Bringing the Far Near

Apart of the spectacle of the Asia Society's various fund-raising galas is the array of beautiful national costumes and other Asian fashions guests wear.

Perhaps the most vivid instance of this phenomenon is the society's benefit preview of the International Asian Art Fair, where the parade of embroidery, sashes, and brightly colored silks were equally as impressive as the art on display in art dealers' booths.

Those with the best view of the fashion parade were the patrons and staff members of the Asia Society who welcomed guests on a receiving line at the entrance to the show. They included John Coleman, Linda and Stephen Long, Ruth and Harold Newman, and the president of the Asia Society, Vishakha Desai.

After the preview, guests headed to dinner at Guastavino's for an Asian meal that included ahi tuna carpaccio, tempura snow peas, and Chilean sea bass. The $880,000 raised will support the society's "Asia 21" program, which mentors young leaders in Asia.

agordon@nysun.com