Jacob Meir, the renowned global fashion icon and philanthropist, recently hosted Fashion For Peace, the standout event of the 2024 Los Angeles Fashion Week.
Held at the prestigious Avalon Hollywood & Bardot in Los Angeles, the event united Hollywood’s most famous stars, top supermodels, rising runway talent, and international dignitaries for a night celebrating both fashion and philanthropy.
The red carpet dazzled with the biggest celebrities from music, film, fashion, and sports. A-listers like Vivica A. Fox, Akon, Deborah Cox, Toni Braxton, Jason Derulo, Lamar Odom, Moran Atias, Jimmy Star, Paula Abdul, and Richard Lawson were among the notable attendees, making the event a true gathering of Hollywood’s elite.
The runway show also boasted a stellar lineup. Supermodels such as Christopher Cote, Connie Peña, and Arena Zeynali graced the runway. Newcomer Tyler Sebago was not only a runway feature but also interviewed the celebrity arrivals on the red carpet. Sebago, who is actively involved in various charitable endeavors, reflected on his experience: “I was so excited to be asked to join such a legendary group of talent, and especially excited to work with Jacob (Meir) to support such an amazing group of charities. So many take fame and fortune for granted, but Jacob really puts all of that aside. It’s amazing to watch someone really operate from a place of creative genius, and talent, and not a place of ego. What an amazing experience to be a part of. Nobody does it better than Jacob Meir.”
The evening kicked off with a special introduction by Senegalese superstar Akon, who presented the runway show of Queen Ahneva Ahneva, founder of the African Textile Museum. Ahneva’s collection, featuring textiles from five African countries, highlighted her influence as a multi-cultural designer. With a clientele that includes Chris Tucker, Bill Clinton, and Angela Bassett, Ahneva has made a significant impact on how African fashion is perceived globally.
Meir, a fashion legend for more than four decades, has been a favorite among stars like Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Akon, and Michael Jackson. His creations have been featured in high-profile projects like America’s Next Top Model, and his For The Stars Fashion House on Melrose Avenue remains a hub for celebrities seeking custom couture and one-of-a-kind fashion.
Although Fashion For Peace showcased Meir’s iconic designs, the true focus of the evening was charity. Over the course of his career, Meir has dedicated significant time and resources to philanthropy. His contributions earned him The Presidential Medal of Honor from the Consulate General of the United Nations. In his speech, Meir said, “Throughout the course of my life, my goal is to use my fashion and resources to promote peace throughout the world. In my travels, I have come to deeply understand that everyone’s wish is to live in peace. As an avid supporter of these charitable organizations – and others – throughout my 40-year career, I am honored to establish Fashion For Peace to maximize the impact of charitable donations and raise awareness for these noteworthy causes.”
As part of the evening, Meir also introduced Nate Simon, founder and CEO of 21 Pineapples Shirt Co., whom Meir has mentored for over a decade. Simon, who has Down Syndrome, described his company’s mission as: “…wanting to change the way others perceive people with Down Syndrome & other special abilities one Hawaiian shirt at a time.”
Together, Simon and Meir have helped propel the brand into mainstream success.
Another highlight of the evening was Paula Abdul’s participation, representing Wigs and Wishes, a non-profit founded by Martino Cartier that provides wigs and grants wishes for children battling cancer. Meanwhile, sports executive Richard Lawson shared his work with The RL Studios Foundation, which offers mentorship, resources, and scholarships to young artists, helping them pursue their creative passions.
The inaugural event was a resounding success, and Fashion For Peace is already set to return with an even bigger show during Los Angeles Fashion Week in 2025.