NEW YORK – September 15, 2026 -- Lynn Chen-Zhang, CEO of Zhang Financial, served as Co-Chair of the China Institute of America Centennial Grand Fashion Gala, held September 8, 2026, at The Pierre in New York City to mark the institute's 100th anniversary.
Gala draws top fashion designers and cultural leaders to mark 100-year milestone
The event was chaired by television personality and cultural ambassador Yue-Sai Kan, with designers Guo Pei and Vera Wang serving as Gala Ambassadors. Featured designers included Jason Wu, Vivienne Tam, Grace Chen and Laurence Xu. The gala also honored Fern Mallis, credited as the creator of New York Fashion Week.
Chen-Zhang frames fashion as a bridge between cultures
In her welcome remarks, Chen-Zhang described fashion as a language that transcends national borders, allowing individuals to express heritage and identity. She said the China Institute has spent a century advancing cross-cultural understanding through art, education and business programs.
Zhang Financial backs the institute's second-century mission
Charles Zhang, Founder and President of Zhang Financial, said the firm's support reflects shared values of cultural understanding and community service as the China Institute, founded in 1926, enters its next hundred years of U.S.-China engagement.