Mariska Hargitay, celebrated both for her iconic role on Law & Order: SVU and her advocacy work, turned heads on the opening night of New York Fashion Week.
At The Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner, held Thursday evening, Sept. 11 in NYC, Hargitay, 61, made a powerful style statement in a fiery red asymmetric gown, complete with one of the boldest thigh-high slits of the season.
The event, which is among the most talked-about benefits during the fashionable week of events, drew dozens of A-list celebrities and fashion insiders. While many attendees opted for dramatic gowns and intricate details, it was Hargitay’s look that stood out for its elegance paired with daring accents.
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The ensemble—crafted by Taller Marmo, the design house known for sculptural draping and sensual silhouettes—featured an asymmetric neckline worn off one shoulder, adding visual interest and a modern twist to a classic silhouette, and a shiny square buckle at the waist. Its vibrant red hue and floor-length hem played into themes of power and visibility, but the thigh-high slit is what really set if off as a standout choice for the star-studded evening.
Glimpses of Hargitay’s toned legs created drama and fluidity, while balancing modesty and boldness as she swayed across the carpet, flashing her pearly whites and waving for photographers at the entry of the function. The actress completed the look with matching pointed-toe heels and a silver metallic purse, subtly accessorizing in a way that let the dress remain the focal point.
The Event & Its Significance
The Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner is a benefit held during New York Fashion Week that raises funds in support of women’s causes. The 2025 edition, held at The Pool on Park Avenue, reportedly raised a record $4.5 million, per Vogue.
“Since 2008, the Kering Foundation has been combatting gender-based violence experienced by 1 in 3 women,” the charitable organization’s website states. “Our mission is to contribute to ending this violence, which can be passed on from generation to generation, by resourcing partner organizations, engaging Kering and its ecosystem, and influencing others.”
As many notable guests—from Colman Domingo, Demi Moore and Salma Hayek, to Lenny Kravitz, Julianne Moore and Jeff Bezos—gathered not just for fashion, but for philanthropic impact, appearances carried double weight: style as advocacy.
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