Kenneth Cole and Selena Gomez Honored for Philanthropy in Fashion and Beauty

At the event, Kenneth Cole received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy, while Selena Gomez was awarded the 2026 Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award, although she could not attend. The summit brought together representatives from companies such as LVMH, Estée Lauder, and Macy's, who discussed their work in the social impact space. The event was attended by FIT students and brand executives.

Cole, known for using his platform to address public health crises, founded the Mental Health Coalition in 2020. In accepting his award, Cole emphasized that social impact is inherent in his business model, considering it the most sustainable today. The Mental Health Coalition received a $10,000 grant from the Social Impact Fund.

Cole recounted how, in the 1980s, he addressed the AIDS crisis, a stigmatized topic at the time, using his platform to raise awareness. He mentioned that, despite criticism, his approach resonated with a majority of the public. When asked about the possibility of achieving the same in the age of social media, Cole admitted that it would be much more difficult due to the amplification of minority voices and the ability to generate noise and distraction.

Cole also commented on the importance of maintaining a humorous approach in his messages, believing that this facilitates connection with people. He emphasized that his goal is not to change people's lives with his products, but to relate to them in a meaningful way. Cole expressed his pride in having created a business that positively impacts people's lives, based on community and academia as key components.

Gomez, through her company Rare Beauty, founded in 2020, launched the Rare Impact Fund from the beginning, donating 1% of sales to youth mental health before launching any product. In five years, the fund has raised over $30 million and has established 30 non-profit partnerships, reaching over 3.5 million young people annually. The brand collaborates with Sephora and recently began selling in Ultra stores, where they raised over $2 million in a month through a payment campaign.

Elyse Cohen, from Rare Beauty, explained that philanthropy is fundamental to Gomez, who built her business with a clear mission. Cohen highlighted the brand's commitment to addressing unrealistic beauty standards and creating an authentic community. Rare Beauty has developed an online community called Rare Chats during the pandemic, which has evolved into face-to-face events and a mental health summit that has become a hallmark of the brand.

Cohen noted that the Rare Impact Fund is committed to mobilizing $100 million, focusing on the effective use of raised funds. The brand constantly communicates with non-profit organizations, and young people seek in Rare Beauty not only products, but also mental health resources that they cannot find elsewhere.

Gomez, in a written response, urged young creatives to protect their joy and prioritize their mental health, avoiding the pressure of building a brand and monetizing everything. The Rare Impact Fund also received a $10,000 grant from the Social Impact Fund.

Both Kenneth Cole and Selena Gomez have demonstrated a significant commitment to philanthropy and social impact, using their platforms to address important issues and generate positive change. Their efforts have been recognized and supported by important organizations and institutions.

The work of Cole and Gomez serves as an example of how companies can integrate social responsibility into their business models, generating a lasting impact on society. The Mental Health Coalition and the Rare Impact Fund continue to work to raise awareness and provide support in critical areas such as mental health and youth well-being.