In the aftermath of the Olympics this summer, Paris is still humming. The BoF 500 Gala in Paris on Saturday night brought together designers, businesspeople, image makers, and content creators from all sectors of the industry, much as the Games served as a symbol of unity and representation, reported The Business of Fashion.
Throughout the cool autumn evening, fashion insiders flocked to the lavish location with a view of the Eiffel Tower to celebrate the accession of 100 new members to the BoF 500, the authoritative list of the individuals influencing the world's fashion business.
Designers Victoria Beckham and Phoebe Philo, reggaeton artist J Balvin, and Zac Posen, the new creative director of Gap and one of this year's BoF 500 cover stars, were among the attendees on the red carpet. It was evident to all that each person dressed to impress.
"It's good to see so many powerful, daring fashion statements here tonight," Victoria Beckham remarked.
Colman Domingo, Jared Leto, and Hari Nef ascended the marble stairs of the building donning entirely new ensembles from their eagerly awaited Valentino redesign under Alessandro Michele. Greta Lee and Ayo Edebiri, both ambassadors for Loewe, wore designs straight from Jonathan Anderson's Friday runway presentation. French Yseult wore a couture trench by Balenciaga that was sculpture-like.
All through the evening, the ballroom was filled with conversation as guests mixed and chatted with both past and present coworkers and friends. They broke bread around a long feasting table that was decorated with fresh fruit.
Imran Amed, the founder and CEO of BoF, took the stage as dusk was falling.
"In a time when the world seems so divided, a moment when we're all united is so important," Amed addressed the group.
The artist Wizkid, who has brought attention to the Afrobeats genre on a global scale, was subsequently presented as the evening's act. The iconic Nigerian songs "Ojuelegba" and "Essence," which became the first ever Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, were sung by the Chanel-clad singer.
Approximately 400 of the more than 500 attendees were industry pioneers from past BoF 500 courses, who discussed the importance of the event.
American model Ashley Graham stated, "Just knowing that you are a part of history, that you have done a great service to the fashion industry, and that you are recognized for it — what an honor."
Over the upbeat party soundtrack by DJ Aymen, newly joined members expressed their happiness—and even surprise—at being included.
Damiano David, an Italian musician and Diesel ambassador, stated, "It's pretty amazing." "When I heard the news, I really asked myself, 'What? Me? Since I sing, I was taken aback; I had not anticipated that," David remarked. As the lead singer of his band Måneskin, he claimed that his selection for the BoF 500 startled him more than his 2021 Eurovision victory.
Zac Posen, who was named Gap's creative director in February, was also delighted to get the call. "Some things are worth waiting for, even though I've never participated in The Business of Fashion or attended this event before."