Fashion and Arts Elites Unite in Doha for Franca Fund Gala, Raising Millions for Cancer Research
The inaugural Franca Fund Gala in Doha brought together some of the world’s most celebrated figures in fashion, art, and culture to raise over $4 million for cancer research, in a night that paid tribute to an iconic legacy and shaped hope for the future.
Held at the internationally acclaimed Museum of Islamic Art, the gala honored the memory and impact of Franca Sozzani, the trailblazing former Vogue Italia editor-in-chief whose vision helped reimagine the boundaries of fashion journalism. The evening served as the launch of the Franca Fund for Preventive Genomics, a philanthropic initiative co-founded by her son Francesco Carrozzini, aimed at supporting research and healthcare focused on genomic prevention of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
In attendance were a constellation of fashion and arts icons, including Anna Wintour, Gisele Bündchen, Tyra Banks, Regina King, and Jeff Koons, whose presence underscored Franca Sozzani’s enduring influence across creative industries.
“She was an extraordinary, fearless, courageous woman who took endless risks and really stood up for everything that she believed in, whether it was climate change or women’s rights,” said Wintour, who co-chaired the evening.
Joining Wintour in co-hosting the gala were Francesco Carrozzini and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the visionary Chairperson of Qatar Museums. The trio led a night of speeches, performances, and solidarity that married high fashion with high purpose.
The elegant evening featured visual tributes to Sozzani’s legacy, including curated installations and emotional recollections, illustrating her commitment not just to style but to social upheaval, human rights, and scientific advancement. Numerous guests emphasized that this was not only a memorial but a forward-thinking call to act.
With the funds raised, the Franca Fund further cements its mission to integrate precision medicine into standard care, accelerating global efforts in personalized healthcare supported by preventive genomics.
Anchored in a city now making its own mark on the global culture map, the gala also reflected Qatar’s growing role as a center for international art, fashion, and philanthropy.
As the evening concluded, Sozzani’s legacy resonated not only in memory but in momentum—bridging creativity and science in a shared mission to build a healthier, more compassionate world.
— Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
