The evening began with an elevator ascent to the 65th floor of 30 Rock, before attendees—including Vera Wang, Brandon Maxwell, and David Yurman—paraded down the red carpet and gathered for a cocktail reception set against the backdrop of panoramic views of Manhattan.
Buzzing with anticipation, the likes of Linda Fargo, Kate Barton, Fern Mallis, and designer Aiste Hong, FGI’s Rising Star of the Year recipient, caught up over Champagne to the sounds of a live string quartet. Inside the famed dining room, Vlada Roslyakova, Olympia of Greece, and Ruben Toledo took their seats at elegant round tables dressed in ivory linens and laden with fresh blooms. Once the program was underway, a dinner of rainbow chopped salad, roasted black cod, and seared beef filet awaited.
“I’m so honored to be here, to be recognized for my work, and to be in a room of so many people that I admire,” stylist Micaela Erlanger told Vogue, ahead of receiving the Style Award in Honor of Edith Head. “What FGI does and has done is so remarkable and I’m really proud of this moment.”
Wes Gordon, Lucien Pagès, Roksanda Ilinčić, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, and Henry R. Muñoz III were among the evening’s honorees, recognized for their contributions to style, fashion, beauty, impact, and media leadership. Presenters Paige Paul, Aerin Lauder, Vogue’s Nicole Phelps, Christian Siriano, Jonathan Saunders, and Tonatiuh took the stage in turns to celebrate the achievements of the recipients, while Karlie Kloss shared a special congratulatory video for Hertzmark Hudis.
“I’m very happy for my friend Lucien Pagès,” Wang told Vogue about the renowned publicist’s Media Leadership Award. “Celebrating a fashion publicist takes on a very different meaning than it did maybe 50 years ago. They really help shape someone’s career now.”
In addition to a sculptural glass award topped with a carved star, each honoree also received a commemorative brooch designed by Simon G. Jewelry. Guests departed with smiles on their faces, too, thanks to a tote designed by the revived heritage brand Sergio Soldano filled with items from Tom Ford Beauty, Commando, Laura Geller Beauty, and MAC Cosmetics.
Poceeds from the night will support the organization’s year-round commitment to fashion and beauty industry professionals through educational programming, mentorship, scholarships, and community grants.