Fashion, in a sense, is personal décor, and Dress for Success is a nonprofit organization which empowers women to achieve economic independence by dressing them for job interviews. At this year’s annual gala lunch, the Palm Beaches affiliate introduced one of the outstanding women of over 800 they have mentored in the past year and saluted this year’s Style Icons Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger.
VIP guests gathered in the Founder’s Room of the Kravis Center, sipping pink champagne and mingling with the Honorees. A longtime Connecticut resident, recently relocated to Palm Beach, Tommy Hilfiger confessed he misses New England’s “fall, the leaves and crisp air around Halloween and Thanksgiving.” Tommy signed copies of his books, while Dee signed copies of her Spring 2024 Dee Ocleppo catalog showcasing her latest collection.
Guests were dressed for “social” success in a variety of colorful ensembles.
After a session of spirited silent auction competition, 500 guests proceeded to the luncheon and program. A video described the Dress for Success program which includes career coaching, styling, and mentoring to help women break the cycle of poverty and work toward financial independence.
This year’s featured client Rose Audrey Clark described how the program helped her evolve from living in a van with four of her six children to reinstating her real estate license, which has led to a recent new job with RE/MAX. Before two abusive marriages, she had aspired to model and she first walked the runway in a show sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger. In a felicitous coincidence, the Hilfigers styled her appearance at the luncheon.
Accepting their award, the Hilfigers commended the organization and held a discussion with news anchor Shannon Cake describing to the crowd how they met and how they work together on their separate successful design businesses.
Photo Credits: Sharon King Hoge and Annie Watt
