FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOSTS 2023 NIGHT OF STARS GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY

by John Russel Jones Oct 18, 2023



Fashion Group International (FGI) welcomed leading lights of fashion, beauty, arts, culture, and entertainment worlds to New York City’s 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.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Antoine Phillips speaks onstage during Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

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:

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Andrew Bolton speaks onstage during Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

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.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough attend Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

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.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Whoopi Goldberg speaks onstage during Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

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, said “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.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Gary Wassner speaks onstage during Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

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.

Image, top: Marc Anthony attends Fashion Group International’s 39th Annual Night of Stars at The Plaza on October 17, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)