Over dinner—which included crowd-pleasing meatballs with ricotta courtesy of Los Angeles hotspot Jon & Vinny’s—host Ego Nwodim kept the room giggling all night long. “Backstage, I had a margarita as well as a Celsius,” the Saturday Night Live regular admitted. “I’m so happy to be in a room with people who care this much about creativity, opportunity, and making sure talent doesn’t just exist, but is seen, supported, and sustained.”
The first award of the evening, presented by Fernando Garcia and Skye Hankey, went to Andrea Marron, a Miami-based designer gaining traction for her sculptural handbags. “This is incredibly meaningful; thank you so much to my collaborators, including, and especially, the very experienced craftspeople who bring my work to life every day,” she added while holding back tears.
Next came the graduate accolade—presented by Melissa McCarthy to Parsons School of Design alum Marcelle Barbosa who founded the sustainable luxury label Amaramara. “I did not prepare a speech,” the incredulous designer confessed while taking the mic.
Olivia Wilde, clad in a midriff-baring bra top and relaxed black trousers, honored Josefina Baillères with the jewelry award. “Jewelry isn’t just worn—it speaks, inspires, and gives life to an outfit nothing else can,” the Don’t Worry Darling actress and director shared. “I think I speak for all of us; we’re all super thankful for you giving us a chance to build our work and push new design forward,” Baillères said, shouting out the non-profit for uplifting creatives.
Maxwell Osborne and Kristy Chen took home the sustainability accolade, crediting their immigrant families for giving them the space to pursue their craft. “They really built everything from the ground up, and in turn gave us the opportunity to do the same,” Chen reflected.
Pamela Anderson, in a silk floral print dress, presented Tory Burch with the Designer of the Year award. “Creative, courageous, inspiring—these are just three words that come to mind when I think of my friend, Tory Burch,” the Baywatch OG remarked. “We were first introduced by our sons, and I quickly learned that Tory is super intellectual and relentlessly curious.”
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