On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, New York’s philanthropic and cultural elite gathered at an exclusive Manhattan club for one of the season’s most anticipated soirées—the French Heritage Society’s Gala Dinner Dance, themed this year as The Art Deco Ball. The event celebrated not only France’s enduring architectural and cultural legacy but also a defining new chapter for the historic fashion house Lanvin under the artistic direction of Peter Copping, who was honored with the evening’s prestigious award.
The ballroom—glimmering in Art Deco glamour—provided the perfect backdrop for Copping, who was introduced by James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of WWD and Fairchild Media Group. Fallon highlighted Jeanne Lanvin’s “groundbreaking” contributions to fashion and praised Copping’s “inimitable designs… known for their effortless femininity, ease, sense of color, and the touch of whimsy that only the British can achieve.”
By PMC/Getty Jared Siskin
In his acceptance speech, Copping spoke to the essence of heritage—“not only what we inherit,” he reflected, “but what we choose to own, to care for, to restore, and to pass forward.” His remarks echoed the mission of the French Heritage Society (FHS), whose preservation work bridges centuries, disciplines, and continents.
The inspiring program continued with a spirited live auction conducted by Nick Dawes, Vice President of Heritage Auctions, raising significant funds for the organization’s preservation efforts. The ballroom then transformed into a jubilant dance floor as guests enjoyed the sounds of the Alex Donner Orchestra, followed by a vibrant afterparty energized by DJ Olivier Meiji, which kept the celebration going well past midnight.
Leadership and Luminaries in Attendance
Guests were welcomed by Special Events Chair CeCe Black along with Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling, President Denis de Kergorlay, incoming Chairman Timothy Corrigan, and incoming President Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville d’Hérouville. Additional remarks were shared by Lanvin Deputy CEO Siddhartha Shukla and FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein.
This year’s Gala Chairmen—Liz McDermott Barnes, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness—were recognized for their exceptional leadership, alongside Dinner Chairmen Ben Barnes, Lee Black, Jennifer Farrell, Lady Maria and Kenneth Fishel, Emily Kunze, Lanvin, Jennifer C. Schünemann, Martin Shafiroff, Bill Van Ness, and Rebecca and Stephen Whyte, whose contributions ensured the evening’s resounding success.
FHS Board Members in attendance included Rosann Gutman, Kazie Metzger Harvey, Ken Hausman, Isabelle de Laroullière, Maureen Nash, George Sape, Charlotte Vignon, and Jaqueline Wilson. The gala also drew a distinguished crowd of philanthropists, collectors, cultural patrons, and global citizens, including Michelle and Douglas Ayres, Elizabeth Belfer, Erin and Christophe Berthoux, Yann Coatanlem, Sharlene Cooper Cohen, James Demmert and Pauline Argenson, Rich and Alina Dovere, Katherine and Daniel Gordon, Susan Gutfreund, Steve and Linda Ivy, Scott and Monica Laurans, Luis de Lencquesaing, Christina Bott Murphy, Michael and Jonathan Reinert-Sessions, Sana Sabbagh, Odile de Schietere-Longchampt, Donna and Richard Soloway, Will Steele and Chris Drake, Barbara Tober, Lynn and Pascal Franchot Tone, among many others.
By Andrew Werner
Supporting a Mission That Preserves History and Shapes the Future
Proceeds from the gala directly support FHS’s three-part mission:
- Preserving French architectural heritage in both France and the United States
- Training the next generation of preservationists through its renowned Education Program
- Strengthening Franco-American friendship through cultural exchange and shared stewardship
These initiatives ensure that the architectural and cultural masterpieces of the past remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Upcoming French Heritage Society Events
- February 15, 2025 – Palm Beach Gala at Club Colette
- April 6, 2025 – Palm Beach Luncheon at Swifty’s at The Colony
- May 20, 2025 – Dîner des Mécènes at Cercle de l’Union Interalliée, Paris
- May 20–22, 2025 – FHS Members’ Trip to Paris
As always, these gatherings offer unparalleled access to cultural institutions, historic sites, and the global network of tastemakers who champion French heritage.
