New York, N.Y. The Museum of the City of New York was the location for United Colors Of Fashion’s logo, a Fashion Philanthropy organization, which aids charities for children living with HIV and AIDS and supports the arts and fashion education in New York, held their annual Benefit Gala: “Be Glamorous: Glamour Gives.”
Doing good works with the help of the fashion industry.
During the gala in a ceremony honoring celebrities and philanthropist such as Grammy award winner Dionne Warwick, and Phillip Bloch, Hollywood’s celebrity stylist, for their humanitarian efforts. Amongst other honorees were former model and muse to Givenchy, Sandi Bass, who was honored as UCOF’s “Casting Director of The Year,” by iconic supermodel, Pat Cleveland, and former America’s Next Top Model judge, Miss Jay Alexander. Fashion photographer, filmmaker and fellow former judge of America’s Next Top Model, Nigel Barker, delivered a speech commissioning the mission of UCOF and urging for advocacy to make differences. “We can all do a lot more, in fact we can all do something, in fact we all too very often do very little.” Mr. Barker praised UCOF for “bringing the issues of the world together and the fashion industry together.” Bukiwe Sangqu, the spouse to the UN Ambassador to South Africa was also honored.“It was a delight to have had legendary Pat Cleveland walk in our show. It was a fascinating night to remember. What we do at UCOF is investing in the lives of those who lack resources. When you invest in the empowerment of young adults, you offer guidance for our future leaders, designers and entrepreneur,” said Ciano Clerjuste, President of United Colors of Fashion and founding partner. See the full speech here http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151095370222546
Nigel Barker Commissions For Activism at the UCOF Gala
The Gala was reflective of the arts, which is also inclusive of the mission of UCOF. Hosting the event was Kaye Tuckerman, lead actress from the cast of “Mama Mia,” on Broadway, and Thuli Dumakude who was casted as the original “Rafiki” from Disney’s “Lion King,” on Broadway, who made mention of the UCOF “Ambassadors of Hope” support bracelets that were made by the women of the Thembalethu Beader, meaning “My Hope.”
Former model and muse to Givenchy, Sandi Bass
The Gala high fashion runway show,was produced by the internationally acclaimed fashion and entertainment producer in Africa and honoree for Producer of the Year, Jan Malan. Featured designers such as season nine, “Project Runway” winner, Anya Ayoung-Chee, and returning presenter to UCOF, South African designer, David Tlale and other international designers such as Style Butler (Denmark), Amparo Chorda (Spain), Carla Silva (Angola), Naked Ape (South Africa), and Soucha Fashion House (Egypt). The show featured supermodels such as Sessilee Lopez, Pat Cleveland, Ajak Denk, just to name a few and was supported by international ambassadors such as Ms. Universe 2011, Leila Lopes.
Acclaimed fashion and entertainment producer in Africa and honoree for Producer of the Year, Jan Malan
This event was made possible by the board of directors. Additional support provided in part with South African Airways, Hair & The City, Makeup Pro, Wines of South Africa, L’oreal, Jan Malan Productions, Losson Couture, COPHA, Patemm, DP Photo, IMG, New York Model, Wilhelmina, Major Model, Muse, Hadja Models, Red Models, Q Models, Women Model, Fenton Moon Models, Inc. Lounge, Heart 365 Emporium, Dimitrios, Teni Cocker, Gwyneth, Fuzion, Vigore, ELEQT, Fashion One TV and Eramene Clerjuste.
