What You Missed at The Center’s 10th Annual Fashion Centered Gala
This year, they honored designer Brandon Blackwood and founding co-chair Dorothy Berwin.
Susanne Bartsch by Six Nelson
This year, fashion, design, and art moguls came glammed up for The Center’s 10th Annual Fashion Centered Gala. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, also known as The Center, honored designer Brandon Blackwood, who harnesses his iconic designs to represent his identity and those who identify similarly. They also honored the founding chair, Dorothy Berwin.
Since Blackwood began designing about a decade ago, he’s honed in on making his designs luxurious, high-quality, sustainable, and affordable. The constantly sold-out bags have evolved into shoes, apparel, accessories, and more. Despite being one of the most sought-after brands, Blackwood’s humble beginnings started at The Center.
“I used to go to the Museum School a couple blocks away from here, so after school, I’d come here,” says Blackwood. “We did group discussions and had a camp here. I did a program with the LGBTQ+ community and taught them how to use computers. But I felt like there weren’t a lot of spaces where you could be openly gay or queer and explore. This is a safe haven for me. It gave me confidence.”
Appearances included Shameless’ Emmy Rossum, musician Kiesza, fashion journalist Lynn Yaeger, music duo Nina Sky, actress Tommy Dorfman, designer Erin Magee, event producer Susanne Bartsch, and many more.
Photos by Six Nelson
The Fashion Centered Gala and these public figures joined forces to raise funds for imperative programs and resources for The Center and New York City’s LGBTQ+ community. For ten years, Fashion Centered has raised over $3 million to expand HIV/AIDS services, mental health and counseling services, and provide resources to combat post-COVID-10 isolation and trauma.
Victor Glemaud, co-chair of the Fashion Centered Gala and founder of the non-profit IN THE BLK, says he started working with The Center when the late Ed Filipowski asked if he wanted to be involved with the program. Since then, Glemaud has been inspired to make the LGBTQ+ community feel as safe as The Center has made him feel.
“Being an immigrant Black gay kid in New York, you need these spaces,” Glemaud says. “Sometimes you don’t have it at home. You don’t have it with your family or friends. People need to know that there are options. In my small way, I want to help people know that. It’s about using my platform, big or small. I’m supporting the things that hold value to me.”
This year, funds will go directly toward Center Youth, which prioritizes a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth at The Center. Their mission is to allow the youth to connect with peers, prioritize physical and mental health, and become leaders in affirmative and inclusive ways. This was achieved with the help of sponsors Jean Paul Gaultier, Supreme, Tory Burch, and more.
