Fashion, diplomacy, philanthropy, and global development converged in New York City on September 22nd as Fashion 4 Development (F4D) hosted its 14th Annual Official First Ladies Luncheon at The Pierre during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Hosted by F4D Founder and President, Evie Evangelou, and Dame Amanda Schumacher, the gathering brought together First Ladies, royals, ministers, ambassadors, philanthropists, artists, and international changemakers to celebrate fashion’s role in cultural exchange and social impact.
The afternoon featured a VIP reception, awards ceremony, ballet performance, and a special vocal performance, alongside a fashion presentation honoring the legacy of Oscar de la Renta. The designer’s enduring connection to First Ladies and his belief in fashion as a bridge to diplomacy made the tribute a fitting highlight of the luncheon, with Oscar de la Renta CEO, Alex Bolen, accepting the recognition.
F4D also honored a distinguished group of Agents of Change, including Ted Turner and the Turner Foundation, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Leila Cobo, Sally Ann Ranney, and Veronica Berti Bocelli. The event concluded with the announcement of a new partnership between Fashion 4 Development and the Arab Fashion Council to establish the Fashion Icon Awards in New York as an annual celebration of fashion, culture, diplomacy, and global impact.
Following the luncheon, Spotlight spoke with Evie Evangelou about the evolution of Fashion 4 Development, honoring Oscar de la Renta, the intersection of fashion and diplomacy, and what’s next for the organization.
SPOTLIGHT: The First Ladies Luncheon has become such an important gathering at the intersection of fashion, philanthropy, and global change. What inspired you to create Fashion 4 Development, and how has that vision evolved over the years?
EVANGELOU: The inspiration came from all my work through the years using creativity and the arts to drive positive social change. Fashion has impact, and it has the power to create change and support the UN Goals; it is a tool for diplomacy and a bridge for diverse cultures. The vision has evolved with time, but at its core, that is still what we stand for. In 2011, when F4D partnered officially with the office of the UNSG, people didn’t really understand the connection between fashion and diplomacy, but in the last few years, many are following suit.
SPOTLIGHT: This year’s program will feature a runway presentation and tribute to Oscar de la Renta. What makes his legacy particularly meaningful to honor through Fashion 4 Development, and what do you hope guests take away from the tribute?
EVANGELOU: Oscar de la Renta embodied the ethos of Fashion 4 Development throughout his career, and he in fact attended the inaugural First Ladies Luncheon in 2011. As a brand, Oscar de la Renta has designed for First Ladies from numerous administrations and has always understood how fashion is a bridge to diplomacy. Honoring Oscar’s legacy at this year’s luncheon felt especially meaningful as we continue to bring together leaders and changemakers committed to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. I hope guests will take away his importance in history—not just in fashion, but in diplomacy as well.
SPOTLIGHT: You’ll also be honoring Ted Turner and other agents of change. What qualities do you look for when selecting the individuals and organizations to recognize?
EVANGELOU: We look for individuals and organizations that are true leaders; people who have a vision for a better world and, most importantly, put that vision into action. For us, being an agent of change is not simply about achievement or recognition, it is about using your influence, resources, and platform for the betterment of humanity.
We look for those who are creating meaningful impact, inspiring others, and leaving a legacy that extends far beyond themselves. Ted Turner is a wonderful example of this—his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, environmental conservation, and improving the lives of people around the world is a powerful example of what it means to use one’s influence for the greater good. His work demonstrates that meaningful change happens when vision is matched with action, and we are honored to recognize him alongside other remarkable individuals and organizations.
SPOTLIGHT: Fashion has the ability to reach people across cultures and borders. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for fashion to create meaningful social and economic impact today?
EVANGELOU: I believe one of fashion’s greatest opportunities today is to build bridges between cultures while also creating economic opportunities for the communities behind the creativity. By supporting designers, artisans, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs—particularly in emerging markets—we can help preserve cultural heritage while creating jobs, empowering communities, and connecting local talent to a global audience.
Fashion is a universal language, and when we use that language to celebrate diversity and create opportunity, it can become a powerful force for positive change.
SPOTLIGHT: As someone who has worked at the intersection of fashion, diplomacy, and philanthropy for so many years, how have you seen the role of fashion in global development change?
EVANGELOU: Fashion has always had a loud voice. It can garner attention for important issues and give a platform to voices and causes that need to be heard. At the same time, it has tremendous economic power and can support communities by creating jobs, developing businesses, promoting artisanship, and opening doors to international markets.
Over the years, fashion has become an important vehicle for diplomacy, cultural exchange, philanthropy, and sustainable development. When you bring together fashion, business, government, philanthropy, and communities, you create a much greater opportunity for lasting impact.
That is really at the heart of what we have sought to do through Fashion 4 Development: to use the visibility and influence of fashion to shine a light on important issues while helping create real opportunities for people and communities around the world.
SPOTLIGHT: This year’s luncheon takes place during the 81st UN General Assembly. Why is this particular moment an important one for Fashion 4 Development and the work you’re championing?
EVANGELOU: Every year has truly been important, but this year feels particularly significant. We are living in a time when the world needs more healing, greater understanding, and stronger connections among nations and people. The UN General Assembly brings together leaders from around the world at a moment when dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever.
This is where fashion can serve as a bridge. It allows us to celebrate what makes each culture unique while reminding us of the creativity and humanity we share. Through fashion, we can create opportunities for dialogue, cultural exchange, and understanding. For Fashion 4 Development, this moment reinforces why our work is so important.
SPOTLIGHT: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next chapter of Fashion 4 Development, and what kinds of change do you hope to inspire through the organization?
EVANGELOU: The next chapter of F4D is hosting “Global Runway,” a milestone event that will bring more than 100 nations together. This initiative is in the works, so stay tuned for more to come!
