On Tuesday evening, Saks was abuzz with a gathering that combined fashion, advocacy, and support for breast cancer research. The event, hosted by Emily Rockefeller, marked the beginning of this year’s Shoes for a Cure sale and aimed to spotlight the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection. Guests enjoyed shopping followed by a cocktail reception at L’Avenue, while the event’s focus remained on raising awareness and celebrating the impactful work of Dr. Lisa Newman.
Rockefeller, diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at 32, discovered her BRCA1 genetic predisposition only after her diagnosis. She joined the board of Shoes for a Cure around that time, using her story to amplify the importance of genetic testing and early detection. “It’s about awareness,” Rockefeller emphasized. “Women need to know their risk assessment, especially if they have dense breasts, and should supplement mammograms with ultrasounds if needed.”
Echoing this sentiment, Katie Couric, who was also treated by Dr. Newman, underscored the necessity of self-advocacy, particularly for those with dense breast tissue. Couric is actively involved with the Find It Early Act, which pushes for legislation to ensure insurance coverage for supplemental screenings like sonograms. “Early detection is so critical—it saved my life,” she noted, urging women to take charge of their health.
Dr. Lisa Newman, a renowned surgical oncologist at Weill Cornell and the recipient of this year’s Shop for Cure research funds, addressed the gathering with a sobering reminder: breast cancer diagnoses among women under 30 are on the rise. She shared insights from her extensive research on triple-negative breast cancer, particularly in African American women. Couric and Rockefeller praised Dr. Newman’s dedication to equitable care, with Rockefeller sharing her own story of undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction just six months ago under Dr. Newman’s care.
In tribute to the night’s cause, Rockefeller donned a vintage 2004 McQueen dress, a choice she felt matched the spirit of the evening. Meanwhile, the Chelsea Market will host the annual Shoes for a Cure sale starting today, running through October 27. The sale, organized under the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation, has been a key fundraising effort since 1994, having donated over $60 million towards groundbreaking research. This year’s lineup includes luxury brands like Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Hoka, and more.
Reflecting on the event’s legacy, Sarah Lubas, a board member and VP at Burberry, highlighted the evolution of the sale: “This all began as a shoe sale under a tent in Central Park in 1994, and has grown into something much more meaningful. Tonight is about hearing from Dr. Newman, learning from stories like Emily’s, and remembering the real impact we’re aiming to make.”
Attendees included familiar faces like Phoebe Cates and her husband Kevin Kline, Constance Zimmer, and author Amy Tan, who shared copies of her latest book.
