While Lauren was shopping Lanvin x H&M with Alber at the Pierre, I was shopping Black Fleece with Thom Browne at Housing Works. Thursday night was the VIP gala to celebrate the 7th annual Fashion for Action fundraiser. Housing Works operates several charity thrift stores throughout the city to support the needs of low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. All of the proceeds from Fashion for Action–which includes a silent auction and sample sale–will benefit Housing Works’ lifesaving services. We got to talk to Thom, the event’s chair, about the fundraiser and his upcoming women’s collection that we’re already obsessed with. But first, the party.

I started the evening at the VIP reception at the Rubin Museum of Art, where Thom posed for pictures with Anika Noni Rose and Patricia Clarkson, whom I love. Alex and Simon from RHONY were also there, mingling with Malan from Project Runway. Then, we crossed the street and stopped in the Housing Works thrift store to see if there was anything good. There was. A lot. And everyone had been drinking, so the whole place was a crazed shopping party that may have rivaled the one going on at the Pierre. Patricia Clarkson was trying on hats and Thom Browne was on hand to advise shoppers next to a rack of his very discounted women’s Black Fleece jackets. I’m not sure if it was the wine, my new crush on Thom Browne or the amazing price ($75!), but I tried on a wool blazer and just couldn’t not buy it. The sale is happening through the weekend, so we strongly recommend stopping by, especially since it’s for a good cause.

Thom, who I just have to say is disarmingly handsome and charming in person, graciously answered our questions.

On why Housing Works is important to him: “It is an organization that really takes care of and cares about people that sometimes are forgotten. It’s just a really worthwhile cause that sometimes isn’t as glamorous as a lot of the other ones.”

On whether he actually shops at Housing Works: “I don’t shop as much as I used to. I used to buy vintage clothing all the time and it was one place I used to always go, but it is a place that everyone can go and it’s not just buying for the sake of buying, it’s buying and you’re really supporting something.”

On the inspiration for his upcoming women’s collection: “I’m looking at it the same as my mens, like looking at really well-made clothes for girls that are tailoring-inspired but interesting and provocative, not just another collection of clothing for girls.”

On showing in Paris for the first time in September: “It was great, I’m gonna keep doing it and it’s a lot of fun. You really feel like you’re reaching the world in Paris.”