October 13th 2021, NYC: The FGI Night of Stars Gala was held at Cipriani South Street at Casa Cipriani; recently opened in the newly refurbished Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan. The spectacular deco setting was a fitting backdrop to the glittering attendees, all there to celebrate the Night of Stars 2021 honorees.

The theme this year was “The Evolutionaries”. As FGI president Maryanne Grisz wrote in the program notes: “…in honoring the Evolutionaries, we acknowledge transformation, inward and outward, that we have all experienced” during this extraordinary time.

Ruben Toledo’s custom artwork for the event captured the feeling of lightness and joy that permeated the evening, as the fashion community came together to celebrate its creators, innovators, disrupters and leaders.

The glossy program was graced by Ruben Toledo’s custom cover illustration
as well as full-page portraits of each honoree.

This year’s red carpet generated an extra aura of excitement, as attendees thrilled to the novelty of being out, dressed up, and in-person for the first time in two years. After an exuberant cocktail hour, guests drifted into the awards dinner.

The Superstar and Lifetime Achievement award went to Tommy Hilfiger, who spoke about his first store, opened while he was still in high school.

Fashion Star award went to Fausto Puglisi, creative consultant for Roberto Cavalli, while the Fashion Vanguards award went to Monse founders and Oscar de la Renta design duo Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim.

Celebrity stylist Law Roach won as Fashion Provocateur, while the Beauty Award went to Augustinus Bader, stem cell biologist and professor whose research led to a groundbreaking skincare line.

The Sustainability award went to Gabriela Hearst; Hearst was in Paris for her Chloe collection, but model Dree Hemmingway accepted for the designer.

Ronnie Fieg of Kith won the Retail Award, and the Tech and Brand Innovation prize went to Raja Rajamannar of Mastercard.

Superstar designer Norma Kamali was honored with the FGI Founders Award. In a moving acceptance speech, Kamali spoke about her early hardships and the help and encouragement she received from Marylou Luther, Fashion Group International Editor and acclaimed fashion journalist.

Guests interpreted the “Black Tie” dress code creatively and with plenty of self-expression. See the pictures below to see the stylish attendees, presenters and award-winners, and to share in the glamour, emotion and optimism of the 37th edition of Fashion Group’s iconic Night of Stars gala.

FLOWER POWER whether embroidered, printed or in brocades.

LIPSTICK REDS emerged as a favorite, from fuchsia to true red to deep wine.

ANIMALIA from body-con leopard spots to chic zebra Bermudas and a tiger-striped shirt.

ROCK ‘n’ ROLL goes luxurious with black leather and plenty of hardware.

MINI MOMENT with sculpted strapless looks and high-low trained effect.

BLACK PLUS SPARKLE whether a paillette-spangled sweater, a studded leather jacket or a shimmering 20s-influenced column, complete with silvery fringe.

ELEGANT BLACK in leggy goddess gowns or voluminous bursts of ruffles or feathers.

BLACK & WHITE for men goes beyond the white shirt; tuxedo pants accented with a white stripe and optic white soles for shoes update black-tie interpretations.

MORE BLACK in chiffon or lace mermaid shapes, a puff-sleeved frock or a sleek column that shows off a baby bump.

FABULOUS VOLUME in lustrous cerulean pleats, a princess gown festooned with glittering text spelling out OSCAR, a bead-trimmed caftan and an ethereal beaded tulle creation with a floor-sweeping hem.

TOMMY HILFIGER and his glam posse.

TABLE HOPPING with FGI President/CEO Maryanne Grisz stopping to chat with honoree Tommy Hilfiger, award-winner Norma Kamali with one of the ten students she invited to join her at her table, and Tommy with Jasmine Sanders.

FASHION LUMINARIES MaryLou Luther and Stan Herman, FGI’s Charles Garone with former Rising Star winner Rodney Epperson, and FGI’s board member Karen Bromley with Marylou Luther.

GLAM COUPLES striking a pose.

COCKTAIL CATCH-UP Rich Woods with forecaster Sharon Graubard; journalist and fashion historian Amy Fine Collins with noted stylist Freddie Leiba, fashion and art consultant and FGI board member Nicole Fischelis with designer Rodney Epperson.

INSPIRING SPEECHES

SHARING THE LOVE

HEARTFELT MOMENTS

A FESTIVE MOOD

HOUSE OF XCLUSIVE LANVIN Raised the roof, then brought the house down! Dressed by LANVIN in their recent collection and specialty pieces- Headed up by House Mother Eyricka Xclusive-Lanvin, the electrifying performers kicked off the dinner and ended the evening with legendary performances!

Our Red Carpet Room featured an exclusive pop-up for the launch of Mastercard’s two world-class fragrances under the brand Priceless™. This latest iteration of the company’s transformative, multisensory branding approach combines these dual fragrances into one unique collection. Both elegant fragrances in red and yellow, Mastercard’s iconic brand colors, express passion and optimism – embodying some of the most exquisite ingredients in the world of perfumery.