Fewer places in New York capture the essence of elegance quite like the Pierre Hotel. Last Thursday evening it was the setting for Fashion 4 Development’s first Sustainable Goals banquet. Entrepreneur and former fashion model Evie Evangelou founder of the non-profit global group gathered high profile individuals from both fashion and political worlds. Abdulla Shahid, President of the United Nations General Assembly, Maurizio Massari, Italy’s Ambassador to the UN, Models Peter Dupont and Breanna Box, and Prada’s Marcelo Noschese were on hand. So was one-time White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
Although Manhattan Digest attended a short portion of the program, a post press release summarized the night:
Evangelous welcomed guests and spoke about education and agenda setting for sustainable living issues and the merits of a circular economy. She also unveiled the new global campaign “Sustainable Living is the New Fashion”.
Massari addressed guests by stating that over 400 Italian companies have committed to “advancing their business in full compliance and promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals and Human Rights.”
Two videos, one from artist Milla Bubily and one on ocean pollution kicked off the banquet. Photographer Fadil Berisha and Bubily projected their collaboration, “Phoenix.” Livia Firth, a long time ambassador for F4D, joined the event via video and presented her latest collaboration with Andrew Morgan. The two worked together for Eco Age’s documentary series Fashionscapes
Simone Cipriani, Chair of the Steering Committee of the UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion spoke on “the alliance between the Ethical Fashion Initiative and the United Nations.”
Big thinker and climate change expert, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty introduced Honorable Sherry Goodman, Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate and Security and Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. Under Rogers’ leadership, EDN has led the charge in pursuing a new green economy and promoting the Network as an activist organization.
In a video message, Fulvia Bacchi, CEO of UNIC Italian Tanning Association and Lineapelle, highlighted the strong commitment of the Italian tannery industry towards the SDGs by the United Nations. This dedication is embodied by two high-quality projects: “A New Point of Materials by Lineapelle,” – the presentation of selected responsible and innovative materials, launched at Lineapelle and The Italian Cultural Institute of NY – and the support of the
restoration of the tannery in the Pompeii site. Sanovita, a company committed to organic agriculture, served as one of the sponsors for the event.
The evening concluded with performances from pianist Harold O’Neal and soprano soloist Emanne Beasha.