The Tamesis
For dinner, host Ego Nwodim served up the popular ricotta meatballs from popular Los Angeles restaurant Jon & Vinny’s, which had the whole room giggling throughout the evening. “Backstage, I had a margarita and a Celsius,” saturday night live Regular admission. “I’m excited to be around people who care so much about creativity, opportunity and making sure that talent not only exists, but is seen, supported and sustained.”
The first award of the night was presented by Fernando Garcia and Skye Hankey to Miami-based designer Andrea Marron, whose sculptural handbags garnered attention. “It’s so rewarding; a huge thank you to my collaborators, especially the experienced craftsmen who bring my creations to life every day,” she added, fighting back tears.
Next came the graduate honors presented by Melissa McCarthy to Parsons School of Design alumnus Marcelle Barbosa, who founded the sustainable luxury brand Amaramara. “I didn’t prepare a speech,” the incredulous designer admitted as he took the microphone.
Olivia Wilde, wearing a midriff-baring bra top and casual black trousers, presented the jewelry award to Josefina Baillères. “Jewelry is not just to be worn – it speaks, inspires and gives life to an outfit like nothing else can.” don’t worry honey The actress and director share. “I think I speak for all of us; we all really appreciate you giving us an opportunity to do our work and drive new designs,” Baillères said, cheering the nonprofit for its inspiring ideas.
Maxwell Osborne and Kristy Chen received sustainability honors, thanking their immigrant families for giving them the space to pursue their craft. “They literally built everything from the ground up, which in turn gave us the opportunity to do the same,” Chen reflects.
Pamela Anderson wore a silk floral print dress to present Tory Burch with the Designer of the Year award. “Creative, brave, inspiring – these are just three words that come to mind when I think of my friend Tory Burch.” baywatch Ogg commented. “We were introduced to each other by our sons, and I quickly learned that Tori was incredibly smart and relentlessly curious.”
