DesignersForDarfur was founded in 2006 by designer Malcolm Harris (Mal Sirrah, Inc.) and model and heiress Lydia Hearst (One Model Management). In association with Fashion Television and title sponsor, Steve Madden, Inc. DesignersForDarfur was launched via an unprecedented charity fashion show held on February 9, 2007 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. DesignersForDarfur represents hundreds of international designers and the wider fashion community collectively banding together to show their commitment and solidarity towards ending the atrocity of genocide currently taking place in Darfur.

Designers for Darfur are continuing in their efforts via grassroots campaigns and initiatives.