The Couture Council
The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT will honor Diane von Furstenberg—fashion
designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—with the 2026 Couture Council Award for
her transformational influence on women's fashion. Von Furstenberg will receive the
award during MFIT's annual Couture Council Luncheon on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City. The fundraising event benefits The Museum at FIT,
the only museum in New York dedicated exclusively to the art of fashion. Couture Council
board members Anne Baker, jewelry designer at Anne Baker Collection, and Alida Boer,
CEO and founder of Nolé Care and Marias, will serve as co-chairs.
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About:
The Couture Council is a membership group that supports The Museum at FIT, "the fashion insider's fashion museum." Through membership dues and ticket sales to the annual Couture Council Award, the Couture Council helps make it possible for the museum to mount world-class free exhibitions that educate and inspire diverse audiences, to build and conserve its extraordinary permanent collection, and to organize free public programs that serve both FIT students and the general public.
The Couture Council, working in conjunction with the museum, organizes activities
and events to raise the institution's profile and provide financial support for the
museum's initiatives. The most important of these events is the Couture Council's
award ceremony and benefit luncheon. Designers who have received the Couture Council
Award include Manolo Blahnik, Thom Browne, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Alber Elbaz, Wes
Gordon, Gabriela Hearst, Carolina Herrera, Simone Porte Jacquemus, Michael Kors, Albert
Kriemler, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez,
Olivier Rousteing, Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo, Valentino, and Dries Van Noten.
SEE PHOTOS OF COUTURE COUNCIL EVENTS ON FLICKR
JOIN THE COUTURE COUNCIL:
Members of the Couture Council are invited to all of the museum’s opening receptions
and other special member-only fashion events.
The Couture Council is pleased to offer the following membership levels:
Board Member - (Please Inquire at [email protected])
Fashion Icon - $2500
Couture Council (individual or couple) - $1000
LEARN ABOUT THE COUTURE COUNCIL'S MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Join or renew online via our secure website using your credit card.
Board of Directors
Melissa Mafrige Mithoff - Chair
Kathy Prounis - Treasurer
Anne Baker
Eleanor Banco
Alida Boer
Jane DeFlorio
Angela Dotson
Joele Frank
Sharon Jacob - Vice Chair
Sarah Wetenhall - Secretary
Stephanie Loeffler
Lara Meiland-Shaw
Amelia Ogunlesi
Darcy Rigas
Jean Shafiroff
Nicole Weiss
Advisory Board
Ken Downing
Felita Harris
Pamela Newkirk
Hal Rubenstein
Founding Members and Past Chairs
Yaz Hernández, Founding Member and Past Chair
Kamie Lightburn, Past Chair
Julie Macklowe, Past Chair
Liz Peek, Founding Member and Past Chair
Peter G. Scotese, Emeritus Founding Chair
The annual Couture Council benefit luncheon.
Past Awardees
Past recipients of the Couture Council Award also include Maria Grazia Chiuri (2022), Wes Gordon (2021), Christian Louboutin (2019), Narciso Rodriguez (2018), Thom Browne (2017), Albert Kriemler of Akris (2016), Manolo Blahnik (2015), Carolina Herrera (2014), FIT alumnus Michael Kors (2013), Oscar de la Renta (2012), Valentino (2011), Karl Lagerfeld (2010), Dries Van Noten (2009), Isabel Toledo (2008), Alber Elbaz (2007), and FIT alumnus Ralph Rucci (2006). In 2008, Giorgio Armani received a special award for Global Fashion Leadership.
Highlights from Previous Special Events
Private tours of exhibitions at The Museum at FIT.
Private visits to the ateliers of fashion designers such as Reem Acra, Chadwick Bell, Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein, Prabal Gurung, J. Mendel, Bibhu Mohapatra, NYC Ballet Costume Shop, Ashlynn Park of ASHLYN, Zac Posen, Ralph Rucci, Angel Sanchez, and Isabel Toledo and her husband, fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo.
Curated shopping experience at Belmont Park Village.
Store events with Calvin Klein, Verdura, Tiffany, Reed Krakoff, the FD Gallery, and
Mish New York.
Lectures with Michael Kors, Zac Posen, and Ruben and Isabel Toledo at the Doubles Club.
Cocktails and Conversation at the Versace Boutique, with Jason Wu, and with designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and Dr. Valerie Steele, Director, The Museum at FIT at the Proenza Schouler Boutique.
Tea and Conversation with renowned hat designer Patricia Underwood.
Cocktails and Couture with Bibhu Mohapatra at the Core Club.
Brunch at Van Cleef & Arpels.
Cartier Mansion Tour.
NYC Ballet Costume Shop Tour.
Great Designers event featuring fashions by Lee Alexander McQueen.
Great Designers event featuring fashions by Azzedine Alaïa with supermodel Veronica Webb.
Introduction to Fashion History featuring The Little Black Dress.