Sarah Jessica Parker among stars honoring fashion

[October 27, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Fashion may have been the focus of the Night of Stars gala in New York, but actress Sarah Jessica Parker was more interested in talking politics.

"I think there's an enormous amount at stake, it concerns me," said the "Sex and the City" star of the U.S. presidential election. She said she would be in "great despair" if President Barack Obama lost the vote to Republican Mitt Romney.

"I'm speaking up for the 47 percent," she said. "For women in this country who rely upon social programs -- not because they're lazy, not because they don't want to work hard, not because they feel entitled -- but because they need access to basic health care that we all, the privileged few or many of us, sort of take for granted."

Parker was at the downtown soirée to present the Lord & Taylor Fashion Oracle Award to designer L'wren Scott, a celebrity favorite and staple of the red carpet.

Carolina Herrera won Fashion Group International's top honor, the Superstar Award, presented by her longtime friend and client, Renee Zellweger.

"I'm really lucky. We've collaborated for so many years and she's helped make the experience of being an actress and going to public events just extraordinary. Every event is memorable because of what she brings to it and the gift of these gorgeous gowns to help celebrate the occasions," said Zellweger.

Past recipients of the Superstar award include Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta.

Actress Viola Davis presented Nicola Maramotti of Italian fashion house MaxMara with the night's Heritage Award. But the Academy Award nominee said she is by no means a fashionista.

"No, not at all," said Davis. "I can answer that immediately. I have a very good stylist. But I have to say I'm getting better with the help of my husband and the stylists, I now feel like you know it's kind of my duty as a women to just feel beautiful when I walk outside. Not to compete with anyone. To stay in my lane, but to feel like I'm being my cutest self."

[Associated Press; By NICOLE EVATT]

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