Kenneth Cole And Selena Gomez Shine At 2026 Social Impact Summit With Fashion And Beauty Philanthropy

Kenneth Cole and Selena Gomez Lead Philanthropy at 2026 Social Impact Summit

Kenneth Cole and Selena Gomez stole the spotlight at the 2026 Social Impact Summit, with the event marking a milestone for fashion and beauty philanthropy. Held at New York's iconic Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the summit brought together industry leaders and influencers to discuss the role of creative diversity and unconventional career paths in shaping the future.

The Fashion Icon with a Heart – Kenneth Cole

Veteran designer Kenneth Cole was celebrated with the Social Impact Fund’s Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy Award. Presented by Women’s Wear Daily's editor-in-chief, Michael Atmore, the award ceremony was a star-studded affair attended by VIPs, FIT students, and fashion executives.

Reflecting on his trailblazing campaigns, Cole shared, "At the time I started, AIDS was already pervasive, but no one was talking about it. I don’t think we could have started this today, in the age of social media." Known for his witty and impactful ads, like the iconic "It’s not just what you stand in, it’s what you stand for," Cole has shifted his focus towards mental health, highlighting the crisis and the need for action.

Selena Gomez – The New Face of Beauty Philanthropy

Though under the weather, Selena Gomez's influence was felt through Elyse Cohen, chief impact officer at Rare Beauty Cosmetics, who accepted the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award on her behalf. Jenny B. Fine, executive editor at WWD, presented the award, acknowledging Gomez's commitment to mental health via the Rare Beauty Impact Fund.

“This award is so fitting for Selena,” Cohen remarked, highlighting the launch of Rare Beauty in 2020 and its pledge to donate 1% of sales to the fund. With $30 million raised in six years, and a target of $100 million, Gomez's mission-first approach is reshaping beauty standards, promoting authenticity over perfection.

Panels, Powerhouses, and Impactful Conversations

The summit featured riveting panels, beginning with "Trailblazers of Fashion and Beauty in Philanthropy," moderated by Fern Mallis. Notables like Nicola Formichetti of M·A·C Cosmetics emphasized philanthropy through initiatives like Viva Glam. Discussions also highlighted collaborations and efforts from Kate Spade New York and Macy’s to support mental health and social causes.

Meanwhile, "The Importance of Making Diverse Creative Connections" panel provided aspiring creatives insights into the fashion industry. Experts like Corey Smith of LVMH and Randy Cousin of Tommy Hilfiger stressed the importance of diverse opportunities beyond traditional college pathways.

With FIT as the backdrop, the summit underscored the evolving landscape of fashion and beauty, where style meets substance. As Cindi Leive led discussions on brand authenticity, the stage was set for continued innovation and positive change.