Designers and fashion execs alike gathered for the 5th annual Fashion Centered Dinner last night in support of New York City’s LGBT Community Center. The evening got off to a buzzy start with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at The Center’s building in the West Village. Guests like Donna Karan, Bernadette Peters, Prabal Gurung, Phillip Lim, RJ King, John Targon, Thakoon, Ferederic Dechnik, Ken Downing, Marigay McKee, Fernando Garcia, and Mazdack Rassi mixed and mingled until it was time to ascend upstairs for a three-course dinner by Chef Rick Colon. While they gnoshed, guests enjoyed the vocal stylings of singer Paige Sommerer and pianist James Olmstead.
The event has become a favorite for designer Joseph Altuzarra. “It’s been a real treat to see it evolve and grow, and become the thing it is now,” he told us.“There is obvious symbioses between The Center and the fashion industry. I think that there is incredible group of advocates from the industry who have constructed effort to rally this community.”
Using funds raised at this year’s event, The Center will work to end the cycle of LGBT youth homelessness through a groundbreaking program that focuses on working with families in crisis before rejection sends a young person to the streets. “We want to use our voice, because we have a voice in the fashion industry. People listen to us, so we have a voice to raise awareness,” said Laurent Claquin, who is the head of Kering America and co-chairs the event. “The Center welcomes 6,000 people every week. Their work is unbelievable.” Last night’s event raised over $500,000 to support The Center’s programs and services. Unbelievable indeed!
BY CAREY CASSIDY
