Black never goes out of style, and Simone Biles proves it once again, radiating elegance and confidence in a stunning all-black ensemble. The most decorated gymnast in history turned heads in a flowing, tiered dress with a chic V-neckline and sleeveless cut that exuded pure sophistication. Adding her own flair, she paired the look with leopard-print heels and a bold red-tipped French manicure, reminding everyone that Simone knows how to blend class with a dash of daring.

But Biles wasn’t just there to make a fashion statement. Her appearance at Kate Spade New York’s Annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health at the Times Center was a testament to her ongoing advocacy for mental health—something she’s long championed. Joined by stars like Sofia Wylie and Marsai Martin, Biles underscored the event’s significance in spotlighting a cause close to her heart.

So, what’s the buzz? Kate Spade New York is taking its commitment to mental health to new heights with its Fall 2024 campaign. Set to launch on September 8th, the campaign includes a powerful short film featuring Nicola Coughlan, Taraji P. Henson, and Marsai Martin. This initiative marks the unveiling of the Kate Spade New York Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health, an ambitious program dedicated to supporting and investing in mental health resources. “Women’s mental health continues to be heavily stigmatized and underfunded,” says Taryn Bird, the brand’s executive director of social impact.

With Simone Biles leading the charge at such a pivotal event, it’s clear that the conversation around mental health is gaining momentum—and Kate Spade New York is determined to keep it going.

After 11 years of development and over $31 million already invested in global mental health, the fund addresses a crucial, global issue that needs support and de-stigmatization. The campaign will kick off with the third annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health in New York City on September 5th, featuring discussions with Henson, Martin, and Wylie.

Plus, the Fall 2024 collection will include the relaunch of the Spade Flower Jacquard assortment, blending timeless design with the brand’s core values. The full campaign will launch globally on September 3rd. With Simone Biles championing this cause, the initiative is bound to make a significant impact. Biles has always been a vocal advocate for mental health, and her involvement promises to elevate the campaign’s success.

Simone Biles, turning the tables on mental health advocacy after Tokyo 2021

Since the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where Simone Biles bravely withdrew due to her struggles with the “twisties,” she has made mental health her top priority. Post-2020, Biles took on the role of Chief Impact Officer at Cerebral, an online mental health service that fosters collaboration between clinicians and patients. Her mission is to be a “barrier breaker for the voiceless,” using her platform to advocate for mental health and inspire inclusive leadership. Experts note that such advocacy can drive legal changes and bolster support in the workplace.

Simone Biles is a great example of balancing top performance with personal well-being. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals, she used techniques like meditative breathing and positive self-talk to stay focused. She’s also been open about how therapy helps her handle the stress of competition, sharing, “I spoke to my therapist right before I got on the beam.” By incorporating mental health practices into her routine, Biles not only achieves incredible results but also shows leaders the importance of being open about their own support needs.

With that being said, it seems therapy is a cornerstone of her success, showing she’s managing both high performance and personal health all at once.