FIT’s Bravo for Saks’ CEO

Last Thursday evening, the fashion flock gathered at Cipriani for the Fashion Institute of Technology’s benefit gala honoring Steve Sadove, chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue.  New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg appeared to present the prestigious award to Sadove amongst prominent industry insiders such as Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera, Peter Som, and Olivia Chantecaille.  Benefiting FIT’s Educational Development Fund, the event featured cocktails and a divine dinner, as well as music by Sony artist Chris Mann.

With the talent of FIT Accessories Design students presented in a display of black pumps, guests were offered the opportunity to vote on their favorite design.   Winner Keena Fleming’s creation, inspired by Central Park and adorned with CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements, will be on display along with the entire collection next Monday, March 30th through Saturday, April 4th at Saks’ 10022-SHOE floor.  For more information on FIT, please visit: www. FITNYC.edu.

CFDA’s Cause for Applause

A most honorable acknowledgment the Council of Fashion Designers doth present.  For industry professionals, receiving nomination is quite the splendid situation, and this week brought forth proper nods for a select flock of fashion heavy-hitters.  On Monday, the CFDA announced the nominees for its annual awards ceremony, with the marvelously talented Marc Jacobs emerging as a triple threat.  Nominated in both the Womenswear and Accessories categories, Jacobs will also be presented with the International Award for his work at Louis Vuitton.  Narciso Rodriguez and Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy are also nominated for Womenswear, and Vera Wang and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez will compete with Jacobs in the Accessories category.

Calvin Klein Collection’s Italo Zucchelli, Michael Bastian, and Band of Outsiders’ Scott Sternberg are the nominees for Menswear, and up-and-comers Alexander Wang, Thakoon Panichgul, and Jason Wu are the nominees for the Swarovski Award for emerging talent in womenswear.  For menswear, the Swarovski nominees are Patrik Ervell, Robert Geller, and Tim Hamilton, and, for the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, the nominees are Albertus Q. Swanepoel, Alejandro Ingelmo, and Justin Giunta for Subversive Jewelry.

Anna Sui and Women’s Wear Daily editor-in-chief Edward Nardoza are the confirmed recipients of, respectively, the Geoffrey Beene and Eugenia Sheppard awards.  This year, the celebratory fete will take place on June 15th with a relocation to Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.  With First Lady Michelle Obama set to receive the Board of Director’s Special Tribute, it’s the regal deal.

Visit: www.CFDA.com