilary Swank (Photos courtesy of Museum at FIT)

Yesterday afternoon, Michael
Kors became the 8th recipient of the Couture Council Award for Artistry of
Fashion. The wildly popular, sold out benefit luncheon which officially kicks
off Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, was held, as in the past few years, at the David
H. Koch Theatre. Luncheon chairs were Kamie
Lightburn and Jieun
Wax. The Honorary Luncheon Chairs were: Lauren dePont, Linda Fargo, Vanessa Getty, Patti Hansen,
Iman, Karolína
Kurková, Aerin
Lauder, Sandra Lee, Crystal Lourd, Alexandra
Richards, Theodora Richards, Renee Rockefeller, Jamie Tisch,
Elisabeth von Thurn
und Taxis, Elettra Wiedemann and Anna Wintour.

Guests arriving at the event

Past recipients have been:
Oscar de la Renta (2012), Valentino (2011), Karl Lagerfeld (2010), Dries Van
Noten (2009), Isabel Toledo (2008), Alber Elbaz (2007), and Ralph Rucci (2006).
In 2008, Giorgio Armani received a special award for Global Fashion Leadership.
Of the 8, dare I say, Michael is perhaps the least ‘intellectual’, esoteric; and
the most accessible (he’s the only one whose wares are available on http://www.zappos.com/– LOL), and commercial, (and
let’s not forget that commercial is not a dirty word).  Let’s face it, even if
you can’t afford a Michael Kors collection ensemble, you might be able to swing
for a pair of his cool signature aviator sunglasses, one of his handsome and
distinctive chronograph watches, or any number of the label’s small leather
goods and handbags, which can range in price from $300 for a plain leather tote
to $1,600 for a more substantial design. As he put it, “They have no size, no
age. You could feel you are having a fat day, and you can still wear
accessories”. Certainly, it’s almost impossible to walk down the streets of New
York, or take the subways, without spotting a gal (of any age) carrying a tote,
satchel, top handle, or shoulder bag that is adorned with the familiar
and almost ubiquitous MK logo in gold or silver metal. (It’s something that I
especially make note of, as Michael and I share the same initials!)

Iman, Michael Kors & Patti Hansen

In fact, as the 4th American to be so honored by the Couture Council, he is the only one whose finely
honed vision and aesthetic are consistently and unapologetically all American.
Time and again, he has drawn inspiration from iconic American travel
destinations such as Aspen, Palm Springs, Palm Beach, Malibu, and New York City;
and has channeled famed American fashion icons (Jackie Kennedy, Lee Radziwill,
Ali MacGraw, etc.) in his designs. He is not only well-
respected, but undeniably popular and beloved, and if there was an Award for ”
Best on the Trunk Show Circuit”, he would definitely qualify because his ability
to connect with his customers has been part of his huge success. But that is not
what got him this prize. According to the Museum at FIT’s director, Valerie
Steele, “Michael Kors has been nominated repeatedly by members of the Couture
Council Advisory Committee,” (referring to committee members comprised of
journalists, retailers, and curators). “The committee’s mandate is to not only
look at the previous year’s accomplishments, but at a lifetime of contributions
to fashion.” And what a “lifetime” it has been.

Linda Fargo & Stephano Tonchi

I have known Michael for 4
decades having first met him when I was at Harper’s Bazaar and he first opened
his business (in 1981). It was impossible to not be instantly wooed by his
minimalistic, clean lines and all American sportswear chic. His models have
always looked enviably gorgeous, healthy, glowing, chic, and happy, sauntering
down the runway, and when Michael himself takes his bow, he is always smiling as
well. And why shouldn’t he be? Michael is assuredly doing something right; hey,
he didn’t become the “Billion Dollar Man” for nothing (it was reported that the
revenue for the most recent quarter of his publicly traded company rose to
$640.9 million, an increase of over 54% from last year).

Hilary Swank & Anna Wintour

Guests included Noreen Buckfire, Sharon Bush, Maud Cabot, Suzi Cordish, Christina Davis, Dennis Basso, Nina Rennert Davidson, Susan Magrino Dunning, Fe Fendi, Laura Lofaro
Freeman, Joele Frank, Ann Goldrach, Carole Guest, Carole Divet Harting, Celia
Hegyi, Yaz
Hernandez, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Mariana Kaufman,
Eleanora Kennedy, Michéle Gerber Klein,
Alexandra Lebenthal, Claudia Lebenthal, Petra Levin, Kamie Lightburn,
Jaqui Lividini,
Sharon Handler Loeb, Stephanie Loeffler, Cassandra Seidenfeld Lyster,
Carol Mack, Julie Macklowe, Barbara Malone,
Gillian Miniter, Elizabeth Musmanno, Liz Peek, Emma Pennington, Nancy Shaw Raquet, Barbara Regna, Darcy Rigas,
Judith Ripka, Hilary Geary Ross, Valerie Salembier, Peter G. Scotese, Jean Shafiroff, Patricia Shiah, Cameron Silver, Michelle Smith, Diana Taylor,
Zang Toi,
Jamie Alexander Tisch, Lizzie and Jonathan
Tisch, Barbara Tober, Barbara Vogelstein, Jieun
Wax, Jacqueline Weld, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Sarah G.Wolfe and Valerie Zilkha.

Simon Doonan & Dr. Valerie Steele

After cocktails on the
terrace overlooking Lincoln Center (what a glorious day), guests were seated for
a lovely, light, three course lunch. Valerie Steele was one of the
key women to take the podium and make their remarks. She observed. “Michael’s
success had a lot to do with the love and empathy for the women he dresses”.
“Thank you Michael for making such a beautiful world for all the women who love
your clothes.” Dr. Joyce Brown followed and
noted “Michael has always been true to his vision of luxurious minimalism. It
was at FIT that he got his start. He has established a rare scholarship, through
a million dollar endowment, affording an incomparable opportunity.” Then Liz Peek got up and asked “How lucky are we? We’re back in New York at
a beautiful event. Even if we’re in uncomfortable shoes, it’s all
great!” She then introduced the two time Academy Award winning Hilary Swank, who
would present the award to Michael. She described her as “so believable, real,
simple, classical. She is in perfect harmony with the Michael Kors fashion
image.”

“He has been a great mentor to young talents like Derek Lam and Peter Som”.



“To know Michael is to love him. He is the King of American Sportswear.”



“I am a huge fan, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina
Jolie. He understands and appreciates women. He is a unique person and a unique
artist.”

“So much of what I learned about fashion history, I learned at FIT”.

 

– Marilyn Kirschner

The post Couture Council Luncheon Honors Michael Kors appeared first on lookonline.

The “Oscars”

There are many opinions as to whether or not Lincoln Center is the perfect centralized location for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. What cannot be disputed is that the Couture Council of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has made noble use of New York’s grand iconic cultural epicenter: it has been the venue of choice for the last three Artistry in Fashion Award benefit luncheons.

Dr. Valerie Steele (left) and guest wearing Oscar de la Renta

The highly anticipated and sold out event, now in its 7th year, has indeed become a veritable tradition, and literally heralds the arrival of Fall Fashion Week. Past recipients are Ralph Rucci, Alber Elbaz, Isabel Toledo, Dries Van Noten, Karl Lagerfeld, and Valentino, and the 2012 honoree is Oscar de la Renta. (It’s worth pointing out that Mr. de la Renta is only the third American designer to be so honored). Dr. Valerie Steele lauded him as a “true fashion superstar who has long served as one of the greatest ambassadors of American style. His clothes, which draw on the heritage of Spain and the French haute couture, as well as on the dynamism of contemporary New York high fashion, convey a sense of luxury and drama that have earned him acclaim throughout the world.”

Alexandra Lebenthal wearing Oscar de la Renta

And much of those aforementioned elements were on view midday Wednesday, as out of the approximately 600 guests (most of them women) who descended upon the David H. Koch Theatre to honor the legendary and beloved designer, many were wearing one of Oscar’s designs, (both past and present and actually, it seemed to be more of the former). Among them, Eleanora Kennedy and Alexandra Lebenthal, Co-Chairs of benefit luncheon, Dr. Valerie Steele, Dr. Joyce Brown, Liz Peek, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jamee Gregory, Hilary Geary Ross, Anna Wintour, Fe Fendi, and Diana Taylor, Mayor Bloomberg’s gal pal (I asked Mayor Bloomberg, who was there to present the Award to Oscar) if he was wearing something by the man of the hour, and he laughed and said he was not. By the way, it’s a good thing Roger Federer was not scheduled to play tennis at that same time, because I bet it would have been difficult for Anna Wintour to decide which event to fore-go.

Guest wearing Oscar de la Renta with Iris Apfel

When the well turned out guests including Donna Karan, Iris Apfel, Amy Fine Collins, Carolina Herrera, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, the Bush sisters, Diane Von Furstenberg, Peggy Segal were not wearing ODLR, they were clad in their own designs, or latest and the best: Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Prada. I was actually surprised to see only one woman wearing Miuccia’s graphic geometric pants ensemble, which has almost become a symbol of the season. After all, as the first major fashion event after Labor Day, it has the feeling of the first day of school (in the fashion sense of course). And that means getting right into the season and getting back to business.

Fe Fendi wearing Oscar de la Renta with Kenneth J. Lane

After a welcoming address by Eleanora Kennedy and Alexandra Lebenthal (“We are inching toward an unheard of one million”, is how Mrs. Kennedy described the money raised thus far), Liz Peek made her remarks, followed by Dr. Joyce Brown, President of FIT (she spoke with delight about the “amazing turnout” and hailed the event as “so over the top”). The highlight was undeniably Mayor Bloomberg, a good friend of the designer and a good friend of New York’s fashion business. He was self deprecating, funny, and entertaining, and had the crowd laughing out loud several times. While he acknowledged he owns just two pairs of shoes (which he alternates), and is not necessarily thought of as a “fashionista”, he said, “whoever picked me for this honor, knows their stuff. Whoever picked the winner (Oscar de la Renta), knows their fashion”.

Chiu-Ti Jansen wearing a vintage Oscar de la Renta dress from the 60’s

When he mentioned the words “dazzling, elegant, charming”, he initially joked that he was speaking about himself (“Someone has to give me some credit” he said), but then of course, he started talking about Oscar de la Renta. He got a big laugh when he observed that Oscar’s evening gowns have “graced more Red Carpets than Meryl Streep”. He quickly added “I won’t divulge whether or not I’ve worn any”.

He called ODLR a legend, and said “I’m his biggest fan”.

He referred to him as the “Little Black Dress of high fashion: he never goes out of style.”

“Oscar has made our city better and not just better looking” and he spoke about his generosity and his charitable work.

“Class and elegance describes both Oscar’s designs, and the man”, he said. And then he bestowed the Artistry of Fashion Award, at which time, Oscar came up to the podium.

He called himself a “very lucky man”. “I live in the best country, the best city, and we have the best Mayor in Mayor Bloomberg”.

“I love what I do. Fashion is not about what I DID but what I’m doing NOW”.

“Thank you all for being here. There are too many people to thank (it would fill up the room) but you know who you are”.

“I’ve been at it for 50 years and I’m still learning my craft. I love a challenge.”

Speaking of his learning, honing his craft, and challenges., Oscar will have a chance to show what he has learned next Tuesday, as he unveils his spring 2013 collection, and will again have the challenge of wowing the international fashion community (THE most difficult critics in the world!)

– Marilyn Kirschner

The post The Couture Council Award Luncheon appeared first on lookonline.

Val’s Gals

On Wednesday, a veritable horde of some of the best dressed gals (and guys) in town (from all over the globe), converged on the David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center, to pay homage to the legendary fashion designer Valentino. This year’s illustrious recipient of the Couture Council of FIT’s Artistry of Fashion Award, was selected by the Couture Council Advisory Committee, an independent group consisting of curators, editors, and retailers. Members include Pamela Golbin, curator of the Musée de la Mode; Akiko Fukai, director and chief curator of the Kyoto Costume Institute; Caroline Milbank, independent curator and author; Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar; Hamish Bowles, European editor-at-large of Vogue; Ken Downing, fashion director of Neiman Marcus; Linda Fargo, senior vice president of Bergdorf Goodman; Nicole Fishcelis, vice president and fashion director at Macy’s; and many distinguished others. Dr. Steele serves as chair.

Once again, this wildly popular, highly anticipated, and well attended award ceremony and luncheon which benefits the Museum at FIT, jump started New York Fashion Week in ‘FIT’tingly high style. Last year’s luncheon, which honored Karl Lagerfeld, was the first Couture Council Luncheon held at Lincoln Center, was attended by over 500 guests, and raised over $600,000. This year, they have outdone themselves, surpassing that amount, in both the number of guests and money raised.

(The Couture Council, was created in 2004. Past recipients of The Couture Council Artistry of Fashion Award are Dries Van Noten in 2009, Isabel Toledo in 2008, Alber Elbaz in 2007, and Ralph Rucci in 2006. In 2008, Giorgio Armani also received a special award for Global Fashion Leadership).

Valentino Garavani’s designs are the essence of chic. In fact, his loyal clientele would probably argue that if you look up the word ‘chic’ in the dictionary, there will be a picture of Valentino beside it. He is known for many things, including a timeless, classic, feminine elegance – the complete antithesis of a ‘trends ju jour’ way of thinking. And, of course, the color red.

While he may not have invented the hue, many believe he has perfected it. The color has long been a signature which runs throughout his collections. Indeed, it was very fitting, if not hardly surprising, that many of the guests (who were clad in Valentino, natch), were bedecked in red. So much so, that the David Koch Theatre almost resembled a casting call for the movie ‘Reds’. The effect on this rather gloomy, rainy day, was pretty fabulous. FYI on that same day, taking full advantage of the moment, 1stdibs.com, a sponsor of the luncheon, launched a sale of vintage Valentino Haute Couture. The collection, presented by Rare Vintage owner Juliana Cairone, features about 30 iconic pieces from 1960 to 1980, and items from a home collection Valentino designed in the Seventies.

Among the Luncheon Chairs were Ann Bass, Daphne Guinness, Charlotte Moss, and Diane von Furstenerg; Honorary Luncheon Chairs included Marisa Berenson, Gisele Bündchen. Naomi Campbell, Claire Danes, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Mica Ertegün, HRH Princess Firyal of Jordan, Susan Gutfreund, Anne Hathaway, Iman, Deborra-lee Jackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, André Leon Talley, Barbara Walters, and Natalia Vodianov.

A-list celebrities, fashion industry guests, and social figures who were in attendance: Shirin and Frederic Fekkai, Martha Stewart, Ivanka Trump, Paula Zahn, Dennis Basso, Hamish Bowles, Glenda Bailey, Robin R. Burns, Amy Fine Collins, Renaud Dutreil (Chairman of LVMH Inc.), Tiffany Dubin, Carolina Herrera, Dawn Mello, Helen O’Hagan, Josie Notori, Lisa Perry, Nadja Swarovski, Andre Leon Talley, Adrienne Vittadini, Anna Wintour, Fabiola Beracasa, Matilda Cuomo, Christina Davis, Annette de la Renta, Patricia Duff, Mica Ertegun, Pamela Fiori, Hilary Geary Ross, Agnes Gund, Susan Gutfreund, Michelle Harper, Yaz Hernandez, Evelyn Lauder, Alexandra Lebenthal, Francine Lefrak, Karen Lefrak, Ambassador John Loeb, Carol Mack, Charlotte Moss, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Laura and John Pomerantz, Denise Rich, Elizabeth Rohatyn, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Daisy Soros, Alfred & Judith Taubman, Jamie Tisch, Lizzie Tisch.

Before a delicious Tuscan inspired meal – arugula topped with figs and prosciutto, followed by a main course of breast of chicken with apricots and pistachios accompanied by grilled asparagus oreccchiette pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and olives served in a basil sauce, finished off with lemon sorbet with raspberries, Liz Peek made her opening remarks. Saying proudly “this is our biggest luncheon ever!”, observing that Valentino has “contributed so much beauty to our world”, citing his “exquisite fabrics, his elegance”, and she decreed ,”He’s the best that fashion could deliver”.

Dr. Joyce Brown took to the podium and called the man of the hour “The undisputed maestro of fashion design; he has remained true to his singular vision throughout his career”. Next up was Charlotte Moss who hailed the day as “A day to honor beauty”.

“With skill and generosity, Valentino has spent a lifetime creating beauty.” She told the assembled guests that their goodie bags would include a “Valentino red’ tote from One King’s Lane, and a copy of “The Last Emperor” on DVD. She selected her favorite moment from the movie, which she feels sums up Valentino when he utters: “Beauty. I can’t help it. I can’t help it. It’s not my fault”.

Then came Simon Doonan who hailed Valentino as the “Undisputed King of Fabulosity”, and the “King of Italian Couture”. He then waxed poetic about the “brilliance of Valentino: the generosity, the magnitude. He’s the whole package!”

Anna Wintour, who presented Valentino with his Award, referred to him as “eternally charismatic”, “one of the world’s best couturiers” and observed that he “designs for the life he leads” (which is truly ‘La Dolce Vita’, and so much so, that Gianni Agnelli once remarked, “even I don’t live as well as Valentino”). She also noted that his “greatest acts go unseen” referring to his fight against HIV & Aids, his senior citizen and animal humanitarian efforts. FYI, it’s a good thing her good friend Roger Federer was not playing at the U.S. Open at the same time as this event, because Anna would have probably had to miss the luncheon, knowning how much she loves sitting courtside and cheering RF on.

When Valentino took to the podium to receive his Artistry in Fashion Award, he thanked the assembled crowd and said, “This is an important award. Artistry is the most important part of design for me.”

-Marilyn Kirschner

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