Philanthropist Liz Peek was surprised at Doubles this week when the members of the FIT’s Couture Council presented her with a special award. The statuette of a spool of thread had been previously presented only to designers honored by the Couture Council — Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, Dries van Noten, Isabel Toledo, Alber Elbaz and Ralph Rucci. The rare honor was well-deserved by Peek, who not only founded the Couture Council (to help fund the Museum at FIT) but is now head of the FIT board. Among those applauding were Yaz Hernandez, Alexandra Lebenthal, Kamie Lightburn, Julie Macklowe and Dr. Valerie Steele.