News & Trends: It was indeed an "it" event, as a denizen of distinguished industry insiders, socialites and fashion models gathered for a tributary dinner to honor four world-renowned designers. The event, which was co-sponsored by ASmallWorld and Volkswagen, saluted Alice Temperley, Maria Cornejo, Andy Spade, and Antony Todd at a private affair held at Bobo restaurant in NYC's West Village.

"I've always tried for longevity and not to be fly by night," said honoree Alice Temperley. "Still, it's amazing to be honored because I am in my own world designing and it's good to come out and see that the work is being appreciated."

Maria Conejo, the winner of a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, said, "It's only my second ever honor. "It's so humbling. [Do you know] the best thing about being lauded like this? "I get to learn about other honorees' work." The Chilean-born designer is a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama.

The festive evening was a rousing success, as many in attendance described the dinner as being more like an intimate gathering of friends than a formal proceeding. Volkswagen's Laura Soave also felt that the event went well. "These are the people with new designs and new ideas, and we wanted to bring them all together."

Among the fashion world luminaries in attendance were Cynthia Rowley, winner of CFDA Perry Ellis Award and ThreeASFOUR designers Adi, Gabi, and Ange. Supermodels spotted onsite included Liberty Ross, Veronica Webb and Vogue It Girl 2009 Poppy Delevigne. Other notables attending the dinner party were ASmallWorld CEO Joe Robinson and ASmallMagazine's editor in chief Sabine Heller.

Ms. Heller, who wore a print single shoulder Zero + Maria Cornejo dress, compared the work of the honored designers to Volkswagen's new CC. "The new VW CC is all about bringing sharp, edgy but long-lasting design into our everyday lives. The designers we are honoring have a similarly enduring effect in these fleeting times."

For LxM James Rothaar