Diane von Furstenberg, David Beckham and Riken Yamamoto will receive the 31st Annual Crystal Award Monday at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Crystal Award recognizes the achievements of cultural leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing social, environmental and creative progress worldwide. They are presented each year by Hilde Schwab, chairwoman and cofounder of the World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum.
This year’s awardees span the fields of architecture, fashion and sport, and are recognized for notable efforts on advancing community regeneration, gender equality, children’s rights, among other causes.
Von Furstenberg, the designer, philanthropist and author, is receiving the award for her contributions to empowering women through philanthropy, mentorship and social responsibility. As founder of her eponymous brand and creator of the wrap dress, she has consistently championed women’s independence and strength as a leading voice in the movement for gender equality and women’s rights.
In 2010, alongside the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, she created the DVF Awards to recognize, support and amplify the voices of extraordinary women who are dedicated to transforming the lives of other women. Each year, they recognize five honorees with a grant to further their work. She has served as chairwoman of the CFDA for 13 years and received the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also been honored with the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur from France in 2020, as well as the Commandeur de L’Ordre de la Couronne from her native Belgium in 2021.
“I was surprised and it’s a great honor to be in front of that audience,” said von Furstenberg Wednesday. “It’s hysterical that it’s happening at the exact same time that Trump is being inaugurated.”
Beckham is being honored for his long-term humanitarian work and commitment to improving the lives of children worldwide. This year, Beckham celebrates two decades as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He is also a founding member of Malaria No More. He has supported young talent in football leading to his contribution to the development of an academy system in U.S. soccer.
David Beckham
Courtesy of Boss
Yamamoto is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to architecture and society. HIs influential designs, including Hotakubo Housing, Saitama Prefectural University, Jian Wai SOHO and the Yokosuka Museum of Art reflect his belief in architecture as a catalyst for human connection and societal program. In 2024, he won the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
