New York City - Gilles Mendel, one of the most idolized designers of luxury furs and evening dresses, was interviewed by Mary Alice Stephenson, Fashion Television news commentator and Harper's Bazaar editor-at-large at the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF).

Mary Alice Stephenson conducted the interview.

Paris-bred Mendel, heir apparent and head designer of J. Mendel talked about the reinvention of the fifth-generation, family-owned luxury brand. J. Mendel, which was founded in 1870 in Paris and has been known from the beginning as a furrier to the world's elite. In 2003, Mendel revitalized the brand by moving its headquarters to New York and launching a ready to wear collection. A resounding success, the collection demonstrated Mendel's ability to work in materials ranging from silk chiffon to woolen tweeds with the same creativity and emphasis on design that he is known for in fur. The refined yet modern designs have made J. Mendel a red carpet staple and a favorite of stars like Laura Linney (his first), Kate Hudson and Demi Moore.

Mendel also spoke about the similarities and differences between French mode and American style. It was the first of three talks on this topic organized by the French fashion writer Pascale Richard. The other two in the series feature Tommy Hilfiger, speaking about the intriguing business of creating an international fashion brand and Marc Jacobs discussing the evolution of fashion designers into stars and the relationship between fashion and Hollywood.

Fashion writer Michèle Gerber Klein hosted a dinner afterward to honor Mendel. Guests included Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Larry Creel, Anne Caruso, Laureen Goodman, Susan and Michael Sokol, Amanda Ross, Dana Gers, Eduard Pesch, Juliette Longuet, Blair Clarke and FIAF director Marie-Monique Steckel.

The designer regaled the table with an amusing stories including one about getting Celine Dion's dress altered at the very last minute before her appearance at the Oscars. He was especially excited about a new commission to create costumes for the New York City Ballet. "So beautiful!" he exclaimed happily, "just like dressing little dolls."