Out with Dr. Bill – Inspiring Nights: Advocacy, Fashion & Friendship

An Evening of Fashion and Vision

Another unforgettable event that Eric and I attended was the Fashion Group International (FGI) 40th Annual Night of Stars Gala, held once again at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. This year's gala somehow felt even more memorable than the last, with the Plaza's timeless elegance providing the perfect backdrop for a dazzling celebration of fashion, culture, and the visionary leaders shaping the industry's future.

A special thanks to Kimberly Carney, Founder and CEO of Wire Holdings, Inc., parent company of FashWire and GlossWire, for graciously hosting us. Along with FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, Kimberly brought unmatched energy, elegance, and a sense of community that made the evening truly remarkable.

A highlight of the night was honoring the incomparable Fern Mallis, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and a longtime friend since my days at Harper's Bazaar. Fern received the FGI Founders' Award for her groundbreaking work with the CFDA, IMG Fashion, and her legendary Fashion Icons series at the 92nd Street Y. Stephanie Ruhle introduced her with heartfelt remarks, celebrating Fern's unmatched talent, mentorship, and dedication to the fashion world. Fern's standing ovation was well-deserved, and her witty, wise speech emphasized kindness and the profound impact one person can have on an industry.

Following other standout moments of the evening, Kate Hudson's presentation of the Design Heritage Award to Max Mara was another highlight. Her heartfelt remarks about the Maramotti family's artistry and dedication to empowerment were truly memorable.

Later, Eric and I had a brief but delightful chat with Kate, whose genuine warmth and passion for the industry provided the perfect ending to a remarkable night.

Catching up briefly with my former Travel + Leisure colleague, Anthony Cenname, now Global Chief Revenue Officer at L'OFFICIEL INC., was another special highlight. Anthony's unmatched expertise in luxury, fashion, and consumer marketing reminded me how fortunate I was to have worked alongside such a creative force.

A big thanks to Chiun-Kai Shih, Founder of CKS Creative Management Inc., for capturing the evening's magic. In addition to his talent for creative representation, he is known for his expert photographic abilities. Chiun-Kai always adds a special touch to events by grabbing my iPhone to ensure every frame is picture-perfect. His generosity and keen eye bring an extra layer of joy and help create unforgettable memories on nights like these.

For Eric and me, the evening was about more than awards – it was a celebration of creativity, community, and progress. We left inspired by the honorees, grateful for the connections, and excited to support the work transforming our industries. The FGI Night of Stars Gala was a night to remember, and we can't wait to see what next year brings.