Inside the Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars Awards Gala
“The artistic practice of fashion is a daily act of self-invention.” These words from seven-time Tony winner Jordan Roth rang through New York’s iconic Rainbow Room last night, where esteemed guests gathered for the 41st annual Fashion Group International (FGI) Night of Stars awards ceremony. FGI’s annual black-tie gala serves as a fundraiser for the organization’s year-round charitable initiatives for emerging fashion professionals. Roth’s sentiment, made during his acceptance speech for the Fashion and Art Award, couldn’t be more fitting for the evening as this year’s ceremony honored innovators who merge imagination, technology, and creativity with fashion. This is particularly true of this year’s Fashion Visionary Award winner Iris van Herpen (presented by stylist and image architect Law Roach), known for using 3-D printing and laser cutting to create haute couture designs. Town & Country’s editor-in-chief, Stellene Volandes, also took home the Media Award.
Business trailblazers were also honored throughout the evening. For her impactful work with M.A.C Cosmetics’ Viva Glam Fund, helping to support young men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS, the brand’s senior vice president Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois was given the Changemaker Award; Kerry O’Brien, founder of luxury shapewear brand Commando, was recognized for her 20-year-long legacy with the brand; and Jen Rubio, founder of suitcase brand Away, walked away with the Retail Trailblazers Award. Sarah Wetenhall, owner and chief executive officer of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, was presented with the Leadership in Luxury Lifestyle Award by none other than Martha Stewart.
The host committee featured some of fashion’s influential names like Joseph Altuzarra, Linda Fargo, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Nolan Meader, Jason Wu, and ELLE’s editor-in-chief, Nina Garcia. Under the gold and crystal chandelier in the opulent ballroom, the star-studded crowd also included guests like Julia Fox, Jean Shafiroff, and Fern Mallis. The evening was a powerful display of gratitude and love for fashion, beauty, and the minds that continue to innovate.
Below, take a closer look inside the event.
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine’s beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys romcoms, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.