If you have spent any amount of time around the valley fashion scene you may have heard of a tiny lil’ ol organization called Fashion Group International. Over the last few years there have been many an FGI member featured in the pages of Arizona Foothills Magazine from indie designer Angela Johnson to my recent blog subject jewelry designer Beth Church and even your’s truly. Years ago I remember going to my first meeting with the ever- stylish Gucci gal Laurel Charnas it was a small but mighty crowd.
The big scoop is that Fashion Group International, Inc. is a global non-profit association of over 6,000 professionals of achievement and influence representing all areas of the fashion, apparel, accessories, beauty and home industries. Recognizable members include Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Geoffrey Beene, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg. These days the local AZ chapter has grown by leaps and bounds and currently boasts an impressive list of go-to industry pro’s including current Regional Director Sheree Hartwell owner of Ford/Robert Black Agency, Fashion Designer Stephanie Edge and Lisa Pagel Neiman Marcus Director of Public Relations. On Sept 17 FGI is celebrating their 10 year Anniversary by recognizing 10 local fashion and design industry icons for their amazing contributions over the last decade at the Night of Stars gala.
Past honorees at the Fashion Group New York events have included: Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Audrey Hepburn, Tom Ford, Manolo Blahnik, Richard Avedon, Oscar de la Renta, The Lauder Family and Diane Sawyer, just to name a few.
The September event at The Firesky Resort and Spa will consist of a networking/cocktail hour, silent auction, raffle and sit-down dinner, followed by the awards presentation.
The distinguished list of partial honorees includes: Amy Videan Director of the Fifth Avenue Club for the last 12 years at Saks Fifth Avenue; Neiman Marcus one of the first luxury retailers to come to the Valley.; Judith Everett author and professor of merchandising at Northern Arizona University; Kiran Rai, Sir Alistair Rai; AFM contributor and fashion photographer Ellen Barnes; jewelry designer French Thompson; Dennita Sewell curator of fashion design at the Phoenix Art Museum; Tom Simon, owner of HUB Clothing; and fashion collector of approximately 500 unique pieces from Chanel to Balenciaga, Robert Black.
The cost to attend this event is $85 for individuals, $150 for couples, and $750 for a table of 10. Space is limited. Pre-payment is required and can be made with VISA/Mastercard at http://nightofstars09.eventbrite.com or inquiries may be sent to fgiarizona@gmail.com. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, September 10th.
What an exciting evening to meet and mingle with local fashion icons.
Wow, I had no idea this organization was so huge and so many big-name people were involved!
Sounds like a great event! I’m going to look into buying tickets.
Diane,
When is the event? The link is not working.
The event is on Sept 17th at the Firesky Resort and Spa.
I want to go but when is the date? I went to the web site and it did not have the date or I did not see it on the site. Can someone please help me?