The spectacle kicked off with comments by Pratt President Dr. Thomas Schutte and Linda DeFrance, director of product trend analysis for Cotton Incorporated (the evening’s underwriter), followed by a tribute video including extolments from a cast of luminaries like Isaac Mizrahi, Chris Benz, Norma Kamali, Derek Lam, Tracey Reese and Catherine Malandrino. Betsey Johnson stole the montage, cackling, “She’s achieved a whole fucking lot in her short life!” Indeed Ms. Mallis has—as a pioneer of New York Fashion Week, an IMG executive and as a brand consultant and mentor.

Calvin Klein delivered a poignant address to the honoree and then called Ms. Mallis to the podium, handing her a crystal trophy. With tears in her eyes, Ms. Mallis recalled one of her first encounters with Mr. Klein, when he supported her early ambitions to unify New York’s Fashion Week. She reminisced on her many years in the business and graciously thanked the individuals who had guided her career. Ms. Mallis’s best advice? “Be nice. People always end up working with people they enjoy being around.”

Then it was runway time! See the above slideshow for highlights.