Fashion & Retail Spirit of Life®

 

Spirit of Life Gala 2020 – Postponed to 2021

Based on the ongoing limitations on large gatherings, as well as the uncertainty of future health and safety guidelines, the Giffords and City of Hope have decided to postpone our annual Spirit of Life Gala. We know this is disappointing, but appreciate your understanding of the current constraints placed on such events. 

Cancer and diabetes do not stop because of a pandemic. For that reason, City of Hope remains steadfast and focused on its mission. Now more than ever, patients are turning to us for safe and immediate care. 

City of Hope doctors and nurses are working to ensure that patients have access to the time-sensitive surgeries, treatments and clinical trials they need. In fact, we are among are among the most prepared organizations in the country to help patients through this crisis. We are uniquely positioned because of our research expertise and decades of experience safeguarding immunocompromised patients against viruses and infections. 

While we can’t celebrate in-person this year, you can still support City of Hope and our mission by making a donation below. We greatly appreciate your continued partnership, and thank you for your deep commitment to City of Hope.

 

 

2021 Fashion & Retail Group Spirit of Life

City Market Social House
Los Angeles, CA
 
 
The Sprit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to industry leaders who have demonstrated outstanding personal, professional and philanthropic achievements. Past honorees include Ben Malka (Halston), Jeff Rudes (Jbrand) and other industry icons. Since the Fashion & Retail Industry Group’s founding in 1995, more than $44 million has been raised to support City of Hope’s mission to cure — and ultimately prevent — cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

 

2021 Spirit of Life Honorees
Leslie & Bruce Gifford

President, Creative Director and CEO, 360Sweater

   
Bruce Gifford and Goat
Leslie Gifford
In 2009, Leslie and Bruce Gifford launched the contemporary knitwear brand, 360Cashmere, under the
parent company, 360Sweater, after selling their very successful SWEATER.COM business in 2006.
360Sweater was founded on the pillars of love, family, and giving back. Much like the 360 degrees of a
circle, 360Sweater believes that everything in life comes full circle revolving around love and family as
well as the creative energy that binds them together.
 
360Sweater is a family operated knitwear empire with both of the Gifford’s children heavily involved in
managing the business. Their daughter, Alexandra Gifford Edelman, manages their New York
showroom and son, Andrew Gifford, is the Chief Marketing Officer. Working together as a family
has been a dream come true. Together, they bring four generations of knowledge and expertise
regarding global sourcing and fashion marketing to create pioneer brands that continue to be a unique
staple in the marketplace.
 
In July of 2013, 360Cashmere expanded with the launch of their edgier line, Skull Cashmere, which was
the creative vision of their son Andrew. In 2016, after recognizing the changing landscape of traditional
retail, the Giffords decided to create a new, direct-to-consumer knitwear brand, NAKEDCASHMERE,
which allowed the company to reach their customers more directly and for half the retail price. By
selling solely online, NAKEDCASHMERE was able to eliminate the retail mark-up offered through selling
their products at traditional brick and mortar stores. Overnight, NAKEDCASHMERE successfully
shattered the traditional wholesale/retail model and became the first-ever, direct-to-consumer luxury
knitwear brand with the most extensive cashmere collection available anywhere in the world.

 

For more information, contact:

Catina Lesavoy, Director of Corporate Philanthropy
626-218-7168 or  clesavoy@coh.org.