L’Alliance New York Shines A Light on the French-Speaking World During its Annual Gala
With over 500 guests and at least $2.3 million raised, this is undoubtedly one of the largest fundraising events. Once again, L’Alliance New York, presided by Tatyana Franck and chaired by Amandine Freidheim, took over the Plaza Hotel in New York with its annual gala on Thursday 13th of November. The goal of this non-profit organisation is to promote French language and culture in the United States, and this successful edition will fund numerous educational and cultural programmes.
Singer and actress Angèle was awarded the 2025 Trophée des Arts by French Minister for Francophonie Eleonore Caroit, who declared that “Angèle doesn’t only bring French to the whole world through her songs. She is a free, inspiring, empowering, amazing artist singing about women, about the courage to be our true self in a world of appearances.”
Meanwhile, collector and creator of Château La Coste Paddy McKillen received the 2025 Trophée de l’Alliance. In a speech delivered entirely in French, he was praised by Bradley Cooper for his global patronage in promoting French culture. “Its energy radiates across the south of France and reaches all the way to New York like a true friendship. You feel it at every moment. You can always count on it. It is the very essence of life — and it deserves to be celebrated,” Cooper said.
For dinner, guests were treated to a culinary experience prepared by legendary Michelin three-star chefs Daniel Boulud and Francis Mallmann. In the ballroom, decorated by French artist Elizabeth Colomba, DJ Julien Granel then took over, carrying on the party until the middle of the night.
During this outstanding evening, described as a “French-speaking red-carpet experience, an evening of audacity and elegance” by Tatyana Franck, we had the pleasure of meeting Amandine Freidheim, Tatyana Franck, Paddy McKillen, Angèle, Bradley Cooper, Éléonore Caroit, and chefs Daniel Boulud and Francis Mallmann.
Photos: Michael Huard
