Selena Gomez and Kenneth Cole bring focus to philanthropy at 2026 Social Impact Summit

Fashion meets real change

Selena Gomez and Kenneth Cole brought attention to a different side of fashion at the 2026 Social Impact Summit in New York City. The event focused on how style and beauty can support real-world causes instead of just trends.

The gathering included designers, beauty leaders, and students who want to use creativity for impact. Conversations centered on mental health, inclusion, and how the industry can support communities in more meaningful ways every day.

A summit with purpose

The 2026 Social Impact Summit was hosted at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. It marked the Social Impact Fund’s first summit focused specifically on fashion and beauty philanthropy.

Panels and talks explored how creative industries can shape positive change. Speakers shared ideas about career paths, education, and how passion can lead to work that matters beyond traditional industry roles.

Kenneth Cole honored

Kenneth Cole received the Excellence in Fashion Philanthropy Award for his long history of blending fashion with social awareness. His influence spans decades of impactful campaigns.

He has used his platform to highlight issues like HIV/AIDS and mental health. His work shows how fashion messaging can carry powerful social meaning while still staying creative and engaging.

A legacy of awareness

For more than 40 years, Kenneth Cole has built campaigns that speak about urgent social issues. His early work helped bring attention to HIV/AIDS when it was rarely discussed publicly.

His belief is simple: fashion should not only reflect style but also reflect responsibility. That idea continues to shape how brands think about purpose-driven messaging today.

Fun Fact: Kenneth Cole was born on 23 March 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for The Way Down (2004), Comedy Central Presents (1998), and Ugly Betty (2006).

Selena Gomez honored

Selena Gomez was awarded the Excellence in Beauty Philanthropy Award for her work through Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund. She was honored in absentia, but her influence was strongly recognized.

Her beauty brand is built on self-acceptance and mental health awareness. It stands out in the industry for putting emotional well-being at the center of its mission from the start.

Fun Fact: Actress and singer Selena Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is the daughter of Mandy Teefey and Ricardo Gomez.

Beauty with meaning

Rare Beauty was created with the idea that beauty should not hide imperfections but celebrate individuality. Selena Gomez built the brand around this message from day one.

The company pledges 1% of annual sales to support the Rare Impact Fund and its mental health mission. This approach connects everyday beauty products with deeper social support for young people.

Millions raised so far

According to FIT’s February 2026 announcement, Gomez’s leadership has helped raise over $30 million for youth mental health support through the Rare Impact Fund. These funds go toward helping young people access care and resources.

Leaders say the focus is not only on raising money but also on building awareness. The mission continues to grow through partnerships with major retail platforms across the country.

Strong growth for Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty has quickly become one of the most recognized beauty brands since its 2020 launch. Its products have helped make it one of the most visible beauty brands since its 2020 launch.

The brand’s growth has also supported its wider message around self-acceptance and mental health awareness. Growth supports both business success and the ongoing mission of mental health awareness.

Mental health takes center stage

Mental health was a major focus throughout the summit discussions. Leaders highlighted how the beauty and fashion industries can help reduce stigma around emotional struggles.

Selena Gomez’s work was often mentioned as an example of using a brand platform to encourage honest conversations. Many young people now connect with these messages daily.

Kenneth Cole’s bold voice

Kenneth Cole became known for bold and witty campaign messaging that mixed fashion with social awareness. One of his famous ideas was linking style with personal values.

He believes humor helps serious topics reach more people. His campaigns show how creativity can make important messages easier to understand and remember.

Industry leaders unite

Major companies like LVMH, MAC Cosmetics, Kate Spade New York, Tommy Hilfiger, and The Estée Lauder Companies were represented in summit discussions. Each shared how they approach social responsibility.

Topics included sustainability, inclusion, and community programs. These brands showed how large organizations can support change while still growing in the global fashion and beauty market.

Advice for young creatives

Speakers encouraged students to explore many paths in fashion and beauty careers. They explained that success can come from skills, training, and creativity, not only college degrees.

They also stressed the importance of teamwork and networking. Building relationships with like-minded people can open doors and create new opportunities in the industry.

Curious how dreams shape careers and life paths? Read Selena Gomez shares her dream of starting a big family with Benny Blanco.

A shared message forward

The summit ended with a strong message that fashion and beauty can create real social impact. It is not only about products but also about people and communities.

Selena Gomez and Kenneth Cole were highlighted as leaders showing how influence can support mental health and positive change. Their work continues to inspire future generations.

Want to hear more about Selena Gomez’s journey and advocacy? Check out Selena Gomez says she was misdiagnosed before her bipolar diagnosis was revealed.

How do you think public figures can use their influence for positive change? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

Read More From This Brand:

• ‘Daredevil Born Again’ season 2 trailer confirms Jessica Jones’ return with Krysten Ritter
• ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Overcomes Setbacks to Premiere on Disney+
• Charlie Cox Cast Hype Daredevil Born Again Return