The Tory Burch Foundation Founders Breakfast—its annual celebration of exceptional women—returned for a second edition at The Pierre last Thursday, where Anna Wintour was honored.
“Not all entrepreneurs start companies. Some, like Anna, transform institutions,” said Tory Burch, founder of the Foundation. “Anna is fearless. It’s one of her qualities that I admire the most. She never allows anything to get in the way of her vision.
“When Anna became Editor in Chief of Vogue, she did far more than lead a magazine; she reimagined it,” the designer and CFDA Board member added.
In conversation with Burch, Wintour—just days ahead of the Met Gala—offered reflections on her career.
“As a leader, you have to have values and teach the people who work with you to be the best they possibly can be,” Wintour said. “But you also have to give back.
“One of the great joys of my job is helping others learn their craft and become who they can be,” she added.
Wintour also discussed her approach to hiring, guidance for designers, especially newer ones, and her well-known aversion to the era in fashion when editors, in particular, wore only black.
The room gathered a formidable and influential audience, including Martha Stewart, Amanda Seyfried, Aerin Lauder, Sara Moonves, Huma Abedin, Natalie Massenet, Jessica Seinfeld, Brian Moynihan, Reshma Saujani, Amy Griffin, Phoebe Gates, Chloe Malle, and Colby Mugrabi.
During the breakfast, it was also revealed that the Foundation’s Fellows generated $470 million in economic impact over the past year.
Three women founders from the Fellows Program were additionally recognized: Miami-based Pilar Guzman of Half Moon Empanadas; Charlotte-based Andrea Seymour of Springdale Custom Builders; and Oakland-based Viola Sutanto of MAIKA.
A posthumous honor was awarded to Olive Ann Beech, who co-founded Beech Aircraft Corporation and led it until 1982.
The morning was supported by Bank of America, Amy Griffin, Simone, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Lee Family Trust, among others.
Looking ahead, the Foundation is pursuing a $1 billion goal by 2030, in keeping with Burch’s conviction that investing in women is essential.
“Supporting women entrepreneurs strengthens the economy, communities and families,” said Foundation President Tiffany Dufu. “It’s what defines the American Dream.”
