Major fashion brands are strengthening their humanitarian commitment in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tory Burch, Chanel, PVH, Authentic Brands Group, Capri Holdings, and others have announced substantial donations to aid those affected by the conflict. Several fashion events have been canceled or postponed due to the situation in the Middle East. U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Israel to show his support.
Major fashion houses have begun to express stronger support for humanitarian initiatives in the context of the Israel-Hamas war.
Tory Burch, the executive chairman and chief creative officer of the eponymous brand, and Pierre-Yves Roussel, the Maison’s CEO, addressed employees in an internal letter last week. “We condemn terrorism and hatred in all their forms. The heart-wrenching reports and brutal images of the terrorist attack in Israel last weekend have deeply affected us,” they wrote.
The leaders stated that they would support those affected through two organizations: the International Committee of the Red Cross, dedicated to humanitarian aid, and the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP), an organization focused on promoting peace in the region. ALLMEP is a coalition of over 170 organizations, along with thousands of Palestinians and Israelis, all committed to cooperation, mutual understanding, and equality within these communities. “We will make a personal donation of $100,000 and a $150,000 donation on behalf of the company. Additionally, Tory Burch LLC will match any employee donations to ALLMEP.”
Other brands have not hesitated to communicate about the event. Chanel’s executive chairman, Alain Wertheimer, and CEO Leena Nair shared an internal note that was circulated on social media last week. “We have all been horrified and deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. The war and resulting humanitarian crisis are a tragedy.”
The note also stated that Chanel was making a $4 million donation to organizations engaged in providing humanitarian assistance.
The PVH Foundation has granted donations to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Magen David Adom (the Israeli ICRC), and the Palestinian Red Crescent (ICRC affiliate in Gaza). PVH, the American fashion company that owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, is matching employee donations for relief initiatives in the region. The company is also offering financial assistance in the form of grants to any employee and their family affected in the area.
Authentic Brands Group announced on Instagram that they have launched a one-for-one matching donation program to support on-the-ground organizations that can provide aid and resources to civilians affected by violence. These non-profit organizations include Magen David Adom, ERAN, NATAL – the Israeli Center for Trauma and Resilience, and Operation Embrace. “We condemn terrorism and stand with our Jewish community and all those affected. Join us in calling for peace,” Authentic stated on Instagram last week.
A spokesperson for Capri Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, and Versace, said, “We are deeply saddened by the recent attacks in Israel. Capri Holdings is currently exploring various organizations to which we can contribute to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.”
Canceled Events
An increasing number of events have also been canceled or postponed due to the conflict. Vogue Arabia, Chopard, and Italian jeweler Pomellato have canceled upcoming events in the Middle East. We Design Beirut, a four-day design festival scheduled for late October in Lebanon, has been postponed to ensure the safety of all participants.
The Fashion Trust of Arabia Awards 2023, originally planned for October 25 in Dubai, have also been postponed. “At FTA, our goal has always been to support the talents of designers in the MENA region,” the organization stated in a release. “However, given the current situation in the region, it would be ill-considered to continue with our event.”
Events in New York have also been postponed. SoHo Commando canceled the opening of Soho Green scheduled for October 19 “in light of the ongoing heartbreaking global events.”
Israeli designers Pnina Tornai and Galia Lahav have also canceled runway shows of their new collections scheduled for Bridal Fashion Week in New York as a sign of solidarity with their country. “Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating conflict,” said Lahav. “We hope for a future where we can come together to celebrate the beauty and creativity that define our brand.”
Support from Banks
As major American companies began their earnings season this week, some launched fundraising efforts.
In a memo to its employees, financial services company UBS announced that it would match $5 million in donations from its employees and clients and work to expand its partner network to provide assistance for displaced families.
Financial consulting firm Jefferies raised $13 million from clients, partners, and employees for charitable works providing humanitarian aid. Contributors include Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York and co-founder of Bloomberg LP, with a $2 million donation.
Finally, Goldman Sachs pledged $2 million in aid and stated that it would match employee donations.
Billionaires and members of American and Canadian Jewish communities have also donated millions of dollars, military equipment, clothing, food, and household items.
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Read also>TOWARDS A GEOGRAPHICAL EXTENSION OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAEL?
Featured photo : ©Hatem Ali/AP
