Brief
NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala raises $3.45 million with Stevie Nicks and Sarah Jessica Parker
The benefit event featured designer collaborations, world‑premiere ballets and a $3.45 million fundraising total.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala on Thursday night raised $3.45 million, with Stevie Nicks making a rare red‑carpet appearance alongside longtime board vice‑chair Sarah Jessica Parker, Vogue reported.
What happened
The gala opened with remarks from Board Chair Diana Taylor before premiering three new works, including Alysa Pires’ "Auspicy" that culminated in a solo by principal dancer Unity Phelan. Designers such as Simone Rocha, Rolf Snoeren and Viktor & Rolf supplied costumes, and the event featured performances by Matthew Broderick, Nicole Ari Parker, Julia Fox and Olivia Rodrigo at the David H. Koch Theater.
What the reports add
Vogue noted that the benefit has raised more than $40 million over its 14‑year history, attracting top names from arts, fashion and entertainment. The outlet highlighted that Parker wore a hand‑painted custom tulle gown by Simone Rocha, while Nicks wore a mauve Morgane Le Fay frock with a flower crown. The article also explained that designers must work with the ballet’s costume shop, led by director Marc Happel, to adapt high‑fashion pieces for the dancers’ athletic needs.
What was said
"It’s about revisiting something that, in your mind’s eye, is extraordinary," Parker told Vogue about the gala’s purpose. She added, "You watch supremely talented people come together to offer New York City one of the great, great nights at the theater." Dutch designer Rolf Snoeren described the solo’s visual as "romantic," noting the gilded coat and metallic catsuits worn by the ensemble.
How it came about
The gala, founded by Parker 14 years ago, has become the ballet’s premier fundraising night. Its success builds on previous events such as Parker’s gray‑blended updo debut on Oct. 1, 2026, which Vogue also covered. The collaboration between fashion houses and the ballet’s costume shop reflects a long‑standing partnership that enables designers to create performance‑ready attire.
Key facts
- The New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala raised $3.45 million. (vogue.com)
- Stevie Nicks made her first red‑carpet appearance since the Met Gala at the event. (vogue.com)
- Sarah Jessica Parker wore a custom tulle gown by Simone Rocha and a hand‑painted design. (vogue.com)
- World premieres included Alysa Pires’ "Auspicy" featuring a solo by Unity Phelan. (vogue.com)
- Designers worked with costume director Marc Happel to adapt outfits for dancers. (vogue.com)
Sources
- [1] vogue.com — originally reported as “At the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala, Stevie Nicks and Sarah Jessica Parker Brought Down the House”
