Yahoo News Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cynthia Erivo Toast Designers at Star-Studded Fashion Trust U.S. Awards
The invitation read “dress code: FASHION,” and guests at the second annual Fashion Trust U.S. Awards didn’t disappoint – with Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Jessica Biel, Andra Day, Awkwafina, Heidi Klum, Janelle Monaé and Kelsea Ballerini showing up in head-turning looks.
“Get ready for a wild night,” host Zooey Deschanel improvised, as she waited for the starry crowd to take their seats inside the tented dinner held in the backyard of a sprawling Beverly Hills estate on Tuesday. The actress kept things moving with a series of lighthearted jokes between awards. “It’s clear the world needs fashion more than ever because without fashion, all the problems of the world would still exist but everyone would be naked and naked is boring.”
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The evening was anything but that thanks, in part, to a surprise appearance from Macy Gray, who sang a four-song set. The performance brought the crowd to their stiletto-clad-feet with Paris Hilton and Kiernan Shipka singing along to Gray’s hit “I Try.”
Launched by fashion veteran turned philanthropist Tania Fares last year, Fashion Trust U.S. is a non-profit focused on finding, funding and mentoring new design talent. Fares created the U.K.’s British Fashion Council Trust in 2011 and the Fashion Trust Arabia in 2018. She called upon Angelenos and L.A. implants like British heiress Jordana Reuben Yechiel, jewelry designer Tara Hirshberg and Juicy Couture co-founder Gela Nash-Taylor, as well as other insiders from the worlds of art, finance, and real estate, to bring her U.S. vision to life.
“Tonight, we come together not only to celebrate the remarkable talent and creativity of our designers, but also to recognize the profound impact that fashion has on our lives,” said Fares, who lives between Lebanon, London and Los Angeles. “Fashion isn’t just about clothing. It’s a powerful force that brings people together allowing us to express ourselves and our emotions. As someone who has walked this challenging path, I understand the highs and the lows of the fashion world. The journey can often feel lonely, stressful and filled with self-doubt, which is why it’s crucial to have a supportive community by our side.”
Winners included Ashley Harris of Don’t Let Disco (who received the Inclusivity Award), Esha Soni (the Accessories Award sponsored by Builder Ai), Yamil Arbaje (the Graduate Award sponsored by St. John), MoAnA Luu of ManLuu (Jewelry Award), Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio (who took home the Ready-to-Wear Award), and designer Batsheva Hay of Batsheva (the Sustainability Award).
“I didn’t know I was up for this award, but I’m happy to win,” Hay said while accepting the Nigora Tokhtabayeva-designed trophy. “I love using old things because I have them around; I’m a hoarder because, to be honest, we don’t need to be making a lot of extra things. We all buy too much. We want too much. We feel that the new stuff is going to fill a void in us for some reason and it’s nonsense and there are beautiful things laying all around. It’s great to get excited about things and jazz ‘em up and change ‘em and add some ruffles.”
Meanwhile, jewelry designer MoAnA Luu of ManLuu explained, “I was not trying to launch a brand. I was trying to preserve the legacy of my culture.”
Finalists were selected by board members – including Fares, Karla Welch, Tan France, Maha Dakhil, Laura Brown, Anne Crawford, and the evening’s presenting sponsor, Shop with Google – from a pool of more than 600 applicants. Winners will receive grants and mentorship from fashion and design experts.
Presenters included Cynthia Erivo, Good American co-founder Emma Grede, Brother Vellies and 15% Percent Pledge founder Aurora James, designer Isabel Marant, Nikki Reed, Scout LaRue Willis, Tallulah Willis, Randolph and stylists Wayman & Micah. The event was also an unofficial runway off-stage with many notable attendees turning out in looks from new brands.
Christina Hendricks – who rocked a pair of Partlow cowboy boots – attended with the brand’s co-founders Kasey Lemkin & Lawren Sample. (The Mississippi-born sisters launched their L.A. brand just last year and it’s already found a fan following with Beyoncé, Katie Holmes and Jordana Brewster.)
Rachel Zoe wore a stunning show-stopping number by honoree Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio. “Here he is! He made my dress!” Zoe said, crooning for the camera on her iPhone.
“I did!” Harbison beamed. “I’m nothing without Rachel.”
“Oh stop!” she added. “I’m so honored. Look at my dress!”
Additional guests included Sophia Bush (who promptly hopped a red eye flight to return to work) as well as Alison Brie, Ashley Graham, Dita Von Teese, Dylan Sprouse, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Jenna Dewan, Tara and Jonathan Tucker, Kelly Rowland, Kendrick Sampson, Kiki Layne, Laura Harrier, Lily Rabe, Lisa Rinna, Lucy Hale, Nina Dobrev, Selma Blair, Rachel Zoe, Storm Reid, Jason Bolden, Jessica Paster, and Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy.
“Having worked with so many talented designers, I’m in awe of what it truly takes to design a remarkable collection,” said Kristin Davis, who presented alongside St. John’s CEO Andy Lew, clad in a look by the label. “I feel so lucky to have worn incredible clothing during my career and fashion has been an integral part of creating my characters.”
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