Catherine Malandrino receives prestigious French order award

The French embassy was a chateau for the fashion elite last night, as famed fashion designer Catherine Malandrino received the iconic insignia of Chevalier the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for her lifetime achievements as a designer. The award was presented to her by Francois Delattre, the French ambassador to the United Nations, who praised Malandrino for her years of success as a designer. Benedicte de Montlaur, the Cultural Counselor and Permanent Representative of French Universities, also spoke on Malandrino's achievement, and discussed how Malandrino has helped American women "realize the French dream."

Also in attendance was R&B artist Mary J. Blige, who is a close personal friend of Malandrino's. The two first met when Blige was in New York City wearing one of Malandrino's designs, and had requested to meet the talented and chic designer. Malandrino humbly accepted her award and jokingly vowed to "always wear it with a grey jacket." The event was followed by a reception filled with champagne and hors d'oeuvres, and of course the usual socializing and mingling.

For Malandrino, this award was a long time coming in an incredible design career. Born in 1959 in Grenoble, France, she graduated from Esmod and went to work in the couture houses of Dorothee Bis, Louis Feraud, and Emanuel Ungaro. She was also the creative force behind the French label "Et Vous." Some may recognize Malandrino from television, as she has guest starred as a judge on "Project Runway."

Fashion Industry gathers at the French Embassy for Catherine Malandrino

Malandrino currently designs two lines, a women's contemporary line, Catherine Malandrino, and her runway line Malandrino. Her collections are sold in fine department stores, such as Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. There is no question she is quite the force to reckon with among the design elite.

The prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Letters award she received in an award that was established in France in May 1957 by the Minister of Culture. Chevalier is one of the three orders of the award, the other two being Commandeur and Officier. The awards are given to those who have "significantly contributed to the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance."

Malandrino may have just received the award of a lifetime, but, she certainly doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The industry will be enjoying her designs for years to come, and this is just one of her many accomplishments. Congratulations are certainly in order for the timeless designer.

photo: Wendelien Daan