From left: Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; Graziano de Boni, president and CEO of Valentino; and Dr. Frank Chervenak, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
On May 10, renowned couture designer Valentino hosted a luncheon and runway fashion show at Cipriani @ 42nd Street to benefit the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology/Lying-In Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The fall 2007 prêt-a-porter collection was showcased at the event.
Valentino, a master of elegance and opulence, made his mark in the early 1960s by creating luxurious gowns with intricate detailing. He has long been popular among European royalty, American socialites and celebrities. While his new creations get a great deal of attention—and requests, especially for red-carpet events—many also collect his vintage dresses, like the black gown with white piping Julia Roberts wore to accept her Oscar in 2001. Many in attendance at the May 10th event wore Valentino from their personal collections.
Founded in 1799, The Lying-In Hospital was New York's first hospital devoted solely to the care of women in childbirth. Today, the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology/Lying-In Hospital, under the direction of Dr. Frank Chervenak, continues to set standards in patient care, research, training and community outreach that translates into better medical care for women of all ages.
Attendees were treated to a viewing of Valentino's fall 2007 prêt-a-porter collection.
The unparalleled leadership position achieved by the department's Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility is based on its superb clinical unit supported by a comprehensive research program that has widespread applications in many areas beyond infertility. The renowned ultrasound unit has helped thousands of women during their pregnancies and throughout their lives. The division of women's health provides services to women and teenagers who cannot afford private medical care. The Lying-In Hospital's residency and training program is one of the most prestigious in the country, and for many years the majority of its trainees have been women.
Photography by Cutty McGill.