M7, Qatar’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and technology, hosted the Franca Fund Gala on November 23 at the Museum of Islamic Art, in partnership with The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics.

The event honoured the life and legacy of the late Franca Sozzani, the trailblazing editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, by raising critical funds to drive research in preventative genomics. The event took place as Qatar marks its cultural journey over the past 50 years with Evolution Nation, a celebration highlighting both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.

The gala was co-hosted by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and Co-Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia; Francesco Carrozzini, Co-Founder, Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics and Sozzani’s son; and global editorial director at Vogue and chief content officer for Condé Nast and longtime friend of Sozzani, Anna Wintour.

“This evening, we have come together to honour the vision of Franca Sozzani, who used fashion to disrupt, to talk about difficult topics, and to give the voiceless a voice,” said Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

“In the presence of her family, we celebrate her courage and resilience, as we join to advance the work of The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics.

“Tonight’s gala underscores our commitment to reimagine healthcare through cutting-edge science, combined with the highest ethical standards, global advocacy and compassionate care. These vital goals are the core of The Franca Fund as well as our other beneficiaries this evening: the Qatar Cancer Society and the Xana Foundation in Barcelona.”

The event raised more than USD four million, which will directly support the work of The Franca Fund and its visionary goal: to support ongoing research programs in preventive genomics at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, led by Dr. Robert Green, the internationally acclaimed physician-scientist and Harvard Professor of Medicine (Genetics).Dr. Green is considered a pioneer in the responsible use of DNA analysis to detect and provide early treatment or prevention of inherited conditions that affect millions of children and adults worldwide.

“My mother believed that ideas should never sit still,” said Carrozzini.

“She once told me, ‘If it’s not daring, it’s not new. And if it’s not new, it won’t matter.’ That was Franca – fearless, restless, always pushing everyone, including herself, to see what others haven’t yet seen. The Franca Fund was born from that same spirit with the intention of taking something deeply personal and turning it into a collective act of progress.

“Health – like creativity – should never be a privilege. Preventive genomics has the power to save lives – not years from now, but today. It’s the idea that through our DNA we can predict disease before it happens and protect future generations from unnecessary loss.”

Advancing equity in access to medical care, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani announced a donation to the Qatar Cancer Society, founded and chaired since 1997 by Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani. Serving as a voice of awareness and a platform of support for all those facing the journey of cancer treatment, the Qatar Cancer Society offers every patient a renewed sense of hope, providing financial assistance to more than 10,770 cancer patients.

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also announced a contribution to the Xana Foundation in support of the launch of La Casa De Las Xanas. The Xana Foundation was born to offer warm support and steadfast companionship to families whose children face serious illnesses. La Casa de las Xanas,a pioneering holistic centre in Spain, aims to be a home in a natural and welcoming environment, designed to accommodate vulnerable families with children undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. Construction on the centre is scheduled to begin in August 2026.

The evening included musical performances by Elyannaand Golshifteh Farahani, keynote speeches by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Dr. Robert Green, as well as a silent auction with singular lots such as an original artwork by Damien Hirst, the chance to attend a fashion show with Wintour, a private tennis lesson with Jannik Sinner and more.

VIPS in attendance included:Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Afef Jnifen, Alessandro Borghi, Alton Mason, Amina Muaddi, Anas Abouqamer, Anna Dello Russo, Azza Slimene, Bee Carrozzini, Carla Sozzani, Carine Roitfeld, Chriselle Lim, Christian Louboutin, Daniel Roseberry, Elena Cullell, Elyanna, Emma Thynn, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Farida Khelfa, Fai Khadra, Fatma Al Remaihi, Francesco Risso, François-Henri Pinault, Gaia Repossi, Giambattista Valli, Gisele Bündchen, Giuseppe Maggio, Golshifteh Farahani, Hillary Taymour, Isabelle Adjani, Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Izabel Goulart, Jacob Rott, Joakim Noah, Jeff Koons, Lais Ribeiro, Lady Amelia Spencer, Lady Eliza Spencer, Lord David Snowdon, Lucie de la Falaise, Marco Verratti, Mariacarla Boscono, Mary Katrantzou, Mia Moretti, Miuccia Prada, Natalia Vodianova, Paloma Elsesser, Peter Dundas, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Pom Klementieff, Precious Lee, Pritika Swarup, Rania Benchegra, Razane Jammal, Regina King, Remo Ruffini, Ridha Moumni, Roopal Patel, Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, Sara Maino, Selma Blair, Shanina Shaik, Simone Rocha, Stephen Jones, Tamara Kalinic, Tania Fares, Tessa Thompson, Tyra Banks and more.

GO: Visit https://m7.org.qa/en/ or www.thefrancafund.org for more information.