New York (October 17, 2023) – Fashion Group International (FGI) welcomed leading lights of fashion, beauty, arts, culture, and entertainment worlds to The Plaza on Tuesday, October 17, for the 39th annual FGI Night of Stars red carpet gala and awards ceremony. The Plaza marked a new venue for the gala event – an iconic landmark befitting one of the fashion world’s most storied fashion organizations and historic, star-studded events.
The chic crowd of fashion luminaries and celebrities walked the red carpet before going on to enjoy a cocktail hour, followed by the seated dinner and awards presentations. The Night of Stars opened with remarks from FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, FGI Chairman of the Board James D’Adamo, and Fashion Group Foundation President Matthew Trent, followed by an awards presentation featuring an illustrious list of honorees and presenters:
Andrew Bolton, Wendy Yu Curator in Charge, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, received The SUPERSTAR Award, presented by Eva Chen, Author and Director of Fashion Partnerships, Instagram
Proenza Schouler Co-Founders and designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, received the FASHION STAR Award, presented Cathy Horyn, Fashion Critic-at-Large, The Cut
Global Music Star and Co-Founder of the Maestro Cares Foundation Marc Anthony received the HUMANITARIAN Award, presented by fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez
Gail Boyé, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercialization, Shiseido Americas, received the BEAUTY INNOVATION Award, presented by Ron Gee, President and CEO, Shiseido Americas
Fashion and culture thought leader Antoine Phillips received the AGENT OF CHANGE Award, presented by model and activist Bethann Hardison
Fashion designer Dennis Basso received the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award, presented by businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart
Whoopi Goldberg, Moderator of “The View,” internationally acclaimed EGOT winning actress, producer, and writer received the AMERICAN ICON Award, presented by Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation
The glittering crowd of guests in attendance included well-known honorees, celebrities, tastemakers, thought leaders, and leading executives, such as Candace Bushnell, Fern Mallis, Pamela Dennis, Frederick Anderson, Ken Downing, Kelly Cutrone, Phillipe and David Blond, Jean Shafiroff, Elie Tahari, Ana Navarro, Derek Warburton, Carlos Campos, Loris Diran, Elizabeth Sutton, José Castelo Branco, Olga Ferrara, Melissa Vale, Caroline Vazzana, Katya Tolstova, Leckie Roberts, and more.
Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO: “FGI Night of Stars is a celebration of extraordinary individuals in entertainment, fashion, beauty, and culture. We are grateful to all who, by attending our most important fundraiser of the year, support Fashion Group International’s mission to connect, provide resources, mentor emerging talent, and celebrate the fashion industry at every level.”
The FGI Night of Stars ticketed gala is the non-profit organization’s most important annual fundraiser. Night of Stars helps FGI raise vital funds for essential programming – including mentorship, education, and professional development – and helps fund business grants, scholarships, and critical industry resources that support FGI’s global network of emerging and established professionals in fashion, beauty, retail, and related industries.
ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1930 by a group of seventeen women leaders, with charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International (FGI) was established as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit organization remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion
FGI is headquartered in New York City, with chapters in numerous regions worldwide, and a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle. Vital member benefits offered to FGI members include ongoing professional development opportunities, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and high-profile event platforms for professional recognition. 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.
