BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Closely Crafted’s Move the Needle Gala returned with a sparkling twist—an evening of disco glamour and artisanal reverence held at Manhattan’s Petite Disco. Aptly themed “After Dark,” the event combined vintage allure with a celebration of skilled craftsmanship, spotlighting the nonprofit’s dedication to sustaining the future of American fashion through local production and heritage techniques.

The nonprofit Closely Crafted, founded in 2022 by renowned milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara, is committed to sustaining domestic craft through education, apprenticeships, and hands-on support for local artisans. “Passing down these skills is a profound honor,” Burris O’Hara said, reflecting on how homegrown craftsmanship helped her own brand grow sustainably. “I want the next generation to have that same opportunity.”

This year’s gala brought together some of the brightest names in American fashion. Designers like Christopher John Rogers, Presley Oldham, Hillary Taymour, and Batsheva Hay mingled under glittering lights, enjoying signature Woodford Reserve cocktails and curated bites sourced from local purveyors. The atmosphere was lively yet intentional—a beautiful balance between celebration and cause.

Visual creativity played a starring role as well. The venue was transformed by Mark Stephen Experiential using upcycled décor that nodded to both sustainability and studio innovation. 

One of the evening’s standout moments came from a live performance by International Pleating and MELKE, interpreting the life cycle of a garment with flowing pleated muslin. It was fashion as art, and art as storytelling—precise, tactile, and unforgettable.

While the energy was unmistakably upbeat, the message behind the movement was clear: keeping production local is not just a nostalgic ideal—it’s a sustainable, smart path forward. “Working with domestic artisans helps reduce our footprint and gives us the flexibility to make better choices,” said designer Hillary Taymour. Presley Oldham echoed the sentiment: “We’re building thoughtfully, one piece at a time, without compromising quality or tradition.”

What sets the Move the Needle Gala apart is its ability to seamlessly blend fun and function. It’s a space where sequins twirl alongside serious ideas—where craft is honored not just in the clothes worn, but in the hands that made them. Attendees didn’t just come to dance; they came to support a growing movement that champions slow fashion, transparency, and skill preservation.

As the mirrorballs turned and the night wore on, the message was woven into every pleat and stitch: American fashion thrives when it stays close to its roots. And Closely Crafted is ensuring those roots are not only preserved but celebrated, one gala—and one generation—at a time.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo Taken by Deonté Lee