Since it opened two years ago, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been touted as the jewel of the new Boston, the essence of all that's possible for a once stodgy city. On Wednesday night, more than 300 guests—arts patrons, fans of fashion, and a sprinkling of old Brahmins for good measure—flocked to the museum's Art of New American Fashion benefit to preview Spring pieces by, and rub shoulders with, ten of fashion's most promising new designers. Among them: Brian Reyes, The Row's Ashley Olsen, Elise Øverland, Lyn Devon, and Jason Wu.

Charlie Scheips, cultural historian and author of 2007's American Fashion, conceived the event, but Louis Boston owner and honorary chair Debi Greenberg made it happen. "To be frank, Boston needed a good party," said Greenberg, who wore a Champagne-colored Brian Reyes sheath. The designers arrived via bus from New York. "We all had our tabloids to keep us occupied," said Chris Benz of the five-hour ride. In keeping with the field-trip feel, museum director Jill Medvedow led the designers and special guests on a private tour, paying close attention to sculptor Tara Donovan's installations of plastic cups, toothpicks, and straws. "We've heard over and over there's no appetite in Boston for edgy, smart, innovative fashion, just as we'd heard over and over there was no appetite for contemporary art," Medvedow said. "But the feeling here tonight is nothing short of sheer excitement. It speaks to the possibilities."

— Alyssa Giacobbe