At 71, New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis shared with the crowd at the Carter Burden Network’s Silver and White Gala: “It’s never too late to re-invent, reboot and restart the engine.”

She added, “I was not — and still am not — in a position to retire … I’m not married, I’ve got an apartment, an office, a country house with a mortgage, a car … and a lot of bills.”

Also honored was journalist Joan Kron, 91, who told the audience: “If there is anyone here who works for the MTA … you need to fix the escalators in the subway!”

Iris Apfel, Stan Herman and Fran Weissler also received awards.