French Heritage Society's (FHS) Black & White Ball,
honoring interior designer Geoffrey Bradfield and
philanthropists Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, was held
yesterday evening at a private club in New York City.
"No couple in New York could be as popular and as
adorable as the Hedberg’s," said Board Chairman
Elizabeth Stribling. "They are so nice, so
philanthropic, and so Francophile. Margaret's aunt
created something called The International Debutante
Ball; my mother was on the committee of this ball in
1960. We go back a long, long time. Her husband
Gregory is a noted scholar and curator, and the
author of the scholarly text Degas' Little
Dancer, Aged Fourteen". In accepting their
award, Margaret Hedberg commented, "Look at all of
you, you look so beautiful. I think it's the chicest
crowd in New York. I will just say one thing...merci
mille fois!" Her husband continued, "When we're
with French Heritage Society, we're in French
heaven". "FHS continues to inspire us all", agreed
Geoffrey Bradfield. "Marcel Proust wrote, 'If we are
not to make reality endurable, we must all nourish a
fantasy or two.' Tonight, receiving this splendid
honor, is a moment in my life that I will always
cherish." Board member and special event chairman
CeCe Black presented Geoffrey with his award, a
Lalique trophy.
FHS President Denise de Kergorlay traveled from
Paris especially for the evening and announced that
Elizabeth Stribling will receive the Commandeur de
la Légion d'Honneur from the French Minister of
Forgein Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, on Monday at
the Quai d'Orsay (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
in Paris. Already a member of the Légion d'Honneur,
this "upgrade" is an honor rarely bestowed on an
American.
Jennifer Herlein, the FHS Executive
Director, explained their Student
Exchange Program, "It is my great
pleasure to talk about one of the
pillars of French Heritage Society.
Each year we send French and
American students, around 35 in all
to cross the Atlantic to participate
in internships at well known
institutions. They establish
friendships and understandings that
last a lifetime". Kathleen Guzman of
Heritage Auctions lead spirited
bidding in support
of the Program.
Guests all dressed
in the most formal black or white; the
ladies in long gowns and many
of the men, including the New
York Chapter Co-Chair, Guy
Robinson, in white tie
and decorations. Board Member Jean
Shafiroff wore a striped gown with a
train and a
matching masque by designer Victor
de Sousa, who accompanied her. Odile
de Schiétère-Longchampt, New
York Chapter Co-Chair and the
evening’s Design
Consultant, created stunning (nearly)
black and white flower arrangements.
The Gala
Chairmen were CeCe Black, Jean Doyen
de Montaillou and Michael A. Kovner,
Jay R. Paul, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann
Van Ness. The Co-Chairmen
Barbara and Donald Tober. Dinner
Chairmen were Stark D. Kirby, Jr.,
Helena Lehane, Martin Shafiroff, and
Bill Van Ness. George P. Sape served
as the
Wine Consultant. Guests
included Board Members Yann
Coatanlem, Christian Draz, Ronald
Lee Fleming, Comte Denis de
Kergorlay, Judy McLaren, Ann and
Bill Van
Ness, as well as Debbie Bancroft,
Véronique Bich, Lady Liliana
Cavendish, Victor de Souza, Mr. and
Mrs. William J. Diamond, Mr. and
Mrs. John French III, Mark
Gilbertson, Sharon Handler, Eric
Javits, Jr., Yue-Sai Kan, Margo
Langenberg, George Ledes, Sharon
Handler Loeb and John Loeb, William
Ivey Long, Patricia and Harry
Macklowe, Aimée and William Maroney,
Mary McFadden, Lucretia Obolensky,
Diana and Charles Revson, Tara
Rockefeller, Barbara and John
Schumacher, Charlie Scheips, Dame
Donna and Richard Soloway, and
Victoria Wyman.
Dancing continued till midnight…
Upcoming FHS events include the
annual Thanksgiving Day celebration
in Paris a well as the annual Palm
Beach Gala Dinner, February 2020
https://frenchheritagesociety.org/event/palm-beach-gala-2020/
About French Heritage Society
French Heritage Society is dedicated
to protecting the French
architectural legacy both in France
and the United States with
particular emphasis on preservation
and education. It fosters
long-established French-American
relationships through cultural
exchanges as it strives to ensure
that the treasures of our shared
heritage will survive to inspire
future generations. Its 11 chapters
in the U.S. and one in Paris have
supported the restoration of nearly
600 buildings and gardens since
1982. FHS also organizes unique
student internship opportunities in
both countries
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