The New York City Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center hosted its Fashion Centered fundraising dinner on Monday night to mark the start of Pride Month. Designer Thom Browne received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the event raised more than $275,000.
The Center, founded in 1983 during the AIDS epidemic, opened its doors on West 13th Street for the 12th annual dinner. It now assists over 300,000 community members yearly through its programs. Thom Browne attended with his partner Andrew Bolton and expressed surprise at the honor. “Honestly, I don’t know if I really deserve it,” he said. “There’s so many people that do so much more for the community than I do, but it’s a huge honor.” Janelle Monáe presented the award and described discovering Browne’s work through a distinctive grey suit. Monáe pledged $5,000 during the later fundraising drive led by Dr. Carla Smith, the Center’s CEO. Guests including Jenna Lyons and Sam Pinkleton wore Thom Browne designs throughout the evening.
