“This is giving back,” Veronica Miele Beard beamed as Stephen Kolb greeted a room full of supporters gathered for an intimate dinner. (And no, it wasn’t anything untoward.) The designer, one half of Veronica Beard, was referring to the label’s Creative Futures Scholarship program, organized in partnership with the CFDA. “Thirteen years ago, we were finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. We will never forget this process. The experience really moved us, so we are grateful to you.”

What started last year as a one-time initiative for four emerging designers to win a paid summer internship and $50,000 in education funding proved so beneficial to both the label and the three awardees that Veronica and the others decided to renew the initiative for another three years. “We had a great time with the group, and we learned as much as they learned,” Veronica Swanson Beard said. “I ended the summer with the warmest feelings, and I felt like I really wanted to continue this.”

The label also strengthens CFDA’s mission by pledging a long-term gift to fund future programs and scholarships. Kolb acknowledged how helpful their support and investment has been as the organization celebrates 30 years of life-changing, career-building scholarship programs, but said they are also in good company. “You join a truly remarkable group of designers who have always been committed to supporting young talent: Oscar de la Renta, Geoffrey Beene, Liz Claiborne, Bill Blass, Monica Tilly, the hugely successful swimwear designer of the 1970s, and Perry Ellis, a true champion of scholarships. As a nonprofit, all of our work depends on the kindness of others. We are grateful.”

Miele Beard and Swanson Beard have taken over Frebo to toast interactive streets, nurturing the next generation of designers, and the upcoming New York Fashion Week. This art-adorned Michelin-starred restaurant is tucked behind the facade of an art gallery on West 8th Street. Iris Apatow and Coco Arquette were in the crowd wearing chic suits, separates, and dash bags. A handbag for every girl in New York City that can take you from desk to dinner. Comedian, actress and podcast host Ego Nwodim was also in attendance, bravely teaming a pure white pantsuit with open-toed shoes despite the frigid 6 degrees outside, saying, “I’m giving it my all!”

“Thank you also to Veronica and his wife for finding this place,” Kolb said. Indeed: The multi-course menu that Franco Zampogna and his team meticulously prepared right in front of our guests was like watching a master couturier at work. Enjoy colorful and imaginative dishes prepared with care.