Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sánchez recently found themselves in a high-powered bidding war over a Balenciaga Couture experience at the Kering Foundation’s third annual Caring for Women dinner in New York. Both fashion moguls were vying for the opportunity to select a piece from Balenciaga Couture Collections presented in Paris, described as “an experience accessible to few.”
During the event, the bidding escalated quickly, with both Kardashian and Sánchez bantering back and forth to raise funds for the Kering Foundation. Another bidder also joined the fray, leading to a dramatic increase in the bidding price. Eventually, Balenciaga agreed that all three bidders could each get the coveted experience for $175,000, resulting in a total of $525,000 raised for the foundation.
The Significance of Couture
For those unfamiliar with the term “couture,” it refers to the process of creating custom-made clothing for individual clients. Balenciaga’s Couture experience promises a timeless and pure expression of craft, providing wearers with a strong sense of elegance and sophistication through expertly crafted silhouettes.
The star-studded event was co-hosted by Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault, Matthew McConaughey, and Camila Alves, among others. The evening’s emcee, Gayle King, oversaw the festivities, which included appearances by numerous celebrities and industry influencers.
The Kering Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on combating gender-based violence and child abuse to disrupt cycles of intergenerational violence. Through supporting local organizations, creating safe workplaces, and influencing societal action, the foundation strives to empower women and children who are victims of violence.
A Legacy of Giving
The annual Caring for Women dinner has become a cornerstone of philanthropic efforts in the fashion industry, raising millions for organizations such as the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Girl Effect, and It’s On US. The generosity and support of individuals like Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sánchez play a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s mission and creating lasting change in communities affected by violence.