Fashion 4 Development (F4D) celebrated its 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon at The Pierre New York, honoring international leaders and changemakers advancing fashion, culture, sustainability, philanthropy, and social development.
Co-hosted by F4D Founder and President Evie Evangelou and Dame Amanda Schumacher, Founder and CEO of Tree of Life Foundation International and Palm Beach resident, the luncheon was held during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and brought together First Ladies, royals, ministers, ambassadors, philanthropists, and leaders from fashion, the arts, and international affairs.
“Fashion is far more than what we wear,” said Evangelou. “It is a force for culture, opportunity, and global development.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a special fashion presentation celebrating the legacy of Oscar de la Renta, whose tribute was accepted by Alex Bolen, CEO of the brand. “Oscar truly believed in the importance of fashion both in bringing people together and drawing out a sense of joy and individuality,” said Bolen.
The Humankind Award honored Ted Turner and the Turner Foundation for their environmental work. The tribute was accepted by Vasser Seydel, Director of the Turner Foundation and President of The Oxygen Project.
HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, received the Women’s Empowerment Award.
Additional honors recognized Leila Cobo, Co-Chief Content Officer of Billboard, for preserving Latin culture through music; Sally Ann Ranney, President and Co-Founder of Global Choices and Arctic Angels, for environmental preservation; and Veronica Berti Bocelli, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, for betterment of humanity.
The program also featured dancers from Joffrey Ballet School on behalf of Youth America Grand Prix and a performance by Adriano Alagna, a 12-year-old classical tenor and Manhattan School of Music Precollege student.
F4D and the Arab Fashion Council concluded the event by announcing a landmark partnership to establish the Fashion Icon Awards in New York as an annual gathering bringing together leaders in fashion, entertainment, culture, diplomacy, and international affairs.
Founded by Evangelou in 2011, F4D is a global platform supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through partnerships that promote economic and social development, preserve culture, and empower women. Its guiding principles are the 4E’s: Educate, Empower, Enhance, and Enrich.
