Daily Front Row

2012 January 26

FGI Fetes Its Latest Rising Star Winners

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Wes Gordon
Patrick McMullan View Gallery

(NEW YORK) Cipriani's uptown outpost played host to more than just ladies who lunch, as Fashion Group International hosted scads of pre-NYFW-preoccupied fashion folks at its 15th annual Rising Star awards this afternoon. A quick recap: Wes Gordon tied with Misha Nonoo for the women's RTW category, which was presented by Ralph Rucci, and Simon Spurr nabbed the honor for men's wear. "I've been nominated for awards many times, but this is the first I've won!" exclaimed Spurr as he accepted the Movado, glass starburst-topped award from Thom Browne, who reminisced about his own jaunt on the same Rising Star podium five years prior.  

Also on the menu, besides that gargantuan, medium-rare filet avec asparagus and berry-topped cake confection oozing whipped cream: Stella & Dot's Blythe Harris scored the accessories prize, Wendy Brandes walked away with the fine jewelry honors, Vasken Demirjian Salon earned the top nod for retail, Celine Barel of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. won the corporate fragrance award,  D.S. & Durga's David and Kavi Moltz were honored in the fragrance entrepreneur category and Joe Manus of Shiner International's came out on top in the home/interior design race.

"It's nice to take a break from the madness of preparing for Fashion Week and have a real lunch," said Gordon, "I can't remember the last time I actually sat down to eat a proper lunch!" The alternative, if Gordon was in his studio, would probably be a "half Pret" sandwich from the grab-and-go spot. "You know, with Fashion Week coming up and all..." Gordon said of the very petite-sized meal with a laugh. A teaser of Gordon's Fall '12 collection: "A little Rooney Mara meets Great Expectations, with some Tim Burton-esque prints thrown in. It's definitely darker, and there's a little bite to it." Intriguing! 

Keynote speakers Isabel and Ruben Toledo implored young design talents to stay mentally au courant, not just in terms of style. "Appreciate every stage of life because you'll never be in exact place again! You'll have time later to refine and edit," said Isabel Toledo. 

Women's RTW finalists (of which there were a lengthy and talented list of eight contenders!) Alexandria Hilfiger and her NAHM design partner-in-crime, Nary Manivong, were joined by Tommy and Dee Hilfiger for the occasion. Cool-as-a-cucumber Alexandria had plenty of nerve-quelling advice for her designer peers. "It always works out the way it's meant to!" said Hilfiger. "If a dress arrives at the studio ripped and stained, for example, it's not meant to be in the collection!" Amen, cheri. 
ALEXANDRA ILYASHOV