NOW...

...AND THEN

It all began in 1928 when 17 women, invited by Edna Woolman Chase, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, met for lunch in a modest midtown New York City restaurant. They shared three things: each held a job in the business of fashion; each held all others in high regard; and each believed fashion needed a forum to express and enhance a widening awareness of the American fashion business and women’s roles in that business. Thus, in 1930, The Fashion Group International was born.

Some of the founding and charter members included such notables as Elizabeth Arden, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helena Rubinstein, and Edith Head. Many decades later, the names have changed, but the energy, talent, and commitment to the fashion industry, remains the same.

Internationally renowned retailer Nan Duskin Lincoln was a driving force in organizing the Philadelphia chapter of The Fashion Group International in 1938. From 1957 to 1983, FGI Philadelphia hosted the prestigious Crystal Ball. The bi-annual gala included live fashion shows from American designers, world famous honorees, live bands, dinner, dancing, and a who’s-who amongst the guests. The glamorous event was in partnership with the Art Museum of Philadelphia, which helped to fund the museum’s fashion wing. It is curated with hundreds of items dating back to the 15th century including costumes, textiles, laces, jewels, and accessories from around the world.

Since then, we have evolved into a fashion community of entrepreneurs, designers, and business professionals in fashion, beauty, home design, photography, art, and film, helping our members to elevate, educate, and empower their careers through our programs and events.