The spring is in full swing, and that includes the stylish New York gala circuit. This season, fashion was front row at many of the city’s top events, and not just on the red carpet. The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation hosted a luncheon with a Max Mara fashion show, while the 30th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon held a runway show by Naeem Khan. Meanwhile, the Luisa Diaz Foundation’s MAG Gala hosted a Runway of Hope with women survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking.
In a city that dresses up to the nines, this spring party season has been all about glitter, sequins, tweed and oversized fashion. Here are some highlights from New York’s trendsetting party scene, ahead of the summer.
9th Anniversary MAG Gala
Held on May 18, this annual gala supports survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Hosted at The Plaza by the Luisa Diaz Foundation, the star-studded night showcased the Runway of Hope fashion show, showcasing fashion designers Jovani, Anne Fontaine and Chiara Boni. The executive director of the gala is Luisa Diaz, the former Miss Venezuela International, and started the foundation in honor of her grandmother, who was a domestic abuse survivor.
“The MAG Gala is possible because of a snowball of kindness with everyone that came together to the first gala, and throughout the years, to make this event happen,” said Diaz . The benefit helped fund three charities—Safe Passage Heals, Hope’s Door and Team TLC NYC. The dinner was followed by the ceremony in the grand ballroom, and attendees included Jean Shafiroff, Seth Herzog and Sarina the Violin Diva, among others. Brazilian artist, fashion designer and hairstylist Tony Matta showcased three looks from his recycled fashion collection.
“My ball is here and it’s a celebration of kindness, because people are forgetting to be kind,” said Diaz. “We are living in a society that glorifies negativity. There are so many people doing great things for the community but we’re not talking enough about it; I believe in kindness and humanity. We cannot forget to be kind to ourselves and others.”
