On Tuesday night, the Plaza Hotel served as the glamorous setting for the Fashion Group International’s (FGI) annual Night of Stars Gala. This highly anticipated event brought together leading figures from the worlds of fashion, beauty, and media to support FGI’s scholarship and business programming, marking the group’s largest fundraising effort of the year. Maryanne Grisz, global president and CEO of FGI, praised the honorees, saying, “We have had 40 years of honoring the best of the best, and tonight is no different. You are all incredibly inspiring visionaries, and we are honored to celebrate you tonight.”
The event’s honorary chairs, Zac Posen and Coco Rocha, welcomed a star-studded guest list that included Kate Hudson, Nicky Rothschild Hilton, Elie Tahari, and Dennis Basso. Attendees gathered in the Plaza’s third-floor ballroom for a night of dinner, awards, and heartfelt appreciation for their contributions to the industry.
The evening’s first award went to Fern Mallis, who was recognized with the FGI Founders’ Award for her influential roles with the CFDA, IMG Fashion, and her Fashion Icons series at the 92nd Street Y. Introducing Mallis, MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle highlighted her profound understanding of talent, mentorship, and human nature. Mallis, in her acceptance speech, reflected on the fashion industry’s challenging yet generous nature, sharing her key to success: “Be nice and vote.”
Other honorees included Catherine Bomboy Dougherty of The Estee Lauder Companies, who received the Beauty award, and Harry Kargman, honored with the Humanitarian award. The D’Amelio family was recognized with the Media award for their impact in the digital space. LaQuan Smith, known for his dynamic and innovative designs, took home the Fashion Vanguard award, solidifying his place as one of New York’s rising stars. Reed Krakoff, the creative chairman at John Hardy and former creative director at Coach, was celebrated as the 2024 Fashion Visionary.
Kate Hudson handed Max Mara the last distinction of the evening—the Design Heritage award. Hudson praised the Maramotti family for their commitment to classic creativity and fashion-based empowerment. Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, accepting the prize on behalf of the brand, thanked the designers, craftspeople, and devoted customers who have embraced Max Mara’s legacy over almost 75-year history. Honoring individuals who still shape the fashion business and generating money to help the next generation of talent, the Night of Stars Gala at the Plaza Hotel emphasized the inventiveness and passion that drive the fashion business. Visionaries came together that evening to honor the industry’s legendary past as well as its bright future.Accepting the award on behalf of the brand, Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti congratulated the designers, artists, craftspeople, and loyal consumers who have embraced Max Mara’s legacy for almost 75 years. Emphasizing the creativity and passion that drive the fashion industry, the Night of Stars Gala at the Plaza Hotel honored people still influencing the fashion business and raised money to support the next generation of talent. That evening visionaries gathered to celebrate the industry’s illustrious heritage as well as its bright future.
