Every October, the Design District slips into pink. Fashion Strikes Cancer returns for its tenth year, and Angeles Almuna's vision has never felt more vital.
Almuna launched it after her own diagnosis, refusing to let breast cancer be the end of her story. A decade later, her vision has raised significant funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and transformed October in the District. What started as one stylist's response to cancer has become Miami's most stylish stand against it.
The Month in Motion
The Pink Dome Lighting Ceremony sets the tone on October 1st. The Florida Grand Opera brings arias from Lakmé and Le nozze di Figaro while the dome glows pink above Palm Court. Cocktails courtesy of The Pale Rosé. It's free to attend with a suggested $20 donation.
On October 14th, Pink Yoga takes over Palm Court. Dawn Feinberg leads and DJ Drez loops beats that turn a community class into something closer to a happening. Last year's class packed the plaza. This year promises to be even bigger.
The month culminates with the Fashion Presentation and Cocktail Reception on October 25th. Danny Santiago, Juan Castillo, Lisu Vega, Sigal Cohen, and Valeria Krasavina show work that lands somewhere between runway and rally. It's fashion with a purpose, and the energy is always electric.
Every year a survivor is honored, and Christine Handy takes the spotlight this year. Model, author, survivor, her book Walk Beside Me has been adapted into the upcoming film Hello Beautiful, out this fall. She sits on the boards of People of Purpose, the Break Free Foundation, and the Wonder Women Initiative. Handy's story carries the same mix of grit and grace that Almuna had in mind when she first lit Palm Court in pink.
A Decade of Impact
One in eight women will face breast cancer in their lifetime. That number hasn't moved. What has changed is the survival rate. Research funded by BCRF has helped reduce breast cancer deaths by 43% since 1989. Every class, ticket, and cocktail this month pushes us closer to better outcomes.Throughout October, Miami Design District retailers launch special initiatives supporting BCRF. Some create limited editions. Others donate sales percentages. Each participates in their own way.
Fashion Strikes Cancer has evolved from one woman's response to her diagnosis into a cornerstone of Miami's cultural scene. It brings together fashion, wellness, and philanthropy in a way that feels authentic to who we are as a community. Ten years in, Fashion Strikes Cancer doesn't read like another charity event. It feels like Miami itself: loud, stylish, communal, and unwilling to sit still. Tickets and information available here.Join our goal on doubling down the promise to end breast cancer HERE.
