In an inspiring display of artistry and compassion, American YouTuber Rachel Griffin-Accurso, affectionately known as Ms. Rachel, made a striking entrance at the 2025 Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Known for her vibrant personality and dedication to children’s education, Ms. Rachel utilized her platform to deliver a powerful message of solidarity and hope.
Her outfit, designed by Risa Kostis, was a standout piece that elegantly blended fashion and activism. The black-and-white ensemble featured a fitted black skirt paired with a broad-necked white top, adorned with colorful embroidered drawings created by children from Gaza. This choice not only showcased their artistic talents but also tied them to a narrative of resilience amid adversity.
Among the vivid illustrations were poignant symbols, such as a dove surrounded by flowers and a girl holding a watermelon—a fruit emblematic of Palestinian identity. Each piece of art told a story, and Ms. Rachel’s decision to showcase these illustrations on one of the biggest red carpets in the world elevated the voices of these young artists.
After the event, Ms. Rachel took to Instagram to express her pride in the children whose artwork inspired her outfit. She tagged the young artists, giving them visibility and recognition: “I’m so proud to share art from amazing children in Gaza @with_anfal.8 @ahmedh.madi @ranadaughterofgaza @shosho_shahed8 @luna.o.hamdan @sarah_story9 @iimrahaf.9.” This act of acknowledgment empowers not only the children but also spreads awareness of their talents and struggles.
In another Instagram post, she celebrated the collaboration further, saying, “We did it! You are all so amazing and everyone loved hearing all about you, seeing your pictures, and hearing your stories! The dress is upcycled and donations were made to all the children from me.” This statement beautifully encapsulates her mission of merging creativity with philanthropy, reflecting a commitment to making a difference.
Ms. Rachel’s impact extends beyond her fashion choices. Known for her educational series on YouTube and Netflix, she teaches children through music and sign language. Her recent endeavors have increasingly focused on social issues affecting vulnerable populations. Notably, she featured Rahaf, a three-year-old girl from Gaza who tragically lost both legs, highlighting the grave consequences of conflict on children. By sharing these stories, she aims to humanize the discussions surrounding war and its impact on innocent lives.
In her discussion with Glamour, Ms. Rachel articulated her motivation clearly: “My love and care for children doesn’t stop at my own children. It doesn’t stop at the children in our country. It embraces every child of the world. And I don’t think that our love should end at religion or skin color or where people are born.” This philosophy resonates deeply in a world often divided by conflict, reminding us of our collective responsibility toward nurturing young lives.
She poignantly stated, “Children should have human rights, and children do have human rights. To me, that grown-ups are failing children and not following those guidelines—it’s so upsetting.” This powerful assertion calls for reflection and action, urging society to prioritize the well-being and rights of children everywhere, regardless of their circumstances.