In this industry, Narciso Rodriguez is not only one of the most talented designers, he is also one of its most beloved.

“A dear old friend,” is how Jessica Seinfeld described him, “and such an authentic and human designer.”

Seinfeld was on hand on Wednesday to present Rodriguez with the 2018 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion at the David H. Koch Theater, and her remarks were personal and full of heart.

“You are part of my family…somebody who really introduced me to fashion when I got married,” she said.

His clothes, she added, give women confidence and helps them be seen and heard. “He designs with integrity and with ingenuity for longevity.”

Seinfeld was an honorary luncheon chair alongside Julianna Margulies, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

“When you start as a student of fashion, you have a grand idea,” Rodriguez told the luncheon crowd as he accepted his award. “For me, it meant learning from the people I most admired; people like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. I stand here today with immense gratitude for those I have learned from and leaned on.”

Fe Fendi, Martha Stewart, Josie Natori, Ralph Rucci, Roopal Patel, and Stefano Tonchi were among those who came out to support the designer. The event raised more than $850,000 for the Museum at FIT.

As for his biggest accomplishment, Rodriguez was his humble self: “Fulfilling the dream of that young optimistic student.”