Fashion Group International’s 42nd annual Night of Stars honored leading visionaries in fashion, beauty, media, styling, and culture at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City.
Fashion Group International (FGI) brought together some of the most influential names in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and business for its 42nd annual Night of Stars gala on October 14, 2026. Held at New York City’s iconic Rainbow Room, the black-tie event celebrated creative visionaries whose work continues to shape the global fashion and cultural landscape.
This year’s gala embraced the theme “The Modernists,” recognizing individuals whose innovative thinking, artistic vision, and leadership are redefining their respective industries.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: (L-R) Micaela Erlanger, Roksanda Ilincic and Christian Siriano attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
The prestigious evening honored six distinguished figures: Wes Gordon, Lucien Pagès, Roksanda Ilinčić, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Micaela Erlanger, and Henry R. Muñoz III. The celebration also welcomed an impressive guest list of designers, fashion executives, philanthropists, and cultural personalities.
Fashion and Beauty Leaders Honored at Night of Stars 2026
The 2026 FGI Night of Stars honorees represented a diverse range of creative disciplines, from luxury fashion design and celebrity styling to beauty leadership and cultural advocacy.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: (L-R) Maryanne Grisz, Wes Gordon and Paige Paul attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Wes Gordon, Global Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, received the Fashion Visionary Award, presented by Paige Paul. Gordon was recognized for his creative direction and contributions to contemporary American fashion.
Lucien Pagès, a leading fashion communications executive, received the Media Leadership Award, presented by Nicole Phelps, Director of Global Vogue Runway. The award acknowledged his influence in shaping the global narratives of prominent fashion houses and creative talents.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: (L-R) Nicole Phelps and Lucien Page attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Roksanda Ilinčić, founder and creative director of ROKSANDA, was presented with the Fashion Star Award by Jonathan Saunders, Creative Director of Kate Spade New York. Known for her distinctive use of color, sculptural silhouettes, and refined craftsmanship, Ilinčić continues to bring a distinctive artistic perspective to contemporary fashion.
Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies, received the Beauty Award, presented by Aerin Lauder. The honor recognized her leadership and contributions to the international beauty industry.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: (L-R) Aerin Lauder and Jane Hertzmark Hudis attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger received the Style Award in Honor of Edith Head, presented by designer Christian Siriano. Erlanger was recognized for her influence on red-carpet fashion, visual storytelling, and the evolving business of celebrity styling.
Rounding out the honorees, Henry R. Muñoz III, a business leader, designer, and philanthropist, received the Changemaker Award, presented by actor, writer, and producer Tonatiuh. The award celebrated his contributions to design, architecture, culture, and institutional equity.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: Henry R. Muñoz III speaks onstage during FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
A Star-Studded Guest List at the Rainbow Room
The glamorous Night of Stars gala attracted an accomplished group of fashion industry leaders, designers, and philanthropists. Notable attendees included Vera Wang, Brandon Maxwell, Linda Fargo, Sybil and David Yurman, Fern Mallis, Ruben Toledo, Vlada Roslyakova, Kate Barton, Gary Wassner, Olympia of Greece, Jean Shafiroff, Katya Tolstova, Olga Ferrara, and Nolan Meader.
Also in attendance were Sergio Soldano Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, joining fellow members of the international fashion community for an evening celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and creative excellence.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 14: (L-R) Claudia Poccia, Maryanne Grisz and Alyce Panico attend FGI Night of Stars 2026: The Modernists at The Rainbow Room on October 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Maryanne Grisz, President and CEO of Fashion Group International, reflected on the organization’s enduring mission to connect and support creative professionals.
Founded by visionary women nearly a century ago, FGI continues to champion talent through education, mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for emerging and established industry leaders.
Alyce Panico, FGI Chairperson of the Board and Night of Stars Co-Chair, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme. She noted that modernism extends beyond embracing new trends; it requires challenging conventions, recognizing new possibilities, and using creativity to move entire industries forward.
Simon G. Jewelry and Sergio Soldano Celebrate Design Innovation
The evening began with a cocktail reception sponsored by Simon G. Jewelry and hosted by Brooke Brinkman, the jewelry brand’s Chief Operating Officer. Guests subsequently gathered for a seated dinner and awards ceremony.
In keeping with the theme “The Modernists,” Simon G. Jewelry created commemorative brooches for each honoree, celebrating the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and design.
Italian fashion house Sergio Soldano, guided by Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, also supported the gala. The heritage brand presented guests with exclusive Sinopia Tote Bags created in recognition of FGI’s longstanding influence on the global fashion community.
Dario Di Bella, Co-Creative Director of Sergio Soldano, described the collaboration as an opportunity to celebrate fashion as an artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creative intuition in transforming an initial idea into a finished masterpiece.
Additional event sponsors included Scent Marketing, Inc., M·A·C Cosmetics, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Location 8.
Supporting the Next Generation of Fashion Talent
Beyond celebrating established industry leaders, the FGI Night of Stars gala serves as one of Fashion Group International’s signature annual fundraising events. Proceeds support the organization’s ongoing educational and philanthropic initiatives, including scholarships, mentorship programs, professional development resources, and community grants administered in part through The Fashion Group Foundation.
Founded in 1930 by 17 pioneering women, including Carmel Snow, Helena Rubinstein, Elizabeth Arden, Edith Head, Claire McCardell, Nan Duskin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, Fashion Group International has played an important role in fostering professional connections and advancing opportunities across the fashion industry.
Today, the organization serves more than 2,500 members through regional chapters worldwide, providing educational resources, career guidance, scholarships, and platforms for recognizing creative achievement.
The 42nd annual Night of Stars reaffirmed FGI’s commitment to celebrating innovation while investing in the next generation of talent who will shape the future of fashion, beauty, and culture.