Is the 2010 Costume Institute Gala in Jeopardy?

Jun 22

Mon, 06/22/09 — 05:21:11 PM

>> On Friday, it was announced that Vogue's director of special events, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, had resigned with no replacement named. Today, Fashion Week Daily reports that insiders are buzzing about the future of the Costume Institute Gala — Winston Wolkoff organized the event for the past decade.

According to one source, "Events budgets have been slashed across the board at Conde. The Costume Institute has got to be the company's most expensive event, and Stephanie built it into what it is today. It makes no sense to pass it off to someone else."

This year's event brought in $2 million less than the previous year, with a number of fashion brands declining to sponsor tables due to the economy. At this time last year, we already had clues about the designer co-host and theme for the upcoming Costume Institute Gala, but so far, there has been nothing about the 2010 event. FWD suggests that "perhaps just cocktails are in order," but the Gala is still Anna Wintour's party, and it doesn't seem like her to let go without a fight.

2 Comments Email Link to tags:Anna Wintour, Vogue, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, 2010 Costume Institute Gala

posted by Steeplechase

Mon, 06/22/2009 - 6:00pm

There was a Costume Institute Gala before Anna Wintour hijacked it and there will still be one if she and Condé Nast decide to ditch it.
She didn't invent that party, she just twisted it for her own purposes.

posted by Brownstonerocks

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 6:33pm

Andre Leon Tally, protoge of Diana Vreeland, consultant to the Costume Institute, is how Vogue was connected to the Costume Institute Gala. Mr. Tally with his incredible charisma and artistic talents was also recognized by Anna Wintour.
The Gala was NOT highjacked but became the incredible event it is today, raising massive amounts of money and THANKS TO THE GENIUS OF STEPHANIE WINSTON WOLKOFF , became the biggest and most prestigious event of all time! It would matter alot if Anna were to give it up!
My only concern is that with the resignation of Stephanie Winston-Wolkoff, it will lose much of its stature and recognition as an amazing charity. MS. winston Wolkoff was the driving force of its success and wil be sorely missed!
OMG!!