Carmelo Anthony, Viola Davis, Donatella Versace, François-Henri Pinault, & Salma Hayek Pinault Unite for Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner 2024

Carmelo Anthony, Viola Davis, Donatella Versace, François-Henri Pinault, & Salma Hayek Pinault Unite for Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner

Photo Courtesy of German Larkin/Kering

FRANÇOIS-HENRI PINAULT & SALMA HAYEK PINAULT

On Monday, September 9, 2024, some of the most influential figures in fashion, media, entertainment, and the arts gathered at The Pool in New York City for the third annual Caring for Women Dinner hosted by the Kering Foundation. Co-chaired by Salma Hayek Pinault, François-Henri Pinault, Camila Alves McConaughey, Matthew McConaughey, Carmelo Anthony, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Urs Fischer, Kim Kardashian, and Donatella Versace, this powerful event raised awareness and support to combat gender-based violence.

With over 220 guests in attendance, the event was a significant moment in the ongoing fight to protect women and girls from violence worldwide. Gayle King, CBS Mornings anchor, served as the master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s program with grace and poise.

A Night for Empowerment

SALMA HAYEK PINAULT

The Kering Foundation, under the leadership of François-Henri Pinault, has long been dedicated to fighting gender-based violence. The Caring for Women Dinner has become a signature annual event, bringing together influential voices to address the challenges that women and girls face globally. In his opening remarks, Pinault emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating:

“Gender-based violence knows no boundaries. It crosses borders, cultures, and socio-economic lines. It is a calamity that affects the daily lives of women and tears at the very fabric of our humanity.”

He also highlighted the foundation’s commitment to continuous action, especially in prevention efforts, to break cycles of violence.

Viola Davis: A Commanding Call for Action

Academy Award-winning actress and activist Viola Davis delivered a stirring keynote address, calling for a future free from violence and oppression. Davis spoke passionately about breaking cycles of violence through “active love, radical love—the love that protects, makes you feel safe, and frees you.”

Her words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in confronting gender-based violence. Davis’s speech was a call to action, inspiring those in attendance to fight for a world where women and girls live free from fear.

Auctioning for Change

The evening also featured a high-energy auction led by legendary auctioneer Lydia Fenet, which raised close to $2 million in under an hour. The funds will benefit Girl Effect, It’s On Us, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)—organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls and preventing gender-based violence globally.

The auction featured one-of-a-kind items and experiences from Kering’s luxury houses, including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Boucheron, making it a pivotal part of the night’s success.

A Memorable Performance by Raye

Award-winning singer-songwriter Raye closed the night with a captivating four-song set that left the audience in awe. Performing both original music and classic standards, her performance brought the evening to a memorable and inspiring conclusion.

A Gathering of Global Icons

The event drew an array of powerful figures, including co-chairs and guests like Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Ashley Graham, Julianne Moore, Lenny Kravitz, Dakota Johnson, Jessica Chastain, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Garner, Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Kerry Washington, Ricky Martin, Karlie Kloss, and Linda Evangelista.

Together, these individuals, led by co-hosts Salma Hayek Pinault, François-Henri Pinault, Donatella Versace, Carmelo Anthony, and Viola Davis, demonstrated their commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: gender-based violence.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment

The Caring for Women Dinner has become a cornerstone event in the Kering Foundation’s efforts to combat gender-based violence. With the support of its co-hosts and guests, the event continues to build momentum for this crucial cause. As Salma Hayek Pinault, François-Henri Pinault, and their fellow co-chairs reflect on the success of the evening, it is clear that the fight to end gender-based violence is far from over—but with leaders like them at the forefront, progress is being made.

The Kering Foundation and its supporters are paving the way toward a future where every woman and girl is free from violence and oppression