Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Press Coverage

AdobeAirstream

Abstract: 

A late-in-the-day political controversy implicated the Daphne Guinness show at FIT with the politics of its funder, diamond dealer Lev Leviev, accused of illegal encroachments on Palestinian land settlements in open letters to FIT by protesting groups. Fashion is political, across the culture spectrum.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 6, 2012, New York, NY – In a letter today, the Land Defense Committee from the West Bank village of Jayyous implored fashion icon Daphne Guinness, New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) not to “help Lev Leviev to whitewash his illegal settlements on Jayyous’ farmland.” An exhibit of Daphne Guinness’ clothes at the FIT Museum, funded by diamond and settlement mogul Lev Leviev, is closing on January 7th, as scheduled after almost four months. Leviev has also recently donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

In November 21 and December 8 letters, a coalition of US and UK human rights groups, including Adalah-NY, CODEPINK: Women for Peace and Jewish Voice for Peace, called on Daphne Guinness, FIT and BCRF to distance themselves from Leviev. The groups cited Leviev’s companies’ development of Israeli settlements in violation of international law, and involvement in human rights abuses and unethical business practices in the diamond industry in Angola and Namibia.

Press Coverage

Hyperallergic

Abstract: 

In a letter released today, the Land Defense Committee from the West Bank village of Jayyous asked FIT, as well as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which Lev Leviev also donates to, to distance themselves from the controversial diamond magnate and illegal settlement developer.

Why are the Fashion Institute of Technology and Breast Cancer Research Foundation taking money from human rights abuser Lev Leviev?

Adalah-NY's recent attention to LEVIEV's sponsorship of the Daphne Guinness exhibit at FIT and donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) has put Lev Leviev's settlement development back in the news. With UK VogueWomen's Wear DailyNew York Magazine, and other media reporting on his companies' human rights violations, the pressure is on.

Press Coverage

Hyperallergic

Abstract: 

One of the sponsors of the Daphne Guinness blockbuster exhibition at the Museum at FIT, Leviev Extraordinary Diamonds, has recently come under fire for some shady activities involving shall we say “questionable” diamond trades, upsetting several media outlets and human rights organizations.

Press Coverage

New York Magazine

Abstract: 

One of the principal backers of the exhibition of Daphne Guinness's clothing collection at the Fashion Institute of Technology is Israeli diamond magnate Lev Leviev. However, Leviev's association with the exhibit is now under some scrutiny because of alleged human rights violations and his company's apparent flouting of international laws.

Press Coverage

Vogue UK

Abstract: 

Daphne Guinness has been asked to end a sponsorship agreement with jewellery brand Leviev after a complaints from human rights group Adalah-NY.

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