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Last night was the celebration of Gordon Park’s century of life and excellence in photography at the Musuem of Modern Art in NYC.. The Gordon Parks Foundation celebrated 100 years of the artist, with the evening honoring three individuals who embody his artistic passion and vision, each at the pinnacle of creativity in the fields of film fashion, media and art.

Among the guests were Sarah Jessica Parker, Josh Groban, John Legend and Anna Wintour. Anderson Cooper was the Master of Ceremonies and the foundation honored Alicia Keys, photographer Annie Leibovitz and HBO co-president Richard Plepler, all of whom were in the building along with Russell Simmons, Clive Davis and the fashion god himself, Karl Lagerfeld.

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We got a chance to talk to Karl for a bit and get his opinion on a few things. Here’s what he had to say:

We have always been a fan of your work with Chanel. In the ever-changing world of fashion, do you find yourself constantly trying to think of new ways to create, or is it all a very organic process?

I find inspiration in the most unconnected of strange situations. For me there is only one rule: Keep the eyes open and do it your way.

The Chanel “Little Black Jacket” project was amazing.  What made you want to showcase the jacket in such a way?

Because it’s just like jeans, a tank top or a white shirt; everyone can wear it. Men, women, whoever. This is why I put so many different people in the jacket when I was making the book.

Tonight you will be honoring Alicia Keys among others, do you have a favorite Alicia Keys song?

No, I do not have a favorite song of hers, but I am a huge fan of her work. She is amazing at what she does.

You used M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls” song during your 2012 Resort show. Do you think music is a big influence on the way you design?
I think the worlds of fashion and music are very connected, so naturally music plays a part in the way I work.

In 2010 you did a spread for Vogue, shot by Annie Leibovitz, who is also being honored tonight, called Alice In Wonderland.  If you could have been any character in that story, who would it have been?

The one that I was. [Karl was the Fish Footman in the spread, adapted from the Pig & Pepper chapter of The Alice In Wonderland Books].

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The night eventually went on, and as the lights dimmed and everyone took their seats, a glorious five-course meal was served, while we heard speeches from Anderson Cooper, John Legend, and Clive Davis among others. 

An auction then offered up a few original pieces from Gordon Parks in order to benefit the foundation that provides scholarships in film and photography.

The night was rounded off by a trumpet set performed by Grammy and Billboard award-winning artist Irvin Mayfield.

Take a look at some of the night’s attendees in the gallery above, but make sure you pick up the book set of Gordon Parks collection of work available in September 2012.