FIAF’s 2018 Trophée des Arts Gala

Marie-Monique Steckel, Charles Cohen, Jane Fonda and Sebastien Bazin (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

An American treasure and a French powerhouse were honorees at the annual French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Trophee Des Arts Gala on November 12th’, Monday evening at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. The gala benefits the nonprofit organization’s educational and cultural programs including Cine Salon, Tilt Kids Festival, Crossing the Line Festival, Art de Vivre and Bastille Day. FIAF’s Young Audience Program provides free access to 25 New York City public schools in five boroughs to quality French education and cultural enrichment.

Marie-Monique Steckel, Nicolas Sarkozy, Clo and Charles Cohen (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

Glamorous, talented and smart describes both gala honorees: Academy Award–winning Actress Jane Fonda and AccorHotels Chairman & CEO Sébastien Bazin. The evening began with the very popular cocktail party packed with gala guests conversing in French and English, enjoying the open bar and canapés of tuna tartare, pate, sautéed shrimp and beef tenderloin. The magnificent silent auction began during the cocktail hour of the most luxurious travel, wines, and cuisine, beauty and style items. The silent auction continues on Charitybuzz until December 6th.The gala guests were a mix of French and Francophile movers and shakers from real estate, the hospitality industry, business, dignitaries, art and society that included Anne-Clare Legendre, Shirin von Wulffen, Nicolas Sarkozy, Harry Macklowe, Maia Paulin, Stéphanie Ormand, Jane D. Hartley, Sam Nazarian and Yann Coatanlem.The evening continued in the Ballroom for a seated dinner, awards ceremony and live auction. Bloomberg Television reporter and lovely English rose Emma Chandra served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Nabil Chartouni, Anne-Claire Legendre(Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

Force of nature and FIAF President Marie-Monique Steckel introduced the new chairman of FIAF’s Board of Directors Charles Cohen. Charles has the perfect pedigree in his new role as Chairman of FIAF. He is listed 232 on FORBES 400 list as the CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty, an Oscar winning producer of “The Salesman” and his production company, Cohen Media Group.

Sam Waterston and Jane Fonda (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

The two-time Academy Award winning actress and producer, uber successful fitness entrepreneur, New York Times best selling author, fiery social justice and feminist activist, humanitarian and subject of the Netflix documentary, “Jane Fonda in Five Acts” was stunning in a figure hugging gown. The star of “Grace and Frankie” accepted her Lalique Hirondelles vase from her Netflix comedy co-star and Golden Globe–Award Winner Sam Waterston. Sam presented the Trophee des Arts award to the legendary beauty who accepted with her signature bodacious intelligent exuberance. The Trophée des Arts annually recognizes an artist who exemplifies FIAF’s mission of French-American friendship and cross-cultural exchange. Living and acting with her then husband film director Roger Vadim in France in the 60’s, Jane spoke effortlessly in French during parts of her acceptance speech.

Thomas J Barrack Jr and Sebastien Bazin (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

Colleague and friend Thomas J Barrack Jr of Colony Capital presented the Pilier d’Or to Sebastien Bazin for his highly successful brand leadership naturallement at the Plaza Hotel — a gem of the AccorHotel portfolio. The Pilier d’Or, established in 2006, recognizes a leading business figure, diplomat, or philanthropist for outstanding contributions to the French-American community. Sébastien Bazin became CEO in August 2013 and his bold acquisitions and deals in the hospitality game have made AccorHotels one of the most powerful and innovated companies in the industry. AccorHotels operates more than 85 hotels in Central and North America, mostly in the luxury segment, and offers unique experiences in more than 4,500 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. Sebastian accepted his Lalique Hirondelles vase with a charming speech.

Live auction at Trophee Des Arts (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

The live auction boasted spectacular experiences for the cosmopolitan crowd to bid, Royal Treatment in Marrakech at the Fairmont’s Presidential Suite for a 5 -night stay for 2 people, Treasures of Rare Grand Cru Wine from Bordeaux, Splendor and Sparkle in London at The Savoy Hotel and Business Class airfare for 2 people, Jean Paul Gaultier VIP Haute Couture Experience in Paris for 2 people, Magnificient Chanel Camelia Diamond Earrings and Walk the Red Carpet of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival complete with a private chauffeur, lunch on Cannes Beach and one night in a 5- star Hotel. Wickedly funny auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla worked the floor to preside over a fierce bidding war for a Jeff Koons artwork, Monkey Train.

Jeff Koons and Jane Fonda (Photo credit :Amber De Vos)

The sophisticated gala committee co-chaired by Samantha and Nabil Chartouni, Clo and Charles S. Cohen, Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier, Jeff Koons, Gide Loyrette Nouel, Rothschild & Co, Nicolas Durand, and Clémence and William von Mueffling produced an elegant black tie evening with aplomb. The final note of the France-Amerique affair was a gift bag of Chandon Rose, Balmain maquillage, Woman by Ralph Lauren parfumerie set and a six month membership to FIAF.