Fashion mainstays flocked to The Standard in the East Village last night to support the Sarabande Foundation, dedicated to supporting “creatively fearless minds of the future.” Celebrating the organization’s star program What Now?, which helps connect recent fashion graduates with industry professionals, the “Woven” dinner marked the first time the program was held in New York.
“Sarabande supports young creatives to realize their vision,” said Trino Verkade, director of Sarabande. “This year’s dinner celebrates their uniqueness and individuality. We believe in the power of community. Woven together, our impact is stronger and unbridled creativity flourishes.” Founded by Lee Alexander McQueen CBE in 2006, Sarabande has since provided mentorship for more than 200 artists and designers, with thousands more gaining valuable tools through free programming.
Convening at the Penthouse that evening was an incredibly impressive, aspirational group for any emerging designer: Schiaparelli Creative Director Daniel Roseberry brought the fashion A-crowd. Thom Browne and curator Andrew Bolton made for a stylish couple. Athlete Aimee Mullins and actor Rupert Friend cut dashing figures in all black ensembles. Costume designer Sandy Powell OBE and designer Adam Selman rounded out the stylish set, which was ready to celebrate the foundation’s mission.
“I know what I’m looking for in a graduate, and all the brands taking part in What Now? also know what they want,” said Francesca Amfitheatrof, President of The American Friends of Sarabande and Artistic Director of Watches & Jewelry at Louis Vuitton. “Our objective for this event is to advise and educate students on how to put their best foot forward in their career trajectory. Our industry is global, and events like this show graduates not just what’s possible for them, but how to thrive.”
All in all, over 1000 recent graduates attended the first What Now? New York event and met with over 90 different professionals from 23 brands, including Thom Browne, Christian Dior Couture, Khaite, and Fendi. That’s something the attendees could toast to.
