Legends honored at the Pratt 2003 Scholarship Benefit Gala Dinner held at the Rainbow Room (chaired by Marc Rosen and Juliana Curran Terian) included the acclaimed interior designer Mario Buatta, Fleur Cowles, for her charismatic life’s work, Beverly Pepper, the renowned sculptor, and architect Robert Siegel.

James Earl Jones intro’d the event, and Pia Lindstrom emceed the awards ceremony. Guests were visibly moved by Fleur Cowles, a woman ahead of her time, describing her extreme disappointment when her husband (Mike Cowles) pulled the plug on Flair (the magazine she created in the early 1950s) after only 12 issues. Fleur, of course, refused to be concerned with the bottom line! She then recreated herself in the world of fine arts, culture, and world affairs.

We commented to her that the graceful resolve she showed in the face of great loss is proof to all that nothing can kill the human creative spirit. We are privileged to say the legendary honoree, deeply touched by her admirer’s perception, became a new friend!