On September 21st, at the Classic Car Club Manhattan, the event marked a landmark cultural gathering, uniting leaders from business, philanthropy, conservation, and the arts in service of closing the $711 billion global nature finance gap. The evening raised significant funds for initiatives led by Conservation International, UNICEF, and Open Planet, supporting projects that restore ecosystems, protect marine environments, and equip youth to lead nature-focused solutions.

Hosted by Van Jones, the Gala was a tribute to global icons whose work has reshaped humanity’s relationship with nature. Sophie Hunter honored Nemonte Nenquimo for her Indigenous leadership in the Amazon. Jane Fonda celebrated Stella McCartney for proving that fashion and sustainability can coexist at the highest level. Billie Eilish recognized oceanographer Sylvia Earle for her lifelong marine advocacy. Peter Seligmann, founder of Conservation International, received a special tribute for his decades of conservation leadership.

Photography by David Benthal, Julia D’Ambola, & Matteo Prandoni, courtesy of BFA

Adding to the program, Harrison Ford and Hindou Ibrahim delivered urgent calls for protecting nature for future generations, while Lisa P. Jackson of Apple spotlighted the private sector’s role in systemic change. The creative program also featured ecological art by Julian Charrière, sustainable cuisine from Chef Rōze Traore and We Are Ona, and a moving live performance by Rozzi.

Proceeds from the Gala will fund measurable, high-integrity projects such as large-scale reforestation, marine protection, and youth-led climate education. Corporate partners included The Climate Pledge (Amazon), Deloitte, ServiceNow, Bank of America, Salesforce, L’Oréal, Spotify, and Global University Systems, alongside supporting organizations like Planetary Guardians and the EAT Foundation. The Gala also used fashion as a platform for climate action, promoting conscious styling and ethical design as integral to a sustainable future.

Photography by David Benthal, Julia D’Ambola, & Matteo Prandoni, courtesy of BFA

Picture editing by Olivia LiCalzi, Aidan McLellan, & Nicholas Hunt, courtesy of BFA