The indomitable Diane von Furstenberg was awarded the 2026 Couture Council Award from the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology on Thursday afternoon for her transformational influence on women’s fashion.

“It is incredible to see so many people that I have crossed paths with,” said von Furstenberg, before the luncheon began. Among the guests at Gotham Hall were Dr. Joyce F. Brown, former president of FIT , Martha Stewart, Linda Fargo, Jane Hertzberg Hudis, Narciso Rodriguez, Zane Li, LaQuan Smith, Ken Dowling, Henry Zankov, Daniella Kallmeyer, Jean Shafiroff, Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Danielle Frankel Hirsch, Emily Dawn Long, Jonathan Cohen, Nicole Miller, Candace Bushnell, Denise Magid, Sarah Wetenhall, Constance C.R. White, and Fern Mallis.

Henry Zankov , artistic director of Diane von Furstenberg and founder and designer of his own company, Zankov, kicked off the festivities. “This is truly a full-circle moment for me.…