Designers who Lunch

(NEW YORK) Fashion Group International took its 11th-annual Rising Star Awards to new heights this season--literally. Replacing their usual Hilton setting with a more glamorous lunch at the Rainbow Room, the event, which took place on Thursday afternoon and was sponsored by Cosmopolitan and Bebe, brought together a slew of retailers, designers, editors and other fashion folk. "It's great to be around all of this young, fresh talent," said Kate White. "It's the perfect taste of all the inspired creativity that's to come."

Hearst's Cathie Black delivered the keynote speech--her book Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life), has become a bestseller. "My book came out on October 23 and my husband said you have 90 days to be a diva, and that ended yesterday," she laughed before describing her take on fashion. "It packs more energy than a shot of Red Bull." A concept Jason Wu, who took home the afternoon's Rising Star award for women's ready-to-wear, understands well. "It's great to get out here and have some real food before Fashion Week starts," laughed. Peter Som, busy completing his eponymous collection and his designs for Bill Blass, presented Wu with his glass statue. "It's a little stressful, but it's what I signed up for," he smiled. 

Other designers and nominees took part of the day off from show prep to attend the festivities, among them Alexander Wang, Christian Cota, Gustavo Cadile, and Charlotte Ronson. "This helped me to believe in my product, and I hope it gets better," said Cadile. "I have really been practicing my speech," said Holly Dunlap, who was there to announce the accessories winner, Kara Ross. "The last time I won anything was in high school," said Ross.

Eric Villency presented to home/interior design winner Gilles-Fleur Boutry of Clodagh Design, while Temple St. Clair presented to fine jewelry winner, Christine J. Brandt. Michael Bastian bestowed the men's apparel award on Hisham Oumlil of Oumlil, while Eugenia Ulasewicz presented the retail award to Charles Nolan.

Cosmopolitan's Donna Kalajian Lagani presented the beauty/fragrance corporate rising star to Natasha Côté of Givaudan Fragrances, while Charla Krupp announced the beauty/fragrance entrepreneur winner, Francesco Clark of Clark's Botanicals. Clark once worked under Mary Alice Stephenson as a fashion assistant at Harper's Bazaar. "I remember he was always obsessed with latest Hollywood it girls," said Stephenson. As for her own favorite actresses? "All the women on the red carpet now are my age and up--I'm 40, so I guess it really is the new 20!" Robert Verdi agreed. "Think of it this way; 40 is halfway to 80." Rising stars take note!
NOLA WEINSTEIN