Une Accolade Américaine

(NEW YORK) Carine Roitfeld doesn't typically make an early appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week--the French Vogue editor usually lands in time for what was Monday night's Marc Jacobs show, but come February, the fashion plate will be punctual, early even, arriving in the Big Apple on January 31, the eve of the start of Fashion Week here.

The reason, c'est quoi? Roitfeld, who's oft celebrated and scrutinized for her fashion-forward profile, will be honored for her philanthropic efforts by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) at its annual New York gala, where she will receive her accolade alongside Julian Schnabel and Bobby Shriver, chairman of Product (RED).

The evening is gearing up to be a blockbuster night chock full of fashion and celebrity names. Confirmed co-chairs for the event include Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Tom Ford, Lapo Elkann, Marc Jacobs, Sharon Stone, and Natasha Richardson.