We were thrilled to hear yesterday that Carmen will be among the honorees at this year’s Fashion 4 Development First Ladies Luncheon. The annual event, which hosts First Ladies, UN Ambassadors and VIPs from around the world, recognizes “Agents of Change” for their humanitarian work, and promotes women’s empowerment, sustainability and environmentalism.
Founded in 2011 by Evie Evangelou, Fashion 4 Development (F4D) is a private sector global platform created in support of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and “Every Woman, Every Child”, the initiative spearheaded by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. With four key principles at its core: Educate, Empower, Enhance and Enrich, F4D facilitates partnerships that promote the fashion and textile industry, advance economic and social development activities, and preserve culture and empower women, and today it has initiatives in over 20 countries.
One of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Project designs showcased at a special reception at Buckingham Palace during London Fashion Week in February / Photo: Sean Ebsworth Barnes.
In 2015 F4D committed to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and this focus on sustainability will be reflected at this year’s luncheon. Designers from the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Project, which represents talent across 53 countries, will present a selection of sustainable creations, and items inspired by handbags donated by Armani, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, Tod’s, Valentino and Versace will be showcased by designers from Africa, Albania and Brazil. In addition, Albanese designer Mirela Nurce will exhibit her silk garments, which are imprinted with the drawings of children with hearing difficulties.
Among the other honorees at this year’s event will be data pioneer and entrepreneur Edwina Dunn, who is also the founder of The Female Lead, a non-profit that highlights the breadth of women’s achievements to help inspire current and future generations; Grammy nominee and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Ellie Goulding, who along with Carmen is a supporter of Eco-Age’s Green Carpet Talent Competition which challenges emerging designers to redefine sustainability; and actress Amber Heard, who has spoken out against sexual and domestic abuse.
The 2018 Fashion 4 Development First Ladies Luncheon will be held on 25th September at New York’s Pierre Hotel during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
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