Night of Stars

The year was 1986. I had been invited to the third Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars salute to women who made a difference in the fashion business at the Waldorf Astoria’s Starlight Roof.

Norma Kamali, Donna Karan, and Rei Kawakubo were the honorees.

I was young and new to New York. I worked at the then General Motors building, and when I bolted from my desk at 6:00pm, could not get a cab at 58th and Park. So I proceeded to run the eight blocks to the Waldorf with ball gown in tow. There in the Waldorf’s Pastel Powder room I set about transforming myself from an Olympic worker to a glamourous woman. My hair, makeup, jewels, and gown looked just right, and I was off to one of the most enjoyable evenings of my life.

The energy in the room was electric. Every detail was perfect. The Waldorf Astoria had always represented the epitome of high-end living to me and that night was magical. After years of renovation the Starlight Roof was returned to the elegance of the 1930s, a salute to the finest Art Deco with sparkling chandeliers, stunning murals, lush rich carpets.

It was the most exciting night of my young life. I was happy, confident, and felt transported into another era. I thought of Ella Fitzgerald and all the stars that had made their mark at the Waldorf Astoria. For me, it was a night of sophistication, elegance, and glamour and one I will never forget.