It was 21 degrees on a February evening in New York City, the kind of cold that makes you question every decision—especially a train ride from Brooklyn. With the OMNY card now charging $7 per ride and $14 round trip, It’s not a compliant… but let me be clear: this event was worth every stop, swipe, and shiver.
Last night, The Knockturnal attended Frederick Anderson’s 10th Anniversary Blue Jacket Fashion Show, held on World Cancer Day at Lanvin (641 West 42nd Street). Even as Fashion Week ramps up, this evening stood apart bringing together fashion, advocacy, healthcare, and culture with clarity, intention, and heart.
Founded by visionary designer Frederick Anderson, the Blue Jacket Fashion Show was created to use fashion as a platform for conversation and change specifically around prostate cancer awareness, early detection, and access to care. This milestone 10th anniversary underscored a decade of impact and reminded us why showing up still matters.
The night opened with remarks from Don Lemon, who spoke on the importance of freedom of speech and independent journalism setting a grounded, thoughtful tone before the runway came alive. What followed was a celebrity-filled presentation of custom blue jackets, each symbolizing solidarity in the fight against prostate cancer.
Women are often encouraged to be proactive about their health and hospital visits. Men, unfortunately, are not always taught or afforded the same urgency. As a result, prostate cancer continues to claim lives simply because it goes undetected for too long. This is why nights like this are not just symbolic they are necessary.
Men’s Health, Visibility, and Action
One of the most powerful elements of the evening wasn’t only what happened on the runway it was what existed within the venue itself. To the left of the spacious room, amid the cameras, movement, and conversations, were Man Cave Health–style testing areas, intentionally designed to feel approachable, private, and masculine rather than clinical.
This mattered.
Men die not only because of late detection, but often because of ignorance, fear, or lack of access. By placing testing and educational resources directly inside the event, the Blue Jacket Fashion Show removed barriers and normalized action. Thankfully, many of the men who have caught prostate cancer early are among those who actively seek awareness, take responsibility for their health, and commit to living conscious, vital, and healthy lives. That visibility saves lives.
Who Showed Up
Under Anderson’s leadership alongside lead sponsor Johnson & Johnson and supporting sponsors LISC, ZERO Prostate Cancer, Man Cave Health, and Northwell Health Healththe runway featured an impressive lineup of celebrity walkers and advocates, including:
Alex Lundqvist, Allan Houston, Amani Toomer, Bill Nye, Carlos Greer, Carson Kressley, Chris Noth, David Burtka, Devon Walker, Dominic Fumusa, Don Lemon, Eric Eremita, Eric West, George Whipple, Ike Ejiochi, J. Harrison Ghee, Ja Rule, James Aguilar, Jesse Solomon, John Paul Jones, Mario Cantone, Michael Pugh (CEO, LISC), Mike Woods, Musa Jackson, Pat Kiernan, Ricco Ross, Richard Johnson, Steven Kolb (CEO, CFDA), Tommy DiDario, Ty-Ron Mayes, and more.
Front-row and attendees included Neil Patrick Harris, joined by his daughter Harper Burtka-Harris, along with Alexa Swinton, Alex Garfin, Fern Mallis, Gracie Cashman, Kelly Bensimon, DJ Samantha Michelle, and a curated mix of industry leaders, tastemakers, and cultural figures creating a high-impact intersection of fashion, media, and social responsibility.
Personal Highlights
One of my standout moments of the night was seeing Eric West, who walked the runway at Lanvin and quite literally shook the room with his energy. The fit was fire beautiful in blue and perfectly aligned with the spirit and purpose of the evening. His presence was electric, a reminder that confidence and authenticity are powerful forms of advocacy.
Ja Rule also made an appearance on the runway, rocking blue denim and casually holding a bottle of Amber & Opal, the drink sponsor for the evening a honey botanical whiskey adding to the fun, stylish energy of the night and complementing the event’s spirit. I made sure to show love to the brand and its co-founders, Amber and Opal because this drink is quality and added the spirits to the spirit of the event, true balance.
Another moment came shortly after arrival. After checking my credentials with security, checking my coat, and grabbing my ticket, I naturally made my way to the bar. On the way, I ran into Don Lemon, just as he was wrapping up a conversation with guests. I gave him a brother-brother, greeted him, and shared a hug.
“I’m glad you’re okay, bro,” I told him. He thanked me—warm, grounded, and genuinely down to earth. When I mentioned I was making my way to grab a drink and find my seat, he laughed, complimented my jacket, and wished me well inside. A brief exchange, but a meaningful one this is the good energy that is brother Don Lemon.
The Impact & Supporting Organizations
Proceeds and support from the evening benefit the following organizations, all of which play a critical role in advocacy, awareness, education, and access to care:
Johnson & Johnson: At Johnson & Johnson, health is everything. Their expertise in healthcare innovation empowers a world where diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, with smarter, less invasive solutions. Through Innovative Medicine and MedTech, they are positioned to deliver breakthroughs today that will profoundly impact health tomorrow. Learn more at jnj.com and Innovative Medicine, and follow @JNJInnovMed.
ZERO Prostate Cancer: Dedicated to improving and saving lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support, ZERO is the nation’s leading provider of prostate cancer programs and services. For 30 years, they have advanced early detection, access to care, and funding for breakthrough treatments. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org.
Man Cave Health: A pioneering nonprofit transforming the way men approach their health. They focus on prostate cancer awareness, education, and early detection, breaking down barriers and empowering men to make proactive healthcare decisions. Learn more at mancavehealth.org.
LISC: One of the country’s largest community development organizations, LISC works to create vibrant, resilient communities by closing gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity. Since 1979, LISC has invested $35 billion in housing, community, and economic development. Learn more at lisc.org.
Northwell Health: The largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving over three million people annually across New York and Connecticut. Northwell is training the next generation of medical professionals and advancing breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. Learn more at northwell.edu and follow @NorthwellHealth.
Following the runway, guests gathered for a cocktail reception with music by DJ Bowie Jane, allowing conversation, connection, and culture to continue flowing.
I want to personally thank Frederick Anderson and the entire Blue Jacket Fashion Show team for the invitation to be part of this meaningful evening.
Being there, witnessing the energy, and seeing men take proactive steps toward their health made it an unforgettable experience—on a freezing February night in New York City, every mile traveled from Brooklyn was more than worth it.
