TL;DR: Fashion, Philanthropy & The Power of Preloved: The Fashion Minority Alliance hosted a celebrity‑backed preloved fashion fundraiser at London’s Roof Gardens to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, featuring donations from global icons and a strong focus on sustainability and community rebuilding.
Event Highlights
Celebrity donors including Anna Wintour, Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomie Harris, Tilda Swinton, Nathalie Emmanuel, Veronica Webb, Baroness Francesca von Thyssen-Bornemisza de Kászon, Giovanna Fendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly
Funds raised for schools and students impacted by Hurricane Melissa
Hosted by the Fashion Minority Alliance and Pippa Bennett-Warner at The Roof Gardens, London
Beverley Knight MBE gave an impromptu performance
Focus on sustainable fashion, community rebuilding and ethical style
Brand Donors & Supporters included Wales Bonner, Sade, Pope Leo XIV, Reverend Abbot Dom. Ignasis M Fossas, Alex Eagle, Serena Bute London, Diotima, Mayes C Rubeo, His Excellency Paul Andrew Gomez, High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Bella Freud, Stella Jean and Carmen Busquets.
There are moments when fashion transcends aesthetics and becomes a catalyst for something far greater. One such moment unfolded high above Kensington, where London’s Roof Gardens transformed into a sanctuary of purpose, community and style for the Fashion Minority Alliance’s celebrity preloved fashion fundraiser which was an afternoon dedicated to supporting schools and communities rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.
What emerged was a rare blend of glamour and grounded humanity, proving that the stories behind our clothes can be as meaningful as the fabrics themselves.
A Constellation of Contributors
The event’s heartbeat came from the extraordinary generosity of its donors that was a lineup that read like a global cultural tapestry.
- Naomi Campbell, whose influence on fashion is unmatched, contributed pieces that carried the unmistakable energy of her iconic career.
- Jake Gyllenhaal and the producers of Roadhouse donated the iconic shirt he wore during the film and for the publicity poster.
- Naomie Harris, celebrated for her elegance on and off screen, donated a piece she wore on the Red Carpet that embodied modern British sophistication.
- Pope Francis, in a gesture of support that surprised and moved many attendees contributed a symbolic piece for the largest spender/donation that underscored the event’s deeper message of compassion and solidarity.
- Dame Anna Wintour the iconic magazine editor and one of the most influential fashion figures shared one of her signature accessories.
Each item held a narrative and together they formed a collection that felt intimate, eclectic and profoundly human which was a true showcase of celebrity charity fashion and sustainable luxury pop‑up culture.
🌱 A Pop‑Up With Purpose
The afternoon unfolded like a love letter to conscious fashion. Guests wandered through curated racks discovering garments that had lived vibrant lives before arriving in London. Conversations drifted from sustainability to community rebuilding, from personal style to global responsibility.
The Fashion Minority Alliance, long committed to equity, representation and opportunity within the industry, infused the event with a sense of collective mission. This wasn’t simply a fundraiser; it was a reminder that fashion’s future must be inclusive, ethical and community‑centred.
Funds raised will directly support schools and students affected by Hurricane Melissa, and help to continue fostering arts and cultural education activities as they navigate the long road to recovery.
A London Afternoon That Lingered
As the sun softened over the city, the Roof Gardens became a meeting point for designers, stylists, philanthropists, and supporters who believe in fashion’s ability to uplift. Music floated through the greenery, thanks to the renowned Alex Turnbull, glasses clinked and guests left with preloved treasures that carried both style and soul.
The event’s success lay not only in the garments sold but in the shared understanding that rebuilding communities requires creativity, generosity and collective action. And on this particular afternoon, the fashion world showed up…beautifully.
If you’d like to support the Fashion Minority Alliance’s ongoing work or contribute to Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, explore our initiatives and discover how fashion can continue to drive meaningful change get in touch.