By Albana Muçaj Author
On the evening of April 2, 2025, the grandeur of Cipriani, located at 25 Broadway in New York City, set the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring the extraordinary career of internationally acclaimed fashion photographer Fadil Berisha. The Red Carpet Gala was a heartfelt tribute to his legacy in photography—as well as a joyful celebration of his birthday—surrounded by friends, family, and global icons.
A Legacy Celebrated with Honors
The most poignant moment of the night came when Mayor of Prishtina, Perparim Rama, presented Berisha with the Key to the City of Prishtina, honoring his decades-long contribution to art, culture, and the Albanian identity. Berisha received “World Changers Award”, by Gabriele Andreoli. He was further recognized by Ambassador of Albania to the U.S., Ervin Bushati, who presented a certificate that read: “Artist i mrekullueshëm, atdhetar i palodhur”—“A magnificent artist, a tireless patriot.”
The evening also featured video tributes from Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo and legendary music executive Clive Davis, both honoring Berisha’s lasting legacy and global influence.
An Iconic Guest List
The red carpet glittered with high-profile guests, including:
- Martha Stewart, lifestyle entrepreneur
- Beverly Johnson, supermodel and trailblazer
- Candy Spelling, producer and philanthropist
- Carol Alt, model and actress
- Katie Ford, fashion and arts patron
- Carmen Dell’Orefice, iconic supermodel
- Nikki Haskell, television host and socialite
- Paula Shugart, President of the Miss Universe
- Evie Evangelou
- Barbara Winston
- David Hryck
- Stacey Schieffelin
- Ginni Conquest
- Esther Swan
Their presence underscored the widespread admiration and respect Berisha has earned throughout his career and across industries.
A Night of Elegance, Dance, and Emotion
The evening opened with heartfelt remarks by Eliza Dushku Palandjian.
A standout moment came from Tony Dovolani, professional dancer and choreographer from Dancing with the Stars, who presented Berisha with a gift of two beautiful live dance performances, brought to life by his dancers—a graceful tribute to their long-standing friendship and Fadil’s creative spirit.
Emina Çunmulaj, model and philanthropist, guided the evening with intimate on-stage interviews and reflections, capturing the emotional core of the celebration.
“This wasn’t just a celebration of my work—it was a tribute to the people, the passion, and the roots that shaped me,” said Fadil Berisha. “To be surrounded by so much love, talent, and cultural pride on my birthday is the greatest gift I could receive.”
An evening of art featuring incredible performances by world-renowned Albanian artists like Inva Mula, Gent Tukiçi, Deshira Ahmeti, Parashqevi Simaku, and more.
Video Player
The Fadil Berisha Red Carpet Gala was more than an event—it was a defining moment in the celebration of legacy, beauty, and the power of art to unite us all.
Friends of Fadil Gala organizing Committee :
- Fotini Allteni Kokeri – Philanthropist, General Sponsor
- Beti Beno & Eva Burnazi AAWO Motrat Qiriazi.
- Nevila Dudaj – Entrepreneur Adriatik Tours LLC & Adriatik Hotel in Durres
- Deshira Ameti – soprano
- Inva Mula- Soprano
- Shqipe Namani – Namani Celebrity Make Up Artist, Namani’s Beauty, Fadil’s Manager.
- Belisa Vneshta – Event Planner -BV consulting and Events
- Blerti Talelli – Videographer & Producer, Talelli Production Company
- Donika Bardha- Entrepreneur- Bardha Winery
- Emina Cunmulaj – Model & Philanthropist
- Eliza Dushku -Hollywood Actress
- Mimoza Bakraqi – Royal Backdrops LLC
- Ismer Mjeku & Vera Mjeku -Publishing Entrepreneur
- Roberta Panariti – Albanians Fighting Cancer Foundation
Here is a Booklet of all of those who organized and supported the event
