The French Heritage Society (FHS) launched its annual Art Deco Ball with a glamorous kickoff event hosted at the Lanvin boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City on October 16, 2023. This soirée served as an elegant prelude to the grand gala set to take place on November 12, 2023, at a private club in the city, celebrating the storied history of Maison Lanvin and its artistic director, Peter Copping.
Celebrating Heritage and Fashion
The evening’s festivities honored Lanvin, the oldest French fashion house still in operation, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin. The house has evolved from its roots in millinery to become a leader in couture, seamlessly blending fashion with architectural aesthetics. Copping’s upcoming collection, debuting in January 2025, promises to bring a modern sensibility to this rich heritage.
Guests enjoyed an enchanting atmosphere, surrounded by sculptural displays and the delicate aromas of jasmine and champagne. Jennifer Herlein, Executive Director of FHS, and Gerrit Ruetzel, President and General Manager of Lanvin U.S., took to the stage to highlight the shared values of philanthropy and fashion, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural treasures.
In a generous gesture, Lanvin pledged to donate ten percent of the evening’s proceeds to support FHS’s mission of safeguarding French architectural and cultural landmarks. This act reflects the elegance and grace synonymous with both the fashion house and the society.
A Night of Elegance and Anticipation
Guests adorned in luxurious fabrics and sparkling attire paid tribute to the vibrant spirit of Art Deco. Notable attendees included Elizabeth Stribling, Chairman of FHS, along with board members such as Liz McDermott Barnes, CeCe Black, and Jennifer Farrell. Each individual played a pivotal role in the preservation of culture, creating a dazzling constellation of support for the evening’s cause.
The atmosphere was charged with a sense of nostalgia and excitement, as the legacy of Jeanne Lanvin merged with Copping’s contemporary vision. His forthcoming collection is anticipated to be a poetic reinterpretation of the brand’s storied past, embodying the essence of French artistry.
For many attendees, the evening served as a reminder of the beauty found in craftsmanship and the importance of preserving cultural memory. The FHS has dedicated itself to maintaining not just architectural integrity, but the very essence of history itself. Since its inception 43 years ago, the organization has awarded over 700 restoration and cultural grants and supported nearly 600 university students pursuing studies in the arts.
As the night wound down, the laughter and clinking of champagne glasses echoed the enduring legacy of Jeanne Lanvin, connecting her original atelier on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to the modern setting in Manhattan. The upcoming Art Deco Ball on November 12 will continue this celebration of heritage, with music provided by the Alex Donner Orchestra, reinforcing the commitment to beauty and culture.
Attending the gala offers more than a glimpse into fashion; it is an opportunity to engage with a legacy that shapes the ideals of living beautifully and purposefully. The French Heritage Society stands as a guardian of this heritage, reminding us that the act of preservation is, in itself, a creation of lasting significance.
