With just two weeks to go until the presidential election, the New York City charity circuit did not skip a beat in coming together for a bipartisan cause that everyone can agree on. Save the Children’s annual Illumination Gala took over The Plaza hotel’s majestic third-floor ballroom last night, to dazzling effect—country singer Jennifer Nettles performed, Jennifer Garner hosted, and honorees included Toys “R” Us, philanthropist Bachir Boumaaza, and none other than iconic supermodel Iman herself. Gabriela Hearst cochaired, wearing a slinky French velvet gown of her own design, and she also had the honor of dressing Save the Children’s CEO and president Carolyn Miles for the evening. “We did a custom dress for her,” Hearst said, describing the difference between outfitting a CEO as opposed to the celebrities or socialites who are more used to having designers dress them for occasions. “It was especially thrilling because you really see the transformation, and someone like a CEO has so much appreciation for being transformed. Carolyn is such a smart, dynamic woman.” The cause is one that brings many different types of New Yorkers together. Garner, who has hosted the Illumination Gala for several years now, and also serves as a Save the Children artist ambassador and trustee, said, “I grew up in West Virginia, my mom grew up poor in Oklahoma, so when I was suddenly in a position where I could help an organization, I kept asking myself, ‘Who is helping kids in rural America?’ It turns out that Save the Children, this massive organization with a presence in 120 countries around the globe, also has excellent programs right here in rural America.” Garner also hinted at a slightly more frivolous reason why she keeps coming back to host the annual affair at The Plaza: “Who knows, maybe I’ll run into Eloise.” Iman, wearing a splendid polka-dot dress and cape set by Duro Olowu—“I mean, I had to wear an African designer tonight, right?”—explained why it meant so much to her to be honored by Save the Children. “Children have always been a cause close to my heart, and Save the Children does so much with children everywhere, whether it is here in America, or with Syrian refugees, which is such an important issue right now.” For all the black-tie glitz and glam in the room last night, the one accessory that caught our eye was a tiny nameplate necklace that Iman wore. From across the room, you would hardly notice she was wearing it—but if you stood close, you could see it was the name of her late husband: David.  

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