Ben Malka, Halston CEO and Philanthropist, to Receive Top Honor from City of Hope
City of HopeKatie Kornfield, 800-888-5323orHalstonKelly Williamson, 213-534-3134
City of Hope’s Fashion and Retail Industry announced today that it will honor Ben Malka – Halston’s chief executive officer and chairman – one of the leading fashion luxury labels in the world, with its 2012 Award. The Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to an apparel industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and altruistic achievement. City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
Malka will receive The Award on Oct. 10, 2012. The night will mirror a Studio 54 themed celebration at the historic Los Angeles venue, Exchange Los Angeles. Together, the music, fashion and medical-research industries will come together to raise money and drive awareness for a cause that affects one out of every two people: cancer. From A-list musical performances to vintage designs unearthed from the Halston archives to themed performers and an exclusive Warhol Museum retrospective, the evening will be devoted to celebrating life: past, present and future. For information about attending the event, contact Alicia Rhymes at 800-272-2310, .
One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope’s lifesaving research and treatment advance care throughout the nation. Numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology pioneered at city of Hope, and its commitment to compassionate patient care and approach to individualized treatment is considered a model for supportive care in the United States.
“I’m proud to support City of Hope, an organization that has been saving lives for nearly 100 years,” said Malka. “It is an honor to receive The Award and be recognized by my peers – all of whom believe that City of Hope has the ability to cure cancer and improve the quality of life for people everywhere.”
Ben Malka is the current chairman and chief executive officer of Halston, an American legacy fashion brand devoted to the label’s luxury heritage and the ideals of simplicity, sophistication and modernism. Born in Canada, Malka moved to New York in the early 1980s where he became president of a well-known footwear company by the age of 24.
In the mid 1990s, Malka moved to Los Angeles and worked at BCBG Max Azria Group as president of the footwear division. In 2001 Malka accepted the role of corporate president of BCBG Max Azria Group, a position he held for ten years. At Halston, a clear strategy begins with a team of 150 innovators from around the world, global distribution and a distinct product evolution dedicated to the brand’s rich heritage codes, are the driving forces behind the vision.
“We are privileged to honor Ben Malka, whose extraordinary vision and innovation has redefined the luxury brand apparel industry,” said Sharon Joyce, vice president of development, City of Hope. “It is fitting that he receives The Award, which recognizes an honoree’s outstanding leadership and contributions to the community and his profession.”
The Fashion and Retail Industry was created in 1995 with the merger of two of City of hope’s oldest and most dedicated auxiliaries – The Merchants Club and Professions and Finance Associates. The union brought together leaders from all facets of the apparel industry that are committed to supporting the crucial and lifesaving work done by the doctors, scientists and researchers at City of Hope. With its combined efforts, The Fashion and Retail Industry has raised over $40 million for City of Hope.
Roy Halston Frowick was the creator of luxury American fashion, whose groundbreaking designs still influence and inspire us today.
Founded in the 1960s, the Halston label took the fashion industry by storm. Known for his innovation in millinery, Halston used his signature materials of jersey, cashmere and suede to reinvent the jumpsuit, the shirtdress, and the classic caftan, permanently leaving his mark on fashion.
The 1970s and the era of Studio 54 became synonymous with Halston’s designs. Soon after, he was named “the premier fashion designer in America” by . His strong connection to pop culture was evident by his friends and clients, which included Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Anjelica Huston. Halston went on to create one of the best-selling fragrances of all time in his signature tear-drop shaped perfume bottle designed by Elsa Peretti.
Halston created strong codes that are quintessential to the brand even to this day. His legacy lives on as a new team of innovators continue and evolve the Halston brand. Evolving the brand while maintaining the heritage codes requires years of experience and intuition.
The company headquarters are based in Los Angeles.
City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is based in Southern California and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by . Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit or follow City of Hope on , , or .
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