For its eight annual First Ladies Luncheon, Fashion 4 Development—F4D—hosted an international group of First Ladies at the Pierre Hotel in New York, which included political figures, diplomats and fashion industry leaders from over 100 countries across the world. Celebrating the strides made toward positive social change in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder Evie Evangelou welcomed hundreds of guests to honor certain individuals who are at the forefront of the movement.

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

Notable attendees included Hidden Figures actor Aldis Hodge, award-winning actress Amber Heard, HRH Princess Camilla of Bourbon, fashion investor Carmen Busquets, world-renowned singer Ellie Goulding, Co-founder and CEO of Moda Operandi Lauren Santo Domingo, CEO of MatchesFashion.com Ulric Jerome and fashion icons/designers Diane von Furstenberg and Donna Karan.

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

“I have always believed that fashion is an instrument by which culture is created and a mirror through which culture is reflected,” began Evangelou. “This belief brings me to introduce our project of Inspiration through Cultural Exchange.”

Photo Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

Photo Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

F4D Angel Award

Presenter: Laurent Sauveur, Chief of External Relations at United Nations Human Rights
Recipient: Amber Heard, Actress, Philanthropist and L’Oreal’s newest global celebrity spokesperson
“I’m successful because of the strong women I could respect and be accountable toward. Even when we might seem worlds apart and live across the globe, we all need to remember that we are each other’s supporters.” – Amber Heard

F4D Development Award

Presenter: Livia Firth, Creative Director of Eco-Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge
Recipient: Carmen Busquets, Philanthropist, Investor, Humanitarian and Sustainability Advocate, Founder/Investor at Net-a-Porter

Women’s Empowerment Award

Presenter: Helen Watson, CEO of Rothschild & Co. Wealth Management
Recipient: Edwina Dunn, Co-Founder of dunnhumby and Founder of the Female Lead
“Young girls need more role models, because you can’t be what you can’t see..” – Edwina Dunn

Eco Award

Presenter: Livia Firth, Creative Director of Eco-Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge
Recipient: Ellie Goulding, double Brit winner and Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and UN Ambassador for Environment

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

Leading Lady Award

Presenter: Emanuel Chirico, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PVH
Recipient: Melanie Steiner, Chief Risk Officer of PVH Corp

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

Goodwill Ambassador for North & Latin America

Presenter: Diane von Furstenberg, Belgian-American world-renowned fashion designer
Recipient: Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Philanthropist and Film/Television Producer

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

Franca Sozzani Award

Presenter: Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, F4D’s Goodwill ambassador for Africa and past Franca Sozzani Award recipient
Recipient: Francine LeFrak, Social Entrepreneur and Women’s Empowerment Activist
“I cherish this award because it represents promoting positive social change and economic growth for women and their communities worldwide through the unifying power of fashion and shopping with your heart” – Francine LeFrak

Photo Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Fashion 4 Development

For more information, please visit the F4D website.