Tracy Reese - Fashion Fights Cancer

How meaningful can a handbag be? I learned the answer to that at an event given by Fashion Fights Cancer.  Designer Tracy Reese led a design and therapy session for cancer patients to personalize a tote bag.  The multi-week workshop was held at the designer's studio.  She and her team opened up their facilities to demonstrate dying techniques, embellishments and her library of inspiration books for the participants.  The group started with sketching on the first workshop, then got to explore all different skills for the next classes for their finished bag.

This class was one of a series organized by Ty Canty, founder of Fashion Fights Cancer.  Previous workshops were led by Byron Lars and another coming up with Jason Wu.  The non-profit will host a fundraising gala this September to provides services to survivors and those suffering from cancer.

To donate or volunteer your own stylish skills, learn more here.

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Kenneth Cole Sponsors AIDS Awareness Exhibit

Designer foundations doing good.  Kenneth Cole and his foundation is sponsoring an exhibit at the Art Director's Club in NYC, "Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Awareness Posters 1985-2010.” 

The exhibit was organized by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) and showcases a diverse range of visual, community and marketing strategies from around the world to get the message of awareness and prevention across.  Highlights include 29 advertisements that were shot by Annie Leibowitz and Mr. Cole himself.


The show runs until July 29 and admission is free. 

June 6 - July 29, 2011

ADC Gallery

106 West 29th Street, NYC 

Kenneth Cole Photo By Steve Eichner, Posters from graphicintervention.org

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Fashion Fights Cancer with Byron Lars

An intimate event took place last week at Midtown Manhattan’s Audi Forum.  Fashion Fights Cancer president, Ty Canty and superstar designer Byron Lars presented a special group of ladies and their creations to the world.

The non-profit organization brings together the fashion community to raise awareness and funds to battle cancer. The project brought together Byron Lars and cancer patients Frances Ricks, Muriel Asnis, Barbara Moskowitz, Peggy Leigel and Carmen Diaz to create hand painted scarves under the mentorship of the designer. 


Some women were seasoned artists; some found a surprising new outlet for creative expression.  Muriel Asnis, was already a jewelry designer and donated some of her work to a fundraising auction for the organization.


 The ladies modeled their silk scarves on top of Byron Lars’ blouses.  As gorgeous as the designer’s pieces were, nothing looked as beautiful on these women as their own smiles of accomplishment.
Cupcakes and champagne were served.  Guests also went home with gift bags of Godiva chocolates and Mizani hair products. 


Future events include designers Tracy Reese and Jason Wu.  To donate or get involved, please visit Fashion Fights Cancer on the web. 

photos by Mariana Leung

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CFDA's Celebrity Fashion Auction for Japan

Have you shopped or donated to help Japan?  If now, a huge score of top designers and fashion-related celebrities have put together experiences for auctions to help the tsunami victims.  

If you love NY Fashion week, you can bid on front-row tickets and meet & greets with almost every designer involved.  Some designers have donated very intimate experiences, like a paradise vacation at Diane Von Furstenburg's Harbor Island home (in addition to a shopping spree).  You can shop the Olsen Twin's collections right in their studio aided by Mary Kate and Ashley personally.  You and your friends could lunch with Project Runway's Tim Gunn or attend Elton John's Academy Awards Party.  

If you are stylishly inclined, you will find at least one of the 100 auctions to tickle your sartorial bone.  Bid at CharityBuzz today!

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Fashion's Elite Launches Tumi Tag Graffiti Collection

Corporate-friendly luggage manufacturer Tumi celebrated the launch of its collaboration with street savvy graffiti artist John Matos last week.  The artist, better known as “Crash” produced an edgy print inspired by street culture and a woman’s eyes for a limited edition collection.

The original artwork for the collection is being auctioned off on Artnet to benefit ACRIA, the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.  The organization was founded by physicians, activists and patients living with HIV to pioneer new treatments for the disease.

The event was held at Industria Superstudios.  The NYC street culture vibe was projected with Manhattan scenes, digital graffiti on the walls, taxi-cab cookies, a bucket drummer and nibbles representing the various city boroughs.  Notable fashion guests included designer Anna Sui, Philip Bloch and model Yske Strum

The Tumi Tag collection with John Matos comes in four silhouettes in editions of 1000 pieces each.  A special edition I-phone case is also available if you prefer something that fits in your carry-on.

Shop for the most street cred your luggage could ever have, or donate to ACRIA and do some good right now!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Shop to Help Japan - Designers Save For Tsunami

In times of need, the fashion community gets together to help those who require it most.  Designers and retailers across the board have banded together to produce fundraising events.  Others have donated product for sale with the proceeds going to Tsunami victims like H & M and Uniqlo.  Shopping sites like Ideeli and Gilt have created portals to donate directly.

United Bamboo, Philip Lim body held sample sales to raise aid money.  Theory set up drop boxes for direct donations of items.

If you want to shop for a cause, some designers created a specially-designed product to help. Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 of each red handbag sold to the Red Cross.  Polo Ralph Lauren is selling a special edition polo where the proceeds will benefit the United Way.  Lady Gaga's website is selling "We Pray for  Japan" wristbands.

The BIG shopping event is coming up from Fashion Girls for Japan.  Over 60 NY designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Alice + Olivia, Derek Lam, Richard Chai, Diane Von Furstenburg (just to name a few) will have rolling racks of goodies to be sold to benefit the American Red Cross.  The event takes places this Saturday and Sunday at the Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery Street, NYC).

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Richie Rich Styles Speakasy Moderne for Swiss Global

Fashion is theatrical.  How often does fashion actually elevate theater for a good cause?  Designers Richie Rich and Angelo Lambrou outfitted performers at the Midtown Lofts Saturday night for a “Speakasy Moderne” fundraiser benefitting the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation.

Guests were asked to dress in classic Broadway glamor for an event that honored theater legend Larry Fuller.  The evening was full champagne, haute hors d’oeuvres, jazz and amazing performances by up-and-coming pop artists and established theater stars. 

The Swiss Global Artistic Foundation was created to assist and mentor highly talented artists in need.  The organization recognizes that talent may come from all over the globe, but it still needs support in a competitive world.

The artistic audience was blown away by Jamar Rogers’ powerhouse performance and very young Amanda Barise.  Official Hank is more recognized in his glammed up persona helming the Richie Rich shows during NY Fashion Week.  He served as part MC, organizer and champion to the evening’s tribute to Broadway. 

Several performers called in ‘sick’ to their Broadway shows to perform numbers from shows from Larry Fuller’s career.  The theater legend has performed in productions of Funny Girl to Carousel, choreographed Evita and Sweeney Todd. 

As creatives, we should all support each other in the arts.  We can elevate our disciplines together.

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A Skater, Chocolates and a Designer Walk Into A Bar...

An unlikely combination....This was the most eclectic celebrity-turned-designer projects I have seen so far.  Figure skating champion and Dancing with the Stars favorite Evan Lycasek collaborated with confectioner Ferrero Rocher to design a gown to benefit charity.

The gold leather and tulle creation was inspired by the truffle's classic gold foil and fluted paper packaging.  The dress used rich brown velvet to symbolize the silky chocolate texture.

The skater did not have to work blind.  He worked with design mentor Vera Wang, a former figure skater before her iconic status as wedding gown designer.

The gown was auctioned off with items like autographed skates to fans this month.  The proceeds went to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  The organization's mission is to work with volunteers and families to build homes for those in need.  To volunteer your time or donate, follow through here.
Images via Ferrero Rocher

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Fashion Designer Couture Ornaments

Are you ready for a Red Carpet Holiday Tree?  Want your pine boughs trimmed with ornaments personally designed by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Jean, Gwen Stefani, Naeem Khan, Carlos Falchi or Jonathan Adler?
You can get festive and have the most fashion-forward decor of the neighborhood with the Home Shopping Network's  HeART HSN Designer Ornament collection.

100% of the profits in this collection will be donated to the St. Jude Children's Hospital.  St. Jude's is a pioneering research hospital devoted to finding cures for pediatric cancer and childhood diseases.

The Home Shopping Network launched this collection with an intimate soirée at their showroom last week. St. Jude chair Marlo Thomas hosted the event while ornament designers like model Iman and Naeem Khan attended in support.

Swarovski is a participant and the famed crystals are featured prominently in many of the ornaments.  The price range for the pieces range from below $20 to $40 for most of the collection.  You can also splurge up to $299 or a jewel-encrusted Naeem Khan piece. The collection goes on sale October 20, 2010 through HSN and will be available through the holiday season.

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Cynthia Rowley's FEED Shop

Fashion feeds the world...At least some designers try to.  Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush hosted the opening of their FEED pop-up shop last Thursday in the back of Ms. Rowley's Soho boutique.  The shop sells products like eco-friendly bags, pouches and clothing to benefit FEED Projects.

The FEED Project's mission is to feed and reach hungry children around the world through the sales of their collection.  The line uses fair labour practices and uses organic cotton and burlap when possible.  

The designer and colleagues were on hand to sip champagne and answer questions.  Her Fall 2010 collection looked chic accessorized with the FEED totes.  My personal favorite was the Jack o-Lantern tote made in collaboration with Unicef.  It was a nice Halloween update to the change-boxes I carried around trick-or-treating in my childhood.  It is available on HSN and in the boutique.

The pop-up shop is available at 376 Bleecker Street in NYC until October 21st.  The FEED merchandise is available online and at Whole Foods indefinitely.

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Fashion Designers for Breast Cancer

In the month of October, pink is the new black.  Fashion designers and celebrities are putting their talents into raising awareness for Breast Cancer.  

Ralph Lauren is hosting the Pink Pony Auction to raise money for their foundation.  The auction is selling rare collectibles from fashion, celebrities and athletes.  

It also includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences like shopping with Simon Doonan, a ride with Lance Armstrong or lunch with Maggie Cheung.

Pink Pony supports programs for education and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities.  If a bidding on an item is out of reach, you can support this cause by shopping for pink pony fashion accessories like the printed silk scarf and sunglasses.

Narciso Rodriguez teamed up with Swedish chain Lindex to create the Pink Collection.  Lindex is a major sponsor to the Swedish Cancer Society, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated.  The collection itself consists of reasonably priced wardrobe staples, cashmere-blend knits, asymmetrical dresses, skinny pants.

Vera Wang collaborated with department store chain Kohl’s.  This special collection gives fans the opportunity to buy dressy pink pieces from the high-end designer at very affordable prices.  Check out the grosgrain ribbon evening bag  at only $10.00 or the sequined scarf also for $10.00

It’s not just clothing designers in the mix.  You can shop and help Breast Cancer Awareness with jewelry.  Ice.com’s Think Pink & Smile For a Cure campaign doesn’t  just ask you to shop for the cause.  They are asking you for your story of hope and humor to raise awareness of the disease.  Readers vote for their favorites to win amazing pieces of jewelry as part of their sweepstakes.   A percentage of sales from their Think Pink collection benefits the Comedy Cures Foundation.

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Fashion Fights Cancer

Last week at the Audi Forum, non-profit organization Fashion Fights Cancer hosted a super-chic event.  The soiree included top designers Tadashi Shoji, Byron Lars, Lotusgrace, Thuy among others who donated items for the sample sale.  Cocktails flowed, guests nibbled on Pop Chips and sweets.  Plenty of models were on hand to sell and pose in the garments.
Host Suzy Malick and other speakers spoke passionately about the cause as well as cancer survivor stories. While having a good time, they also shed light on the higher purpose of the stylish soiree. Proceeds from this event will benefit the I’m Too Young for This Cancer Foundation and The Cancer Research Institute. 

Photos by Mariana L and Ritika W

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Celebrity Fashion Auctions

Countless magazine articles and talk show segments instruct you on how to dress like your favorite star. However, if you have the dollars and want to help out a good cause, you can always bid on the real thing right off the celebrity back.

For cool retro Mad Men style, you can bid on Joan Harris' green dress as worn by Christina Hendricks. This, and dresses worn by characters Betty Draper and Bobbie Barrett are up for auction to benefit City of Hope.

For more casual chic, you can bid on Evangeline Lilly's 'Kate' costume from season 1 of ABC's 'Lost'. This and tons of other cast outfits are on auction for the next few days. (My personal favorite in this auction is Hurley's Mr. Cluck costume).

Clothes Off Our Back is an organization founded by "Malcolm In The Middle" star Jane Kaczmarek and actor Bradley Whitford from "The West Wing". It takes clothing and accessories worn by celebrities to auction off to benefit children's charities. Currently, you can bid on a necklace worn by Lindsay Price from the "Lipstick Jungle" and garments directly out of Bette Midler's closet.

Photos courtesy of AMC, Profiles In History and Anna Webber / WireImage

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Kim Kardashian, Kelly Ripa in Disguise for Cancer Research

Kelly Ripa, Kim Kardashian and QVC have collaborated on a fashionable way to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer. The celebrity fashionistas are putting out a PSA wearing fun disguises to educate women on the very serious way that the illness has of disguising it symptoms. QVC is presenting Super Saturday on July 31st.

Donated designer items from Theory, Jacqueline Kennedy and others will be on sale to raise funds to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Prices will be half off the retail price.To make a difference, fans can shop or participate in the campaign by posting their own ‘disguise’ photo on the Facebook Page. Participating can win you invitations to the celebrity-filled QVC party in New York and tickets to the Fashion Week runway show.

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Pay It Fashion Forward - Summer Rayne Oakes Delivers For Fashion

Where can you find impeccably dressed fashionistas bowling in mismatched shoes?  Last week at Lucky Strike Lanes, the fabulous people were out to support Pay It Fashion Forward, a benefit for Fashion Delivers.

The party was hosted by Emmanuelle Chriqui of HBO’s Entourage and Bryan Greenberg of How to Make It in America.  The event brought together guests from the entertainment, media and fashion industries to raise money for Haiti relief.    

Fashion Delivers calls upon apparel companies, designers and individuals to contribute clothing, products and funds to help those in crisis.  Anyone who works in the industry understands that excess merchandise is a regular part of doing business and the organizers behind this charity found a great outlet for it.

 I was able to speak to Summer Rayne Oakes, one of the evening’s honorees. She is a model/activist who has devoted much of her time to this cause. In addition to helping the victims of Haiti relief, she was also involved in providing aid to help victims of Hurricane Katrina for the organization. She has made a name for herself, more for her environmental work then modeling. Summer has launched Source 4 Style, a platform for designers to source ethical and sustainable suppliers for their collection.

The board of directors Fashion Delivers is made up of the top executives in the apparel industry. Together, they have lobbied the government to make shipments sent for aid duty free to make giving easier.

Forever 21 presented a fashion show along the bowling lanes, raffles of sponsor goodies and tasty cocktails from Patron rounded out the night.


How can individuals contribute to this organization? Ms. Oakes suggested new helpers can donate money, clothes or even their time. Also, funds raised by attending events thrown by Fashion Delivers helps pay for the shipping of supplies to those in need.

Photos by Mariana L and Emma Grady

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FFAWNing over Blige and Malandrino's Collection

Fashion, like many other disciplines, require passion and creativity. It is no surprise then, that an accomplished musician and fashion designer would collaborate on a fabulous collection together.
Catherine Malandrino and Mary J. Blige presented the FFAWN collection Tuesday night to a room of notables from all walks of artistic life at the Museum of Modern Art. Fellow singer Estelle, celeb-chef Todd English, museum curator Thelma Goldin were all on hand to celebrate.

The clothes themselves were sexy and diva-worthy. The looks onstage were perfect to represent the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now in inspiring young women succeed with confidence and skills. Proceeds from the benefit will help Bronx students on their way to college this year.

Photos By Steve Eichner

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Fashion History Starts Now

It is a well-established cliché that the fashion industry prizes youth and sex appeal. Politically correct or not, it’s an image that sells clothes. What is not as well-established, is that there are many in the fashion community who are aware of the uglier side of society that preys upon that youth and have come together to do something about it.

Monday night, History Starts Now hosted a night of “Fashion Gives Back". The event at the Stone Rose Lounge was home to the second annual fashion show to raise awareness of sexual trafficking of minors within the U.S.

The passion backstage showed that the event meant more than your average fashion outing. Manager Kristin Huggins styled and corralled the models into character. The stylists of Bumble & Bumble team worked hard to make everyone look their best. Designer LeQuan Smith was on hand to make sure the finishing touches on his neoprene pieces were intact for the spotlight.

After a moving speech by founder Kristina Lee Grandstaff, film director Kat Rohrer screened a trailer for her film, “Fatal Promises“ documenting this tragic part of society.

The runway was not just a pretty parade of clothes. At the center of the stage, a male and female model stood roped together to symbolize the bondage of slavery that the victims suffer. The designer’s models came out and reacted differently to the central couple to represent the growing awareness and action of the organization’s cause.

How can you help? If you are a designer, artist, musician or media representative, you can partner with History Starts now to raise awareness. You can donate or become an ambassador in your community. You can research or host an event of your own too!

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Women’s Mafia & EngieStyle Present “Once Upon A Time” for MillionTreesNYC

What is the power of a girl’s night out? Women’s Mafia founder Marcy Clark pondered that when she started her organization. What started as a simple social club quickly grew into an influential movement that supports designers, artists and small businesses. Instead of merely partying, Women’s Mafia proved that it could empower women and benefit a great cause as well.

Tonight’s celebration was to present Engie Hassan’s debut collection, Rouge et Noir, along with designers Shauntele and Ananda Khalsa. The collection took its direction from old Hollywood glamour, Claude Monet and the designer’s family travels to Versailles. The fashion show and party brought together the most stylish of fashion fans to benefit the New York Restoration project and MillionTreesNYC.

What I found refreshing about the runway show was that it opened with little vignettes. It showed women working with the models and the garments directly. It reminded the audience that there was a creative process and craft behind the looks that one sees on the surface.

MillionTreesNYC, as part of the New York Restoration department works with communities and businesses to plant trees all over NYC. Beyond that, the trees benefit the environment, reducing pollutants, raising real estate value and empowers New Yorkers to care more for their neighborhood.

So what empowers you? Will you get your stiletto in the door and join the Mafia? Will you green your scene and plant a tree? Either way, get involved and get ahead!

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