NEW YORK-APRIL 28: Municipal Art Society of New York: "2011 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal" award dinner, honoring Diane von Furstenberg on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788 (Tel: (917) 275-6975)

The black tie event honored the fashion icon for her tireless work as an urban pioneer, civic activist and preservationist. The Black Tie evening commenced with a cocktail reception and dinner. Serving as Honorary Chairs were Tim Gunn, Caroline Kennedy, and Chair of The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Robert B. Tierney, who presented the award to von Furstenberg. As one of the first designers to open a studio in the Meatpacking District, Diane von Furstenberg was integral to the rebirth of the neighborhood and successfully fought to establish it as a historic district. She has also been a longtime resident of the Meatpacking District and a vocal member of the community. In addition, she was an early supporter and key advocate for the rescue and remarkable transformation of the High Line.

The Municipal Art Society’s highest honor, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal is presented annually to an individual whose work or deeds have made an outstanding contribution to the built environment of New York City. The medal was named for Mrs. Onassis in 1994 in honor of her tireless efforts to preserve and protect New York’s great architecture. Gala Co-chairs were Lisa Atkin and Tony Kiser; Annie and David Childs; Katherine Farley and Jerry Speyer; Agnes Gund; Kitty Hawks and Lawrence Lederman; Alexandra and Philip Howard; Frederick Iseman; Coco and Arie Kopelman; Julie Menin; Janet C. Ross; and Yeohlee Teng. Sustaining sponsors included Allen & Company Incorporated; Frederick Iseman; and Janet C. Ross.

Fellow designers Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller, Norma Kamali and MAS Board Member Yeohlee Teng were on hand to celebrate Diane von Furstenberg, as were many other MAS Board Members including Kent L. Barwick; Enid L. Beal; Laurie Beckelman; Paul R. Beirne; Elizabeth H. Berger; Eugenie L. Birch; Lisa Smith Cashin; David M. Childs; James M. Clark, Jr.; Diane M. Coffey; Gordon J. Davis; Heidi Ettinger; Kitty Hawks; Philip K. Howard; Frederick Iseman; Tony Kiser; Julie Menin; Frances A. Resheske; Stephen C. Swid; Kent Swig; Helen S. Tucker; Earl D. Weiner; William H. Wright, II; and Gary J. Zarr.

The annual gala was followed by the first annual MAS After Dark after party, hosted by the MAS Urbanists. The hugely successful event brought out more than 400 young New Yorkers to dance, drink and get to know MAS.

“Between the dinner and the after party, there were more than 700 New Yorkers taking part in a wonderful tribute to Diane von Furstenberg. It was a magnificent evening, honoring a magnificent New Yorker who has contributed in so many ways to our great city,” said MAS President Vin Cipolla.

The evening raised nearly $800,000 for MAS and was made possible by a host of donors, including the following lead sponsors: Allen and Company; The Janet and Arthur Ross Foundation; Frederick Iseman; Bloomberg; American Express; Tishman Speyer; The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation; The William and Mary Greve Foundation; and Christopher and Sharon Davis.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright ©Manhattan Society.com 2011 by Christopher London | tel: Private | e-mail: ChrisLondon@manhattansociety.com