A Talk With the Fashion Industries Guild's Man of the Year
On Oct. 8, the Fashion Industries Guild of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will honor Moshe Tsabag, president and owner of Los Angeles–based junior-lifestyle brand Hot Kiss Inc. as its Man of the Year for 2005 at the organization’s 49th annual charity gala at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Child Neurology and Neurodevelopment Program at Cedars-Sinai.
Since 1956, the Fashion Industries Guild and its apparel industry members have raised more than $18 million for special programs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Child Neurology and Neurodevelopment Program will focus on patient care, education and research.
Recently, Manufacturing Editor Erin Barajas caught up with Tsabag to talk about philanthropy and what’s next for Hot Kiss.
How does it feel to be the Fashion Industries Guild Man of the Year?
I am very honored and humbled. I like to contribute to causes, but I don’t expect to be noticed because the cause is much more important than the attention. I am very proud because the cause is so noble, and I’m overwhelmed that my peers have all been so supportive of the cause. Hopefully, the event will sell out!
How did you first become involved with the Fashion Industries Guild?
I’ve supported the Fashion Industries Guild for 25 years. I go to the event every year—I don’t think I’ve missed a single one. Every year I saw familiar faces and new faces and I listened to the speeches. When the Fashion Industries Guild approached me to be the honoree, I tried to get out of it. I felt there were more suitable candidates. But they insisted and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
As Man of the Year, do you feel compelled now to become more involved in philanthropic work?
I have always been involved in different aspects of philanthropy. I try to reach out to make the world a better place. My family brought me up this way, and I hope that my kids will take after me.
Tell me about your involvement with other charities.
I’m always involved in something. I am involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Adopt-a-School and Inner-City Arts. We support sports teams at inner-city schools so they can travel to their games and have uniforms. Hot Kiss gives clothing to schools. My wife and I are involved with the Southern California Counseling Center for kids who are in trouble that need hope and a chance.
What drew you to these different causes?
I like to give to good causes, but what really gets me is anything to do with kids. I give those causes my whole heart. I’m a sucker for kids.
Why is philanthropy important to you?
I am a very blessed man. I have a wonderful wife and kids. They are all healthy and doing well. I think it’s important to give back to the community and give to those who have less. I don’t want to just take.
Do you involve Hot Kiss employees in your charitable work? How about your family?
Absolutely. Whenever I get involved in a charity, I try to explain to them why I think it is important, and if they agree, then they get involved too. For Katrina, each one of my employees went out of his [or her] way to give what they could and help how they could. My family is also active in charitable work, and my daughter is very involved.
Have you visited the Child Neurology and Neurodevelopment Program facility yet?
Yes, and it made me a great believer in the work being done there. I saw with my own eyes the dedication of the doctors and staff to help these babies. They need support to do what they do. They’ll do anything necessary to save lives and help the families and babies live a normal and healthy life once they leave the hospital.
Aside from your charity work, you’ve been quite busy building the Hot Kiss brand. What are your plans for the company in the coming months and into next year?
We have a lot on our plate. We’re expanding overseas with master licensing in Japan. We are building independent Hot Kiss stores in Korea, China and the Middle East. We’re also looking at possibly licensing in South America and possibly launching a men’s line in the future.
For more information about the Fashion Industries Guild’s Man of the Year gala, call (310) 860-7560.
