2023 Women of Achievement fashion: Ladies and gentlemen who lunched at the Hilton stepped out in style!

From the left, Carmela Montella, WOA 2019, Donna Long, WOA, 1996, Doreen Cugno and Luanne Sorrentino, WOA's, 2014, Denis Henick, WOA 2023 and her daughter, Chelsea Henick. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — From casual and comfortable to uncomplicated yet tres chic, hundreds of fashion forward ladies and gents made their presence known Thursday at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Bloomfield venue that was the place to be for the 58th edition of the Staten Island Women of Achievement Luncheon.

A tradition in the borough since 1962, some 550 lovely ladies and gents bedecked in stylish ensembles came out to laud — and cheer on five extraordinary individuals. Women from all walks of life who help shape Staten Island and work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our borough a better place to live.

And while there are never any hard and fast rules on how to "dress to impress" at the annual event, the ever-changing world of fashion means there's always something new and innovative on the horizon and up for grabs season after season.

What's more, the fashion-savvy know it's about what complements the wearer and selecting clothing that truly reflects one's personality.

So then, here are just a handful of trendy ladies — and a gentleman — who we spotted around the ballroom — among so many local stars who shine brightly year after year at the eagerly anticipated event.

DENISE HENICK

In honor of the season of spring, Denise Henick, named an Advance Woman of Achievement for 2023, made a statement with her Chiara Boni La Petite Robe hot pink and black floral print she purchased especially for the occasion in Emily's Boutique in Dongan Hills. Her dress of choice, with it's unforgettable aspects, was accented with rushing and flattering bow.

Denise Henick is honored as a Woman of Achievement, Class of 2020. Hundreds attended this year's gala luncheon held at the Hilton Garden Inn. April 20, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

DANA WALKER-BOYD

Walker-Boyd was unforgettable with a black, white, gold and red overlay ensemble and rocked it with matching red slacks. She said while it wasn't brand new, it's one of her Christmas favorites. She told us she wore it in honor of the late Rev. Maggie Howard, who passed away just several months after she was named a Woman of Achievement back in 2020. "Maggie always loved colors that popped," she exclaimed. Walker-Boyd chose to pair her outfit with an attractive black belt studded with pearls.

Dana Walker-Boyd. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

ELISSA MONTANTI

A Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2011, Elissa was draped in a color-coordinated outfit in shades of magenta, matching mauve shawl and embellished with a sparkly sash. She chose to accessorize her ensemble with a unique glistening stone bracelet given to her as a gift from her adopted son, Kenan Malkic and his wife, Veronica.

Elissa Montanti, WOA 2011. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

Eilssa Montanti sporting a bracelet given to her by her adopted son, Kenan and his wife, Veronica. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

CARMELA AND FRANK MONTELLA

Because Carmela and Frank Montella are all about tradition and togetherness, the Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2019 opted to sport one of her favorite ensembles. In fact, it was the same outfit she wore when she received the honor four years ago. She selected a "creamy beige" (her favorite color) peplum-style dress with matching gold accessories.

Frank and Carmela Montella, a WOA, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island

And since Carmela and her husband Frank are also always color coordinated, he showed up in his "creamy beige" sport jacket, tie and tie pin — yes in shades of cream and beige — the same jacket he wore when his wife was named a Woman of Achievement.

FORMER CITY COUNCILWOMAN DEBI ROSE

Debi looked quite the fashion icon in a black waffle fabric dress that she opted to accent with bold accessories.

Former City Councilwoman Debi Rose, a WOA, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

Some said her shiny pewter earrings resembled platinum records and her "old-fashioned" necklace that was shaped somewhat like a microphone — made an everlasting statement.

MARJORIE DECKER GARVIN

A Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2012, Marjorie was draped in a divine black and sparkly silver coat that she revealed she picked up in a stored called Renee in New Jersey. She recounted the shop sells ensembles with lots of different patterns that one might wear to church. And she said she's proud to wear it.

Marjorie Decker Garvin, WOA 2012. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

EDWINA MARTIN, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

Looking smashing — and "dressed to impress" as always was Edwina Martin, the Richmond County Public Administrator.

Public Administrator, Edwina Martin. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

Making a bold statement, Martin was draped in turquoise and purple with color coordinated accessories that included an oversized hat with giant purple petals, purple pendant and purple shoes and turquoise bag. "The dress and hat is by Dora Marra, a shop on Etsy," she said. "And my earrings are from a small web based company that I love."

FRAN REALI

Reali, a Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2008, chose a sleek, stylish basic black business suit coordinated with white blouse and black beads.

The businesswoman, who heads up Safari Realty with her husband Frank, is always attired with grace and sophistication and dresses — no matter what the occasion.

JANET ROBINSON

Robinson, the Kawanzaa Lady, who's a Woman of Achievement in the Class of 2014, selected an African print fabric, also known as ‘kitenge’ or ‘Ankara’ fabric, in blue, tan and brown as her dress of choice and matching head wrap scarf.

From the left, Fran Reali, WOA, 2008 and Janet G. Robinson, WOA, 2014. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance

Robinson was named a Woman of Achievement for her many acts of good will and service to the community. Most notably, she volunteers to teach children of all ages about Kwanzaa and Black cultural heritage, earning her the title, "The Kwanzaa Lady."

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