Fashion, philanthropy and first ladies came together for the Fashion 4 Development (F4D) 10th anniversary of the Annual First Ladies Luncheon during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Week
A slew of influential figures in entertainment, fashion, activism, politics and business from around the world congregated to support both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and F4D’s efforts to promote positive strategies for sustainable economic growth.
For the first-time ever in the history of F4D, a luminary of Indian origin attended the prestigious event as well as was awarded with a coveted honour. Representing India at the global event was philanthropist and businesswoman, Sudha Reddy from Hyderabad.
Evie Evangelou, President and Founder of Fashion 4 Development says, “I am thrilled to bring together global leaders and change-makers from around the world to leverage the expression of fashion for sustainable economic growth and independence of communities worldwide. Sudha Reddy is an extraordinary human being and she inspires goodness and we are pleased to welcome her at this year’s event to share ideas and inspiration for how we can improve sustainable systems – inspiring responsible social change from what we wear to what we eat and how we live.”
Sudha Reddy who chairs the charity office of MEIL and Sudha Reddy Foundation states, “I have always believed that fashion is a vehicle by which culture and heritage is reflected and formed. It’s truly an honour to be invited by Fashion 4 Development for this premium gathering consisting of thought leaders from across the world. “It was a remarkable event and I’m truly happy to have contributed to such a diverse range of conversations revolving around sustainable lifestyle practices for a healthier tomorrow. It was so insightful to meet like-minded thought leaders and achievers from different walks of life. It is my constant endeavour to represent Hyderabad at important world events and be a catalyst of change.
Reddy attended the 2nd Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet which recognizes the importance of sustainable fashion and lifestyle practices. She was felicitated with the Fashion 4 Development Philanthropy Award at the hands of New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi at 10th Annual First Ladies Luncheon which gathers first ladies and royals from around the globe to celebrate the unprecedented cooperation between diplomacy and fashion.
She opted for an ensemble consisting of looks from Tarun Tahliani, Tadashi Shoji and Neeta Lulla.
Over the years, global celebrities like Charlize Theron, Diane Kruger, Arianna Huffington, Diane Von Furstenberg, Naomi Campbell, Amber Heard, Ellie Goulding, Victoria Beckham, Donna Karan amongst others have been bestowed with awards at this significant event.
By way of introduction, Sudha Reddy was the only Indian and first Hyderabad origin celebrity to be invited to the prestigious Met Gala in 2021 and Paris Haute Couture Week in 2022. The humanitarian who leads with her heart helms the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Megha Group Of Industries driving several social impact projects across India, while the eponymous Sudha Reddy Foundation aims to support women and children focusing on affordable healthcare and accessible education. Her extensive charity work includes a collaboration with Elizabeth Hurley to campaign for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Paris and working alongside American actress Eva Longaria to raise awareness about children suffering from chronic diseases at The Global Gift Gala. 2022 and the Young Indian Women Achievers Under 45 Award at Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) in 2021
