“I am fashion’s biggest nightmare, because nothing seems to work or match or come together or do any of those things,” said Whoopi Goldberg during her keynote speech at The Fashion Group International’s 20th Annual Rising Star Awards luncheon on Thursday. “I see what young folks are designing and it’s innovative and it’s amazing and it’s stuff that drapes and makes you look and feel amazing,” she said. “It’s not predicated on how thin you are; it’s predicated on how good you want to look.”

The moment earned Goldberg a standing ovation (and at least one “We love you, Whoopi!”) from guests in the ballroom at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, with Prabal Gurung, Aerin Lauder, and Bobbi Brown among them. Sporting an embellished sweater from Alber Elbaz’s last collection for Lanvin, Brown put her own stylish spin on powerful ladies who lunch. “I love really simple things—classics with a twist,” Brown said prior to presenting the award for beauty and fragrance entrepreneur to Isabel and Ruben Toledo. “It’s basically just a navy cardigan, but with these amazing jewels." No amount of sparkle could outshine the recipient speeches, which were filled with sentiment and also humor. “I never worked in fashion or retail, but I did have a passion for leggings, or something like that,” said Jennifer Bandier, who was recognized for her eponymous line of athleticwear. “I’d like to thank the academy,” she joked. “I’ve always wanted to say that!”