Decked out in fine fashion at Women of Achievement: Ladies and gents lunch at the Hilton in grand style

Whether they’re decked out in classic daytime cottons etched with vibrant prints, clad in power pants suits draped with pearls — or in pretty-patterned floral ensembles with artful accessories that pop with color — their signature styles drip with sophistication and timeless beauty.

They’re the ladies who lunch — and some gentlemen too. Innovative fashionistas who graced the Hilton Garden Inn on Thursday, as a way to celebrate — and support — the 2025 Women of Achievement.

Well wishers, sparking a spirit of creativity, always arrive in grand style — fashion ready to honor the team of extraordinary individuals who accomplish amazing feats — and whose contributions and selfless deeds benefit Staten Island in myriad ways.

Some 700 guests made their way to Nicotra’s Ballroom to laud the “Sensational Six:” Bryn Biren, Shaw-naé Dixon, Dr. Kerry Kelly, Lorraine Lettieri, Clara Sue Ogburn, and Barbara Joyce Yarbrough, — who comprise the Class of 2025 — and to salute the amazing women who go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to their extraordinary volunteer efforts.

They’re women who work to make difference and contribute to making our borough a better place in which to live.

They’re Staten Island Advance Women of Achievement.

The origins of the luncheon

The luncheon was the vision of the late Advance Publisher Richard E. Diamond.

That vision became a reality in 1962 when the first luncheon was hosted in the former Tavern on the Green in New Dorp, where ladies donned high style chapeaus, retro suits and fashionable gloves of varied lengths.

The festivities were relocated to the former Columbian Lyceum in West Brighton, then the Excelsior Grand in New Dorp and now the Hilton Garden Inn, where some travel great distances to converge upon the Bloomfield venue to partake in the revelry.

Fast forward 63 years and the program is still thriving,

Ahh! Then there were the fashions

It’s was an inimitable afternoon brimming with camaraderie, community spirit, and yes, fine fashions.

And it comes replete with contemporary creativity — a modern take on old world charm — Staten Island style.

BRYN BIREN – CLASS OF 2025

Bryn, who often likes to harken back to simpler times, embraced a flowing chiffon dress — a soft yellow floral print that she purchased especially for the highly anticipated occasion.

“I love the Loretta Young look,” she told us. “Flowing chiffons are one of my favorite choices — but they have to be classically tailored,” she revealed.

The designer? Mikael Aghal, who creates clothing for the sophisticated — women who walk with elegance, confidence and grace.

FRAN HOGAN LEHR, CLASS OF 1999 AND DENISE HENICK, CLASS OF 2023

Fran and Denise both rocked the room once again in their sleek, dreamy dresses from the Italian designs of Chiara Boni La Petite Robe.

Fran was a vision in a red passion V-neck number with bell sleeves, and Denise divine in an off the shoulder blush version with low-back cape — that fell ever so softly.

With its figure flattering ruching aspects, stylish design and traditional elegance — Chiara Boni continues to be a fan favorite.

DR. CARRIE ROBINSON, CLASS OF 2015 AND EDWARD BEAUFORT CUTNER

Choosing to put a modern spin on the day, you could say Dr. Carrie’s signature style is a forever design.

Since the season is somewhat dominated by more tailored silhouettes these days, she chose to sport a versatile pale pink blazer over a pink and black floral dress — a combination she selected especially for the luncheon.

“I often shop in my closet,” she said. But not this time. “On the eve of my birthday, I thought I would shop for something different.” Happy birthday, Dr. Carrie.

Edward, her escort, looked spiffy in a navy blue suit with a smart, subtle pattern. His color coordinated tie was etched with tiny pink dots to match his date’s choice.

And of course, the Air Force veteran never leaves the house without a pin of the American flag secured to his lapel.

TUSHIA FISHER, HER MOM, REBECCA HAMILTON AND JANET ROBINSON, CLASS OF 2014

Tushia wowed the crowd in an ensemble that was created especially for her in Ghana.

She dominated the room in a striking ensemble and chapeau, called a tengaade, made by the people of Fulani, and matching kimono.

Rebecca, a member of the Purple Hat Society, chose an eye catching sage green double breasted suit accented with pale purple buttons — and what else but a purple hat.

Janet (the Kawanzaa Lady), turned heads in another of her African print ensembles — this time it came in shades of plum, purple and gold — the gold adding a bit of shimmer to the already attractive piece.

ELISSA MONTANTI, CLASS OF 2011 AND KATHY CONNORS, CLASS OF 2019

Elissa made a bold statement in a flowy blue and black two-piece printed skirt and fitted top and color coordinated accessories purchased in a divine boutique in Piermont, N.Y. — during a time when she was performing at one of her music venues.

“The original was created by a designer by the name of Elisa — almost like my name and it caught my eye,” she recounted.

Kathy was graceful in a fashionable blue print dotted with peach/orange colored floral accents — a Caroline Herrera, in fact.

She chose to accent the spring seasonal ensemble with a stunning matching purse that was an Italian import.

FRAN REALI, CLASS OF 2008

Fran reported that she purchased her selection to symbolize the spirit of spring.

“It’s by Karl Lagerfeld — one of my favorite clothing designers,” she exclaimed. “And I found this floral print purse to match with matching powder blue shoes,” she was excited to share.

DONNA LONG, CLASS OF 1996, BARBARA D’AMORA, CLASS OF 2024 AND KRISTEN LONG

In chatting with Donna she confided that the pretty blue dress she was wearing came with a matching jacket. But she noted, “My daughter suggested I wear contrast, so I went with this blue and white houndstooth jacket instead.”

Barbara selected a black and white blouse with fringed edge — layered over a black fitted top — that added just the right touch to her matching black slacks.

And she was wearing a heartwarming charm necklace etched with the face of her late son, Nicholas D’Amora.

Kristen wore a sweater dress of powder blue outlined with white edges and color coordinated coat punctuated with silver buttons.

CARMELA, CLASS OF 2019 AND FRANK MONTELLA

Because Carmela and Frank are always about tradition, once again she opted to wear one of her favorite ensembles — the same outfit she wore when she received the honor of Woman of Achievement, six years ago.

She selected a “creamy beige” (her favorite color) peplum-style dress with matching gold accessories and jacket that she so adores — and a magnificent purse etched with the name Pablo Picasso.

FYI: Carmela and Frank never leave the house unless they are wearing the same color scheme. So, Frank’s sport jacket was — you guessed it — creamy beige!