On March 30, the Social Impact Summit x NYC took over the Haft Theater at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Hosted by the Social Impact Fund and the FIT Foundation, with The Hollywood Reporter as official media partner, it was the Summit’s first edition devoted entirely to fashion and beauty philanthropy. The afternoon explored how creativity and commerce can drive real, lasting change.

Kenneth Cole received the Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy Award for four decades of advocacy, from his early work to destigmatize HIV/AIDS to founding the Mental Health Coalition. Selena Gomez received the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award for expanding mental health resources for young people through Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund.

More than 700 industry executives, designers, FIT students and alumni packed the theater for candid conversations with leaders including Fern Mallis, M·A·C’s Nicola Formichetti and Kate Spade New York’s Taryn Bird. The afternoon closed with an exclusive reception. Kate Spade New York, Ulta Beauty, Perlman & Perlman and Delta Air Lines supported the event.

Fifth & Hardy designed and produced the Summit, bringing the Social Impact Summit’s mission to a new city and a new industry. We’re already building toward 2027!