Dennis Basso fêted in style
DENNIS Basso was honored as designer of the year at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s gala at the Plaza on Monday, and the room was filled with his gowns. Wearing Basso’s designs were Paris and Nicky Hilton, June Ambrose, Ivana Trump, Carol Alt, Jill Martin, Deborah Norville, Yaz
Hernandez and Hilary Rhoda — who appears in Basso’s new ad campaign. Paris, who modeled in a Basso fashion show at the Plaza as a teen, told us: “I’ve known Dennis my whole life . . . he always dressed my mother and her friends in the most fabulous clothes. It was my first time on a runway in his show when I was 16 . . . so much changed for me after that.” Basso even designed the bridesmaid dresses for Nicky’s wedding to James Rothschild, and she’s now seven months pregnant with their first child, a girl. Paris said, “I just can’t wait to be Auntie Paris, take her shopping and buy her cute clothes.” Ivana recalled the days when Basso sold furs out of the back of a car, and said, “Now he has his flagship boutique on Madison Avenue.” FIT’s Dr. Joyce Brown introduced Basso as “the son of a New Jersey produce importer,” and a “scrappy, risk-taking entrepreneur . . . a kid with a dream. I love his passion. His extravagance. His moxie. His heart.” The black-tie event raised $1.7 million and also honored John and Laura Pomer
antz and QVC. Other guests included Neil Sedaka, Denise Rich, Michael George, Debbie Bancroft, Jamie Tisch and Fe Fendi. Basso said in an epic speech. “I wake up, [and] get dressed every day thinking I’m going to a party, even if it is or not.” Well, Monday night was one hell of a party.