FGI Celebrates its 40th Annual Night of Stars Gala at the Plaza Hotel

On Tuesday night at the Plaza Hotel, FGI hosted its annual Night of Stars Gala, where fashion, beauty, and media tastemakers came together in order to raise funds for scholarships and business programming—the group's largest fundraiser of the year.

“We have had 40 years of honoring the best of the best, and tonight is no different,” global president and CEO for the Fashion Group International, Maryanne Grisz, said. “You are all incredibly inspiring visionaries, and we are honored to celebrate you tonight.” Honorary chairs Zac Posen and Coco Rocha warmlys welcomed guests like Kate Hudson, Nicky Rothschild Hilton, Elie Tahari, and Dennis Basso to enjoy dinner as the awards ceremony began in the Plaza's third-floor ballroom—thanking each attendee for their contributions to the industry.

Fern Mallis was the first award recipient of the night. “What she understands most is human nature; she understands what talent is, what hard work is, what drive is, and what real mentorship is,” MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle said in a rousing speech while presenting Mallis with the FGI Founders' Award for her work with the CFDA, IMG Fashion, and host of the Fashion Icons series at the 92nd Street Y. “I love being part of this extraordinary industry, which can be tough and challenging, and sometimes inappreciative, but ultimately warm, generous, predictable, and creative,” she said, taking to the stage. “Remember my to succeed: be nice and vote.”

Catherine Bomboy Dougherty of The Estee Lauder Companies next received the Beauty award, while Harry Kargman was presented the Humanitarian award and the D'Amelio family the Media award. LaQuan Smith was the year's Fashion Vanguard for his eponymous label's designs, which cemented him as one of New York's most buzzy designers. Then, Reed Krakoff—the creative chairman at John Hardy and former creative director at Coach—was the 2024 Fashion Visionary.

To end the night, Kate Hudson presented the Design Heritage award to Max Mara: “The Maramotti family's commitment to artistry, empowerment, and creating pieces that transcend time is something truly special,” she said just moments before inviting Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti to the stage. “From our designers, pattern makers, craftspeople, and remarkable clients who have worn, loved, and embraced Max Mara for almost 75 years, this award belongs to them.”