Globally-acclaimed photographer Chen Man received the Fashion Icon Award. Known for her fantastical illusions and stylized eastern themes, Chen Man's work has been featured across top fashion publications including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

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Legendary model Carmen Dell'Orefice received the Fashion Legacy Award for her illustrious career, her close connection to Chinese fashion and her role in sparking a worldwide conversation about China's influence on design.

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The centerpiece of the gala was a full-length haute couture show by influential Chinese designer Lan Yu, whose designs have been featured at New York Fashion Week and worn by numerous celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga.

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Joe Zee, the Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo! Style acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

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In support of the gala and those being honored, Gala advisor Christian Louboutin commented, "Fashion is a powerful, communicative tool that carries rich traces of history and culture, as well as the designer's character. This is why I am happy to once again support an initiative that spotlights China's rich culture in a context where both heritage and innovation are praised."

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Vivienne Tam added, "I am honored to serve as an advisor for the China Fashion Gala and to show my support for the up-and-coming artists that capture China's influence through their medium. I am particularly excited to see Lan Yu's show and I applaud the China Beauty Charity Fund and China Institute for supporting individuals who takeChina's rich cultural history and interpret it in their own imaginative, contemporary designs, and for introducing young, talented Chinese designers to the U.S." 

Gala proceeds will be used to fund the China Beauty Charity Fund Scholarship at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and benefit China Institute's new Fashion Initiative, and other public events including conversations with leading designers and workshops.