The Milan shows might have wrapped, with the fashion flock headed to Paris, but that didn’t stop New Yorkers from celebrating after the papal and presidential visits on Monday. Earlier today, the Pierre Hotel played host to Fashion 4 Development’s fifth annual First Ladies luncheon, celebrating dignitaries and fashion figures for their efforts on global change. Honorees ranged from Josie Maran, whose eponymous beauty brand garnered her the Eco Award for its safe practices, to model Naomi Campbell, who was presented with the Gold Heart Award for her work combating Ebola through her organization, Fashion for Relief. However, the talk of the room was this year’s main recipient, Victoria Beckham. “UNAIDS is one of our partners, and we thought Victoria would be a perfect honoree,” said Evie Evangelou, founder of Fashion 4 Development, dressed in one of Beckham’s signature sheaths and shoes. “She’s an amazing designer, but she’s also doing so much for positive social change.”
That sentiment was shared by UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibé, who said of Beckham, “She is modest, she is compassionate, and she’s trying to carry this love out of her home and reach those children left behind. They are losing their hope, and that is why we are so happy to have her here with us. She is about heart and mind, but also love and passion.” Beckham, who recently jetted in from London, spoke yesterday at the Social Good Summit and is finishing up her New York jaunt tonight. “It’s a huge honor to be here in New York, meeting so many incredible people and learning so much,” she said humbly, adding, “I’m still educating myself.”
Taking in the chic setting were a slew of first ladies and other important women from various nations, including Queen Rania of Jordan and Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, wife of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Shortly after everyone took their seats, Sara Cavazza, the creative director of Italian label Genny, showcased her latest designs with a runway show, which was later followed up with dazzling looks from designer Guo Pei, introduced by the Costume Institute’s outgoing curator in charge, Harold Koda. “People’s impression of that dress wasn’t as good as when Rihanna wore it,” said Pei of her now-famous golden cape and dress, sported at this year’s Met Gala. However, she could not have been happier with the outpouring of support for the Costume Institute’s exhibit “China: Through the Looking Glass,” which prominently highlighted her designs. “I was honored because this piece being showcased in the Met does not only represent myself, but also the nation,” said Pei. In between bites and acceptance speeches, Livia Firth implored the distinguished crowd to enact social change in regards to clothing manufacturing before introducing director of The True Cost Andrew Morgan onstage to receive his award. As the lunch came to a close, the only thing left to do was admire and nibble on the glorious cake made by Sylvia Weinstock. Truly a sweet finish to an inspirational day.
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