Swarovski, Hulanicki, & Sui, via Getty

WGSN is arguably one of the world’s largest trend forecasting agency with satellite offices worldwide, and its Global Fashion Awards, held last night, represented the company’s monstrous size with a sprawling ceremony held at the baroque Gotham Hall. “It’s an establishment that truly stands on its own,” said Lincoln Center’s Fashion Director, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff. In agreement was one of the evening’s sponsors, Nadja Swarovski who added that the company “is such an important commercial platform.” Post-dinner, guests watched as awards were granted to some of the fashion community’s most important trailblazers, like cult Swedish label Acne. The duo who accepted the award on behalf of the brand’s creative director, Jonny Johansson, said of the brand’s evolution, “We’ve definitely become more chic and more grown-up, but we’re not losing our base.” Backstage, global style icon award presenter Brad Goreski (clad in an adorable over-sized bowtie) told us that his personal fashion icons range, “from Danny Zucco to Peewee Herman, Tom Ford to Thom Browne.” It’s a good thing that he has a wad of inspiration to pull from, because the stylist-cum-reality-star is on the verge of launching his own book and television series. Though he’s been thrown a handful a negative comments by his old boss, Rachel Zoe, Goreski only has lovely things to say her: “My three years with Rachel were incredible—she’s a great boss and a great teacher.” Anna Sui presented the evening’s final award—given to Biba’s Barbara Hulanicki for her outstanding contribution to fashion. Perhaps one of the coolest industry vets around (she’s 75 and still rocking matte black nail polish), the swinging 60’s designer explained that her fashion days pre-dated trend agencies, “it was very raw, I got my inspiration from the movies. There was no one to copy except Greta Garbo.” In an all-black ensemble (sunglasses to boot) it seems that was exactly what Hulanicki was going for—though not without that undone Biba-girl glamour.