Raj Shah Honored in Hollywood for Global Impact and Sustainability (Video)

Raj Shah: A Legacy Woven in Innovation

By Ahmed Fathi

HOLLYWOOD, CA — At a black-tie gala steeped in tradition and elegance, entrepreneur and philanthropist Raj Shah was awarded the King Charles III Medal by the Royal Society of St. George–California Branch, recognizing a lifetime of service, innovation, and global leadership.

The event, held at the iconic Hollywood Museum, drew diplomats, business titans, and civic leaders from across the country. But amid the glamour, the night belonged to a man whose quiet determination and human-centered approach have transformed industries and lives alike.

“This is definitely wonderful,” Shah said during the ceremony. “My brother and I feel we have spent 50 years building companies... it’s a phenomenal tribute to unbelievably dedicated people we have in our organization—many of them almost from the time we started.”

Shah, co-founder of the legendary fashion brand Shah Safari and founder of Filium, has built a career that merges entrepreneurial success with meaningful social impact. His company’s latest breakthrough—an innovative fabric free from microplastics—earned him two additional awards from the United Nations Association-USA for humanitarian contribution and sustainable innovation.

The innovation, he revealed, struck a chord even with top medical experts. “I called Dr. Vin Gupta— the prominent medical analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. —and I had no idea what his take would be. He told me, ‘You know, Raj, decades ago the biggest health threat was cigarette smoke. Today it’s microfibers and nano-plastics entering our bodies through what we wear.’ That kind of validation meant everything,” Shah said.

“Raj Shah... is one of the kindest philanthropists and business persons I've ever met in my life,” said Princess Karen Cantrell, Chair of the Royal Society’s California Branch. “They are producing amazing fabric so that plastics cannot become invasive in the human body—that in itself is genius.”

Shah’s motivation, however, is deeply personal.; “Really, we have no choice,” he said. “What’s the use of any kind of success if you cannot promote wellness, health? And we happen to be in an industry where I see a lot of opportunities.”

Larry Miller, President of Jordan Brand at Nike and longtime friend, praised Shah’s ability to unite commerce with creativity. “Raj is not only a businessperson, but also creative... that’s why he’s been able to create such amazing products and brands,” Miller said. “He blends both worlds effortlessly.”

Raised by his aunt and uncle after losing his mother at a young age, Shah spoke candidly about the values that shaped his vision.; “They brought us up, 11 of us,” he recalled. “Things they passed on to us... goodwill is key, that’s what’s going to matter. Business will come and go, but your name will remain.”

That legacy of purpose and perseverance was echoed by Barry Simon, UNA-USA Southern California leader and former president. “With the new fabric he created, he has an opportunity to provide the next generation of apparel,” Simon said. “Raj has evolved into a philanthropist and a global contributor.”

Distinguished guests included; Ambassador Francis Lorenzo, Former Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations, Oscar-winning actor George Chakiris, Emmy Award-winning actress Donna Mills, TV Icon Michelle Lee, Doctor to the stars Dr. Lawrence Piro, Peter Yip, Trustee of RSSG-CA and Chairman of Bellefontaine Cosmetics Switzerland, Doug Lynch, President of Filium, Larry Miller, CEO Jordan Brand at Nike, Barry Simon, Southern California leader at UNA-USA, Dr. Vin Gupta, the medical analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.,  Alex Sinclair, President British Benevolent Society, Philippe Milgrom, United States Ambassador of the Confrérie du Sabre d'Or, Platinum Recording Artist Rex Smith, Christopher Gialanella, President and Publisher of LA Magazine, Yukiko Minami, CEO of Nikkei Global Group, Diane Hoover, West Coast Director of Mikimoto Japan, Grace Fields, Broadway star, and Eve Richards, actress and digital influencer.

As the night drew to a close and guests filed out beneath the glow of the Hollywood lights, Shah offered a heartfelt thanks to his family, his team, and those who shared in his journey—many of whom, he noted, had flown in from across the world.

From Mombasa to Seattle, and now to a red carpet in Hollywood, Raj Shah’s story is stitched with integrity, innovation, and a relentless belief that business can—and must—serve humanity.