Oscar de la Renta

THE CARLU, TORONTO, 2010

More than ten years ago, Suzanne Rogers, eager to blend her passions for fashion and philanthropy, with specific focus on organizations benefiting children, conceived the idea of individually showcasing the world’s most esteemed designers at a gala fundraiser in Toronto.

Her first choice for what have become her signature Suzanne Rogers Presents events was Oscar de la Renta. As Suzanne recalls, “Not only did he accept my invitation right away, he was the most charming, captivating and charismatic man to work with and shared my keen interest in supporting children’s charities. This was his first full runway show in Canada. We called it An Affair to Remember, and indeed
it was, raising more than $750,000.”

Proceeds from the gala supported HealthyKids International, an initiative invested in the future health of children the world over, developed by Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, and Casa Del Nino, a children’s charity started by Oscar de la Renta.

Photo: George Pimentel

“Not only did he accept my invitation right away, he was the most charming, captivating and charismatic man to work with and shared my keen interest in supporting children’s charities.”

“Oscar’s runway show was exquisite and the crowd was a who’s who, [with] so many women decked out in oscar gowns. I’ve never seen anything like it. Safe to say it was the most elegant and sophisticated gala of the year.”

- CityTV

Photo: George Pimentel

Photo: Tom Sandler

Photo: George Pimentel

Photo: Peter Bregg