Valentino makes his way into the David H. Koch theater at Lincoln Center

Since 2006, the Couture Council of the Museum at FIT has been the host of an annual luncheon at which it presents its Award for Artistry of Fashion to one designer. On September 7, this year’s recipient, Valentino, was fêted by the largest such gathering yet, at Lincoln Center’s David Koch theater.

Giancarlo Giammetti and Georgina Brandolini d’Adda

It was a spectacular and moving affair. Valentino has retired, but he remains a vital presence in fashion–a living legend who created masterpieces of the couturier ’s art for iconic style arbiters such as Jaqueline Kennedy Onnasis, Marisa Berenson and Georgina Brandolini, as well as for all women who appreciate glamour and elegance.

Valerie Steele, Director of the Museum at FIT, and Elizabeth Peek, Chairwoman of the Couture Council

Jewelry designer Philip Crangi, foreground, and Cator Sparks

Susan and Diane von Furstenberg, President of the CFDA

From left: Bruce Hoeksema, designer of VBH; Anna Wintour; and Valentino

Valentino is a gentleman and a class act himself, who epitomizes the world of glamour. So it’s no surprise that the crowd was resplendent: dozens of stylish women, dressed to the nines, turned out to honor this great designer.

Marisa Berenson

Daphne Guinness

Diane von Furstenberg and Valentino

Pier Paolo Piccioli, current co-designer at Valentino, and Michelle Harper

Among the guests were Daphne Guinness, Susan Gutfreund, Fe Fendi, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Wintour (who gave a beautiful speech introducing Valentino as a member of that pantheon of Roman gods who only need one name), Frédéric Fekkai and his lovely wife, Shirin Von Wulffen, Bruce Hoeksema, Giancarlo Giammetti, Carlos Souza, Michelle Harper, and Michele Gerber Klein.

Rod Keenan, American hat designer based in New York

Susan with the man of the hour, Valentino Garavani

And, of course, Valerie Steele–Director of the Museum at FIT and a tireless, brilliant woman–is to be thanked, along with all the members of her hardworking committee. The luncheon was a spectacular success (the best-attended in the series’ history), with proceeds going to support the museum’s archives. It was a fabulous event, and I was thrilled to be a part of it!

Photographs by Noël Sutherland