For one night at the Metropolitan Opera House, the labels came off. On Wednesday, September 9, Style Across the Aisle brought together leaders from politics, business, fashion, culture and community for an evening built around a simple premise: that what people share can be more powerful than the labels that divide them.
The evening opened with the FDNY Color Guard and the national anthem, followed by remarks from Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb, Selin Song, President of Google Customer Solutions, and Style Across the Aisle founder Skye Ostreicher.
“The Opera House is home to the finest artists, musicians and performers in the world — and it’s also home to all New Yorkers, from many different backgrounds, disciplines and walks of life,” said Peter Gelb, Maria Manetti Shrem General Manager, Metropolitan Opera. “Style Across the Aisle brings together civic leaders, designers, artists, and community members around a common purpose — celebrating talent, supporting a meaningful cause, and creating new connections.”
Then, 33 government officials and their designers took to the Metropolitan Opera House’s iconic Grand Staircase, with each pair walking together as a voiceover revealed their “Common Threads,” the experiences, neighborhoods, values and histories they shared beyond their professions, politics or public identities.
Opening the runway was New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the first Jewish Speaker in the Council’s history, alongside legendary New York fashion designer Elie Tahari. From there, the evening unfolded through pairings that made those connections visible.
Former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney walked in her FDNY jacket, escorted down the staircase by members of the FDNY Color Guard.
The evening carried particular significance for New York. As the city marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the program included a moment of silence honoring those who were lost and the spirit of unity that brought New Yorkers together in the aftermath.
At its core, Style Across the Aisle was created to challenge the way politics and civic life are traditionally experienced. Instead of asking participants to ignore their differences, the event creates opportunities to discover what exists alongside them. Through fashion and storytelling, each “Common Threads” pairing offered a reminder that political affiliation, profession, borough or background rarely tells the whole story of a person.
The September 9, 2026 show marked another chapter in SATA’s growth, following previous editions at Gracie Mansion and the New York County Surrogate’s Court, and bringing its message to one of New York City’s most iconic cultural institutions. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Style Across the Aisle Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting civic dialogue, emerging design talent and small businesses.
For more information, visit styleacrosstheaisle.com.
Former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney walked in her FDNY jacket, escorted down the staircase by members of the FDNY Color Guard.