From Kim Kardashian to Christy Turlington Burns, Diane von Furstenberg’s annual ceremony celebrates courage and change
Inside the storied Teatro Carlo Goldoni in Venice, a historic city rich with art and ideals, the 16th Annual DVF Awards unfolded with elegance and purpose. Hosted by the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, the evening paid tribute to five remarkable women transforming the world through activism, advocacy, and compassion.
Founded by Diane von Furstenberg—philanthropist, author, and legendary designer—the DVF Awards have honored more than 75 women since their inception, from Nobel Peace Prize laureates to grassroots trailblazers. “The mission of these awards has always been to support and amplify the voices of women who have demonstrated the courage to fight, the strength to survive, and the leadership to inspire,” said von Furstenberg as she welcomed guests.
This year’s honorees represented a cross-section of critical global issues. Hanin Ahmed, a Sudanese activist and leader of the Emergency Response Room, was recognized for her work in humanitarian relief. Christy Turlington Burns, model turned maternal health advocate and founder of Every Mother Counts, accepted her award with a reminder: “This award will help us continue fighting until every mother, everywhere, has the right to enter parenthood feeling safe, supported, and centered in her birthing experience.”
Fany Kuiru Castro, General Coordinator of COICA, was honored for defending Indigenous rights and environmental justice across the Amazon. Kim Kardashian, entrepreneur and advocate, was awarded for her ongoing work in criminal justice reform. “This work is not just about changing laws, but about saving lives,” she said. “My journey is ongoing, and I hope to inspire bigger conversations and create further awareness where everyone can work together on this crucial issue.”
Also recognized was Giulia Minoli, activist and President of Una Nessuna Centomila, for her dedication to combating gender-based violence and advocating for systemic change in Italy.
The evening’s atmosphere was at once intimate and powerful, a celebration not just of individual achievement, but of the collective force of women leading with purpose. The guest list reflected the event’s influence, drawing cultural and creative figures including Barry Diller, Grace Burns, Tina Brown, Pierfrancesco Favino, Bryan Lourd, Coco Brandolini, Brittany Barnett, Giovanna Battaglia, and Charlotte Colbert.
Sixteen years on, the DVF Awards continue to do what they were designed for: shine a light on women shaping a better world—and remind us that courage, when amplified, becomes contagious.
