With its landmark façade on Fifth Avenue and 49th Street, Saks Fifth Avenue delivers festive cheer every year with a wonderful selection of holiday windows. In the spirit of giving back, the luxury shop is partnering with the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance this year to improve educational and societal prospects for girls around the world.
Saks will donate $1 million to the Girls Opportunity Alliance to support girls worldwide in their educational journeys and positively influence their communities, as part of this unique relationship. Adolescent girls can acquire an education that will help them gain a global perspective and understand how they can enhance their communities with the support of the Girls Opportunity Alliance.
“This year, we are proud to support the Girls Opportunity Alliance and to champion the program’s mission to empower adolescent girls around the world through education,” said Saks CEO Marc Metrick. “Our support of the Girls Opportunity Alliance is the perfect way to capture the joy of this time of year,” he added.
Saks will also curate a multi-vendor goods selection showcasing Saks brands across all categories: men’s, women’s, home, beauty, and accessories, in addition to its generous donation. Bond No. 9, ready-to-wear companies Christopher John Rogers, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Fear of God, jewelry designer Martine Ali, and handbag designer Brandon Blackwood are among the brands participating.
From November 23 until the New Year, all net revenues from the collection—which will be offered online at Saks.com and in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores—will go to Girls Opportunity Alliance. Saks is also giving three young women from the GOA the opportunity to shadow members of the Saks team to learn more about running a luxury e-commerce site. Saks wants to provide young women with many more mentorship and shadowing opportunities in the coming years.
Saks revealed its Christmas windows on November 23 to commemorate this unusual collaboration, with the concept of reuniting with loved ones and family throughout the season. Children from New York City were asked to express what they wanted to do with their families during the holidays.
Their responses have been translated into over-the-top artworks that enjoy the little things and illustrate the power of quality time spent with those we love most, from trips to carnivals to hanging at home.
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States and founder of the Girls Opportunity Alliance, appeared in honor of the window exhibit. The Young People’s Chorus of New York City performed November 23, 7 pm ET. This event streamed live on Saks.com via Mastercard.
