PARIS — Paris is still abuzz in the afterglow of this summer’s Olympics. Just as the Games was a standard bearer for unity and representation, so too was another event that happened in Paris Saturday night: The BoF 500 Gala brought together designers, business people, image makers and content creators from across the industry.

Fashion insiders filed into the opulent venue overlooking the Eiffel Tower throughout the crisp autumn evening to celebrate 100 new additions to the BoF 500 — the definitive index of the people shaping the global fashion industry.

Among the guests on the red carpet were designers Victoria Beckham and Phoebe Philo, reggaeton artist J Balvin and Gap’s new creative director Zac Posen, one of this year’s BoF 500 cover stars. It was clear for all to see, everyone came dressed to impress.

“There’s a lot of strong, bold fashion statements here tonight, it’s nice to see,” said Victoria Beckham.

Hari Nef, Jared Leto and Colman Domingo mounted the building’s marble stairs wearing completely new looks from his hotly anticipated revamp of Valentino under Alessandro Michele. Loewe ambassadors Greta Lee and Ayo Edebiri wore looks fresh off the runway from Jonathan Anderson’s Friday show. French Yseult wore a sculptural couture trench by Balenciaga.

The ballroom echoed with chatter throughout the night, as attendees mingled with friends and colleagues (former and current) and broke bread around a long feasting table adorned with fresh fruit.

As evening turned to night, BoF founder and chief executive Imran Amed took to the stage.

“A moment when we’re all united is so important when the world feels so divided,” Amed said, addressing the room.

He then introduced the evening’s performer, singer Wizkid, who has spotlighted the Afrobeats genre on a global stage. The Nigerian star — dressed in Chanel — performed his signature tracks “Ojuelegba” and “Essence,” which was the first ever Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Around 400 of the 500-plus guests counted among the industry pioneers from previous BoF 500 classes, who spoke of the significance of the gathering.

“Just knowing that you are part of history, that you have done a great service to the fashion industry, and that you’re recognised for it — what an honour,” said American model Ashley Graham.

Over DJ Aymen’s booming party soundtrack, new members expressed their joy — and in some instances, surprise — at their inclusion.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Italian singer and Diesel ambassador Damiano David. “When I got the news I actually thought: ‘What? Me?’. I was surprised because I’m a singer, I did not expect that.,” said David. He said he was more surprised to be selected for BoF 500 than for his Eurovision win in 2021, as the frontman of his band Måneskin.

Zac Posen, appointed creative director of Gap in February, was similarly happy to receive the call. “I’ve actually never been to this event [before], I’ve never been part of The Business of Fashion… but some things are worth waiting for.”

The BoF 500 2024 is made possible by our partners Chase Sapphire Reserve, NEFT, Shop With Google, The Shangri-La Hotel and La Mode en Images.