New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick

The upcoming New York Fashion Week in September has a decidedly French twist this season as two heralding events are on the horizon. On September 4th, the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT will honor iconic footwear designer Christian Louboutin with its 2019 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion.  This luncheon that takes over the the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City is THE most stylish event and signals the return of the swans to roost after summers perched outside the city.  A cacophonous din fills the fabulous space with excitement and glamour as friends and fashionistas reconvene.

New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.

New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
The luncheon, held on the David H. Koch Promenade, is always packed to the rafters.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
Two giant Elie Nadelman sculptures watch over the crowd.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
El Shane, Ashley Wein, Melissa Mithoff, Blakely Griggs, Merideth Marks, and Yaz Hernandez.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
Felicity Kostokis, Kamie Lightburn, Elizabeth Musmanno, Julie Macklowe, Maud Cabot, and Tinamarie Clark.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Narciso Rodriguez, and Dr. Valerie Steele.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
Julie Macklowe, Eleanora Kennedy, and Martha Stewart.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.
Lois Robbins.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.  Kathy Prounis
Kathy Prounis.
New York Social Diary article Couture Council, Museum at FIT Award Luncheon by Karen Klopp and Hilary Dick  Christian Louboutin honored.  Hilary Dick, Jack Lynch, David Patrick Columbia.
You’ll even find DPC at the luncheon, along with Hilary and Jack Lynch.

“To be recognized by The Museum at FIT’s esteemed Couture Council is a great honor,” Louboutin said. “While my designs have roots in Paris, I feel very lucky to have access to some of the most specialized craftsmanship in the world; that has allowed me to push my creative boundaries and celebrate inclusivity and self-empowerment through cultural exchange.”

Of course, no glam gal worth her weight in kale can resist the lure of the iconic red soles that have long symbolized power and style.


The one and only Christian Louboutin.

Recently, the Couture Council held an evening in the Louboutin Boutique on Madison in advance of the luncheon. We shared some bubbly with the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology director and chief curator (and ever-effervescent) Dr. Valerie Steele, and set about to serious shoe shopping, make more productive by the libation.


Hilary Dick, Valerie Steele, Karen Klopp at Christian Louboutin boutique for Couture Council Museum at FIT.
Hilary and KK with Valerie Steele at the Christian Louboutin boutique.
Hilary Dick, Valerie Steele, Karen Klopp at Christian Louboutin boutique for Couture Council Museum at FIT.
The Louboutin Boutique on Madison Avenue.

As Director of the Museum at FIT, we not surprised by Valerie’s interesting and diverse choices in footwear.


Hilary Dick, Valerie Steele, Karen Klopp at Christian Louboutin boutique for Couture Council Museum at FIT.

Trés Glamour …


Christian Louboutin shoes.
Levita 55 Spiked Translucent Ankle Strap, $895.

Chic Comme L’enfer …


Christian Louboutin Boots
TS Croc Crystal Cap Bootie, $2,095.

Hilary Dick, Valerie Steele, Karen Klopp at Christian Louboutin boutique for Couture Council Museum at FIT.

Toute la Journée …


Patio Crystal Mesh Ballet Flats, $995.

Hilary was having a ball with the brilliant sparkling styles to suit her personality.

“I was like a child in a candy store, loving every beautiful shoe on display. But I do tend to go for the glitter and was especially drawn to the pump below. I felt as though I was wearing Cinderella’s glass slipper … but with sparkle. You would definitely be the belle of the ball in these, and they are incredibly comfortable for dancing the night away.”


Hilary Dick, Valerie Steele, Karen Klopp at Christian Louboutin boutique for Couture Council Museum at FIT.

´Etoile Brillante …


Christian Louboutin glittery pumps.
Follies Strass 100mm Pump, $1,195.

Bottes extraordinaire …


Christian Louboutin Silver Booties
Triniboot Metallic Booties, $1,095.

Glissades Fantastic …


Christian Louboutin glittery slides
Spikes Only Studded Red Sole Mules, $795.

I had a decidedly more practical approach.  With the upcoming new season, I checked my shoe stock and decided it was time for a new pair of sexy black pumps. And had no trouble locking down some choice pairs. Note the low cut vamp in most Louboutin styles creates the ultra look of “toe cleavage!”



Parfait! …


Christian Louboutin pumps
Pigalle Follies 85, $695.

Pourquoi Pas? …


Christian Louboutin black leather and slings
Optisexy Embossed Slingback Pumps, $795.

Cherchez la Femme …


Christian Louboutin Patent Leather Pumps
Hot Chick Patent Leather Pumps, $695.

Coup de Foudre …


Christian Louboutin plexy pumps
Cosmo Cutout Pumps, $795.

Now that we are well heeled (sorry, we couldn’t not resist), off we go to Museum at FIT for a major exposition opening on September 6th. Curated by Dr. Steele, Paris, Capital of Fashion will explore how and why Paris became the international leader of the fashion world.


Capital of Fashion, book written by Valerie Steele

The lavishly illustrated book traces how the mythic “aura” of Paris fashion was constructed over generations, as the splendour of the court at Versailles came to be echoed by the spectacle of the haute couture.



If you haven’t been to the Museum at FIT, put it on your To-Do List for fall. While the scope is vast, the scale is intimate, their archives boundless and the exhibitions inspired.  In an hour or less you can enhance knowledge through a period in time as seen through the eyes of fashion.  We cannot wait to view the new exhibit and discover its relevant context.

The Museum continues its celebration 50th Anniversary of Museum at FITthroughout 2019.  Watch the video below to hear from designers on the inspiration the institution has provided throughout its history. Known, for intelligent, ground breaking and thought provoking exhibits, Michael Korsnotes: “Museum at FIT is the fashion insider’s fashion museum.  That is what is so brilliant about all of the exhibits.”


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