The official kickoff to New York Fashion Week is back this September: The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology’s 2024 Couture Council luncheon.
This year, the Couture Council will honor Simon Porte Jacquemus, founder and designer at JACQUEMUS, and at the helm of the celebration are co-chairs Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz and Sarah Wetenhall.
Get to know the ladies with Spotlight.
Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, founding editor-in-chief of Vogue Arabia and founder of D’NA
Deena, how did your involvement with FIT come about?
I’ve been friends with [FIT Director] Valerie [Steele] for a long time and have admired her throughout the many years that I’ve known her. The reason I truly wanted to join the Couture Council is because I largely admire FIT and its museum specifically. This is a publicly run school, and they don’t have private funding in the way that other institutions do. I thought it was imperative to try to help them in the best way that I can, especially after moving back to New York.
Why did you decide to honor Simon Porte Jacquemus this year at the Gala?
It wasn’t just my decision, of course. However, to stay current, it’s important to acknowledge the young generation. JACQUEMUS is incredible in its trajectory. This young man was truly able to set himself apart. I think it will speak very well to the younger demographic, as well as the established council members.
Tell us about your latest projects!
I just launched my own website and a multitude of different channels within it. This website is a community of like-minded people on a global scale. It’s got everything from deep articles to podcasts to playlists. Check it out at deenathe1st.com.
Do you have any interest in getting back into print?
The reason I took the job at Vogue Arabia at the time was because it was absolutely symbolic. It mattered that we would have a book representing us. Nowadays, I think the only way I’d be interested in a print operation would be if it’s a very special print. If it’s something that you feel you really want to keep, that’s never going to die.
You were also a buyer. What do you think of Printemps in Paris coming to NYC?
I don’t really know. I remember the Galeries Lafayette experience back in the ’90s. But I’m not sure until I see it.
What do you love about fall in NYC?
NYC is always going to be my favorite city in the entire world. I used to say if it’s not in New York, it’s not worth seeing. I have always been hopelessly in love with it. There’s always something new, and there’s always something to do!
Sarah Wetenhall, president and owner of The Colony Hotel
Sarah, how special is it for you to be co-chair of this year’s Couture Council?
I have served as a trustee of the Couture Council for a couple of years. Personally, my background is in the fashion industry. I spent more than a decade in the PR and marketing side of the business. Fashion has long been something I’m personally passionate about, particularly American fashion and preserving the history and heritage of American fashion, which is what the Couture Council is so focused on. Having a successful luncheon, which will in turn support the museum at FIT, is something that’s near and dear to my heart.
Let’s dive deeper into your fashion roots!
I started out at Calvin Klein in the late ’90s. I did PR and marketing for the women’s collection. Working at Calvin during those days was a foundational experience for me. Not only was it my first job out of college, but it taught me all that I know about brand building because Calvin was the master of communicating one’s brand and one’s ethos to a wider community. I jumped over to Dolce & Gabbana for a number of years, which has been fun because consequentially Dolce is with us now at The Colony. I also went agency side and worked with a number of different brands, including Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, and Juicy Couture.
As the owner of The Colony Hotel, what are some things you consider while being a part of an event like this?
There’s nothing like being in hospitality that teaches you how to throw a party. We consider all the fun and beautiful things, like who’s our honoree going to be and what are they going to say and all the colors, the napkins and the flowers—that’s all the fun stuff. But I know just enough to also worry about the steps of service, what’s the timing of our entrée is going to be—all those logistics.
What does New York Fashion Week look like for you this fall?
September is always a little tricky, but I generally manage to attend a few shows. Carolina Herrera is always a favorite!
