Wes Gordon, Lucien Pagès, Roksanda Ilinčić, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Micaela Erlanger, and Henry R. Muñoz III Honored at the Rainbow Room
Paige Paul, Aerin Lauder, Christian Siriano, Nicole Phelps, Jonathan Saunders, and Tonatiuh Present Awards
NEW YORK (October 14, 2026) – Fashion Group International (FGI) celebrated its 42nd annual Night of Stars gala Wednesday evening, October 14, at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The gala, themed “The Modernists,” brought together leaders from the fashion, beauty, entertainment, and business worlds for a black-tie celebration honoring influential visionaries whose creativity, innovation, and influence continue to shape the broader cultural landscape beyond their respective industries.
- Wes Gordon, Global Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, received the Fashion Visionary Award, presented by Paige Paul, for his creative direction and contributions to modern American fashion.
- Lucien Pagès, fashion communications leader, received the Media Leadership Award, presented by Nicole Phelps, Director of Global Vogue Runway, for his influence in shaping the global narratives of leading fashion houses and creative talents.
- Roksanda Ilinčić, founder and creative director of ROKSANDA, received the Fashion Star Award, presented by Jonathan Saunders, Creative Director of Kate Spade New York, recognizing her distinctive approach to color, form, and craftsmanship.
- Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies, received the Beauty Award, presented by Aerin Lauder, honoring her impact as a brand builder and global beauty industry leader.
- Micaela Erlanger, celebrity fashion stylist, received the Style Award in Honor of Edith Head, presented by Christian Siriano, recognizing her contributions to red carpet fashion, visual storytelling, and the business of styling.
- Henry R. Muñoz III, business leader, designer, and philanthropist, received the Changemaker Award, presented by actor, writer, and producer Tonatiuh, celebrating his impact on design, architecture, culture, and institutional equity.
The chic guest list included Vera Wang, Brandon Maxwell, Linda Fargo, Sybil and David Yurman, Fern Mallis, Ruben Toledo, Vlada Roslyakova, Kate Barton, Gary Wassner, Olympia of Greece, Jean Shafiroff, Katya Tolstova, Olga Ferrara, Nolan Meader, and Sergio Soldano Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, among other notables.
Maryanne Grisz, President and CEO of Fashion Group International, remarked: “Fashion Group International was founded almost 100 years ago by visionary women who understood the power of bringing creative minds together. Their legacy lives on in our mission to connect, educate, mentor, and champion talent at every stage of a career. Tonight, as we celebrate extraordinary achievement, we also invest in the next generation of visionaries who will define the future of fashion, beauty, and our creative industries.”
“This year’s theme, ‘The Modernists,’ feels especially fitting,” remarked Alyce Panico, FGI Chairperson of the Board and Night of Stars Co-Chair, “because being a modernist isn’t simply about what’s new or what’s next. It’s about having the courage to challenge convention, to see possibilities others may not yet see, and to use your creativity and influence to move an entire industry forward. That is exactly what tonight’s honorees represent.”
The evening began with a cocktail reception sponsored by Simon G. Jewelry and hosted by Brooke Brinkman, the diamond jewelry brand’s Chief Operating Officer, followed by a seated dinner and awards ceremony. In celebration of “The Modernists,” Simon G. Jewelry created a commemorative brooch for each honoree, inspired by the evening’s theme and the brand’s approach to craftsmanship and design innovation.
Sergio Soldano, the Italian fashion house guided by Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, was also among the evening’s sponsors. The revived heritage brand gifted its exclusive Sinopia Tote Bags to guests in attendance in recognition of FGI’s enduring influence on the global fashion community.
“The world does not need another beautiful dress or a new handbag. What the world needs are new ways to tell the story of beauty,” said Dario Di Bella, Co-Creative Director of Sergio Soldano. “FGI champions this creative vision, amplifying designers’ voices on the world stage. Our Sergio Soldano Sinopia Tote Bag, created exclusively for Night of Stars, celebrates the artistic intuition that precedes a masterpiece, from the first gesture to the finished creation, when fashion and design become an artistic statement that belongs to the world.”
As one of Fashion Group International’s signature annual fundraising events, Night of Stars supports the organization’s year-round commitment to nurturing and connecting fashion and beauty professionals at every stage of their careers. Proceeds benefit educational programming, mentorship, scholarships, professional development resources, and community grants, including initiatives administered by The Fashion Group Foundation.
At Left: (L-R) Claudia Poccia, Maryanne Grisz and Alyce Panico attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
At Right: (L-R) Dario Di Bella, Olga Ferrara wearing Sergio Soldano gown and watch by Frederique Constant, and Giovanni Premoli attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
2026 Co-Chairs: Alyce Panico and Claudia Poccia
2026 FGI Night of Stars Committee: Carlos Campos, Nicole Fischelis, Nolan Meader, and Karen Bromley
2026 Event Sponsors: Simon G. Jewelry, Scent Marketing, Inc., Sergio Soldano, M·A·C Cosmetics, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Location 8
ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Chartered in 1930 by seventeen visionary women, including Carmel Snow, Helena Rubinstein, Elizabeth Arden, Edith Head, Claire McCardell, Nan Duskin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, Fashion Group International has long championed connection, professional advancement, and opportunity across the fashion industry.
Today, FGI serves a global membership of more than 2500 professionals through regional chapters worldwide, providing mentorship, education, scholarships, career resources, and platforms that recognize both emerging talent and established leaders. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion. Discover more at fgi.org
The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Fashion Group International and is dedicated to nurturing the fashion talent of tomorrow through education, scholarships, internships, and career counseling services. The FGI Foundation also promotes charitable partnerships and impactful public service initiatives.
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