It was a celebration of style when Fashion Group International of Chicago hosted “Night of Stars,” a gala that honored seven industry standouts for their contributions in areas of fashion, beauty, interior design and philanthropy. The Nov. 12 event at the Ritz-Carlton attracted over 200 stylish guests and supported the nonprofit’s Educational Scholarship Fund for college-age fashion and design students in Chicago.
The Stargazer Fashion Oracle Award was presented to Ken Downing, fashion director and senior vice president at Neiman Marcus, by Margaret Hayes, FGI president. Hayes described Downing as the “man who interprets, articulates and sets the fashion.” Downing said he knew from age 6 that he wanted to be involved in the world of fashion. “There’s nothing I love more than more,” he jokingly commented.
Design house Badgley Mischka was the recipient of the Stargazer Platinum Award. Co-founder James Mischka accepted the honor (partner Mark Badgley was unable to attend). During Mischka’s acceptance speech, models wearing the designers’ couture collection gowns paraded through the crowd.
Nina Mariano, Mariano’s director of community relations, was presented with the Stargazer Philanthropy Award by Amanda Puck. A surprise recording from Mariano’s son Pasquale Gianni brought her to tears as she thanked important people in her life, her husband Bob Mariano and father Dominic DiFrisco, who was a single parent. “We all hope to live a life that makes a difference to the world around us. I can’t imagine living without giving,” she said.
Other honorees for the evening included luxury goods retailer Neiman Marcus, winner of the Stargazer Retail Award. Wendy Krimins, vice president and general manager at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Italian artist and designer Ippolita Rostagno, founder of Ippolita Jewelry, accepted the Stargazer Jewelry Award and Cle de Peau Beaute, a skin-care and makeup company, received the Stargazer Beauty Award. Nate Berkus, popular media personality and interior designer, was the recipient of the Stargazer Interior Design Award that was accepted by Krista Blair, his public relations director
Chaired by Carrie Lannon, the event raised more than $25,000 to support the nonprofit’s scholarship fund. Fashion Group International was founded in 1930 and has 35 chapters in nine countries.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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