Luxury Brands Promote Their Philanthropy Efforts

Vanity Fair - May Issue: Luxury Brands Promote Philanthropy Efforts.... great read about
Louis Vuitton, Estée Lauder, Prada, Dior, Saint Laurent and Céline, Gucci, and Kenzo.  "Luxury brands have the ability to spread awareness about dire world issues due to their global celebrity and fan base..."

Read the article at http://www.naurucondos.com/luxury-marketers-promote-philanthropy-efforts-in-vanity-fairs-may-issue/

Fusing Fashion & Philanthropy - Wild Soul Sunglasses

 



Image: POSE


Wild Soul sunglasses was created by two law students who both had a passion for fashion and philanthropy.  Together, they created their company to bridge the gap between fashionistas and philanthropy.  Wild Soul gives every customer the opportunity to choose the organization where their money will go.  It donates a portion of every sale to causes across the globe.  POSE posted on their blog the full press release about Wild Soul and their giving back. 

The sunglasses are available at YoungRepublic.

 

 

Donna Karan Talks Fashion and Philanthropy

Image: SheKnows.com

SheKnows.com featured a wonderful article about Donna Karan and her commitment to helping the people of Haiti.  She says, in the article, "We can create jobs; we can create meaning; we can create consciousness; we can create the change."  You can read the article here.


Donna Karan is one of the fashion industry leaders in philanthropy. I always use her as a model for brand philanthropy when I work with emerging fashion designers who aspire to making a living and making a difference through their label.

Top 2012 Fashion and Beauty Brands that Give Back

MY TOP BEAUTY BRAND FOR 2012: (Plā) Beauty

 

(Plā) Beauty founder, Stephanie Green-Bass, inspired by the infinite power of makeup, combined her love of cosmetics and years of industry experience with her lifelong passion to make a difference in the life of a child.  Her company’s tagline is (Plā) Beauty | (Plā) in Life | (Plā) with a Purpose sums up (Plā) Beauty’s social mission. With a strong desire to inspire women and support children, Stephanie created several giving back campaigns.

(Plā) Beauty gives back campaigns include: 

(Plā)2GiveBackis a campaign to empower and recognize truly inspiring women. We all know an amazing woman who has faced adversity, overcome obstacles, and become stronger through her pain. Founder, CEO, and MOM, Stephanie Green Bass has been an amazing role model in using that pain to overcome tough life challenges. Her story has touched the lives and hearts of so many, and we know there are many more like her. (Plā)2GiveBack is our way to hear more about these women, learn from their experiences, and honor them.  

This campaign invited women to submit a brief video sharing their story of a woman who inspired them because she faced adversity, overcome obstacles, and become stronger through her pain. Then an independently formed Board of women and Stephanie selected 15 finalists who would receive a (Plā)DAY of makeover.  Then, one woman among the 15 was given the experience of a lifetime to be the FACE of (Plā) Beauty FALL 2012!!  

All women nominated received a gift from (Plā) Beauty are periodically their stories are shared on the (Plā)2GiveBack page on their website

(Plā)2GiveBack–THE BALM: This campaign gives back to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Under this campaign, (Plā) Beauty donates $2 for every unit sold to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hughes Spalding. To learn more about why this campaign is so close to Stephanie Green Bass’s heart click here.

THE BALM is an organic, beeswax lip balm has a smooth, healing texture that contains calendula and sunflower oil to soften those (Plā)ful lips. THE BALM is perfect to fight wintery, dry, chapped lips! • SPF 15-fortified, • Vitamin E-enriched, • Moisture-enhancing organic oils, including rosemary, sunflower, jojoba, orange and lime.

(Plā) Green:  In addition to (Plā) Beauty giving back campaigns, the company is also eco-friendly. “(Plā) Beauty is established as an eco-conscious cosmetic line that uses refillable products and magnetic compacts to cut down on wasteful packaging. Our approach to packaging helps keep the environment clean and healthy by reducing waste. We can be kind to the planet while still looking and feeling great.” 

Like (Plā)2GiveBack and Like (Plā) Beauty on Facebook

www.plabeauty.com 

Copy Source: www.plabeauty.com

MY TOP FASHION BRAND FOR 2012: Rachel Roy

 

In her own words, “I believe charity = clarity. Through giving back you gain clarity, peacefulness, happiness and balance in your own life”, fashion designer Rachel Roy has built her brand proving that fashion philanthropy is stylish. Rachel Roy’s brand philanthropy message is clear and strong. Through all her campaigns, she assists children and disaster relief and recovery efforts. 

Her initiatives include:  

Heart of Haiti:In the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquakes, Rachel created an opportunity for Haitian artisans to use their talents to make jewelry and other crafts that are brought back to the U.S. and support the earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. Learn more about Rachel's Haiti efforts here

 

Orphan Aid Africa:Rachel has partnered with Orphan Aid Africa whose mission is “work to keep families together, send children to school, keep mothers alive and protect children by transforming systems.“ Rachel’s programs help children in Ghana to grow up safe with care and protection.  She does this through various campaigns. She sponsors 21 children in Ghana. In addition, each Holiday season, Rachel and her team hold a book drive and they package and wrap the books for children in Ghana. Lastly, Rachel designed her limited edition Ghana Clutch that supports Orphan Aid Africa children programs. Read more about this effort here

 

Charity:Water  On her 36th birthday, Rachel launched her own charity:water campaign, asking family, friends and fans to help raise $15,000 that went toward building a well to provide clean water in the Kuya Village of Ethiopia.  

Kindness:  Rachel designed Kindness totes and clutches to provide support for children organizations and relief for victims of natural disasters.  100% of net proceeds of the totes go to support: UNICEF for assistance with Pakistan flood victims and recover efforts, GlobalGiving for Japan’s earthquake victims and the Ghana clutch for Orphan Aid Africa.

Lastly, Rachel stepped up to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. She joined the Fashion for Sandy Relief auctioning off a “Meet Rachel Roy experience, complete with a personal styling.” She also donated a percentage of Rachel Ray merchandise proceeds to the American Red Cross. Furthermore, Rachel created a Hurricane Sandy page on her website to direct customers to various organizations supporting victims of the disaster.

 

Like Rachel Roy on Facebook
www.rachelroy.com

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Elie Tahari, partnership with Action Against Hunger

Bono, founder of Edun fashion company and  Renzo Rosso founder of Deisel designs partner for Edun+Deisel to source, produce and generate sustainable trade — and, hence, development — in Africa.

Skinny Girl Cocktails partners with Dress for Success

 

Five Jewelry Lines that Benefit Charity

Too lovely not to share and perfect Holiday Gift ideas for your BFF, wife, or special girl! Five Jewelry Lines that Benefit Charity http://tinyurl.com/9wd84fc  via @ecorazzi

Juicy Couture | Choose Hope | St. Jude's

 

St. Jude's  Children Research Hospital is one of the most successful organizations when it comes to cause marketing. This summer, Juicy Couture is offering Juicy Couture's "Choose Hope" Canvas Tote, a Heart Charm Key and Locket Necklace to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  This canvas tote featuring the Juicy Couture crest and “Choose Hope” logo is the perfect pretty pink and great summer style. The Choose Hope selection is available on Amazon.  100% of the net proceeds of this exclusuive selection benefits St. Judes. Now everyone woman and girl can help save a child's life in style

One Fashion Brand Finding a Philanthropic Voice

Such a beautiful brand thing to do!  Fashion designer Aaja Corinne Carr couples her love for her community with her passion for fashion to both empower women, and to encourage them to embrace their individuality and purpose in life. Her current campaign, “She’s in Color,” features real women with real stories to inspire people, especially other women, to conquer their personal dreams and goals. Rock on Miss Aaja Corinne Carr.

http://tinyurl.com/85b2an6

Jenny McCarthy Designs Shoe for Autism

Celebrity Jenny McCarthy designs a new sexy shoe, "Insatiable", for ShoeDazzle to support children with autism. This is Jenny's second year partnering with ShoeDazzle. 100% of proceeds support Generation Rescue, an organization dedicated to recovery for children with autism spectrum disorders by providing guidance and support for medical treatment to directly improve the child’s quality of life for all families in need.

Shop your support and read more here.

Vacation: What August is All About

Each year, I traditionally take the month of August to vacation and have some fun. Many of you know that Summer is my favorite season. It' so easy...living in tees, shorts, and flip-flops, sleeping in, no day planned, soaking up the beach, and relaxing evenings.



I also try to take time away from fashion philanthropy and cause marketing projects, blogging and social media. This respite energizes me to 'get back to school' come September. New ideas and feeling refreshed. However, I have to admit, this summer has brought new contacts with new opportunities and I have logged a few more days at the computer than I have on the water.



I do hope you had time to spend with family and friends having some fun, vacationing, and enjoying all that Summer has to offer.



Will be back early September.



Maggie~

Nine West and Modelinia Team Up for Steps for a Cause

The 2nd Annual Steps for a Cause. Cool and creative idea as a way to give back! Click the link to learn how Nine West, Modelina and CFDA are making a difference. This is a great example how to leverage your networks and partnerships for the 'greater good.'

Nine West and Modelinia Team Up for Nine West Targets Breast Cancer's Second Season

Photo Source: Modelina and Nine West.

Yoga Bag Gives Back

Do you do yoga? If so, you just may love this bag and for good reasons.

Designed for the yoga buff on the go, this compact, lightweight yoga mat bag includes a compartment for your keys, smart phone, iPod or just about any other personal item. Every bag comes with a different Vietnamese print lettering, giving you a one-of-a-kind item. Best of all the bag is made with recycled rice bag material in Cambodia and supports NomiNetwork.

Buy Her Bag Not her BodyTM is created by Nomi Network, "a non-profit organization working to eradicate sexual slavery and the trafficking of women. Nomi created a partnership between the fashion industry and cause-driven, well-designed merchandise made by at-risk women and survivors of sexual exploitation, providing them with fair, sustainable employment opportunities. Supported by people like you, their bags don't just look good, they do good." (Source: Nomi Network)

So now you can do good for the environment, humanity and your body with our new yoga bag!

100% of the profit is reinvest into training and career development programs for women. To purchase your yoga bag and see others by Nomi Network, click here.

Same Sky: Creating Self Sustaining Lives for Women

SAME SKY is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women. Founded in 2008, the company seeks to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs and lead self sustaining lives.

SAME SKY’s inaugural project is in Rwanda and employs HIV+ women in Africa who survived the 1994 Genocide. All bracelets are handmade by these women artisans.

In a recent interview with Candy Washington of Fashion Edits, Same Sky's Founder, Francine LeFrak, "spent 8years making a film on the Rwandan genocide that never proceeded to fruition. However, Francine still wanted to shed light on the genocide and especially lend her support to women survivors. A friend introduced her to the idea of fair trade and suggested she come up with jewelry products for women to create as a way of making a means. The glass bead bracelet, a design inspired by a renowned artist and HIV/AIDS activist Mary Fisher, became Same Sky's signature product and symbol of women empowering women. The rest is history."

The bracelets are adorned by many celebrities including: Goldie Hawn, Halle Berry, and Sela Ward to name a few.

All net proceeds from sales are reinvested into the company to buy more materials, employ more women artisans, and expand to other regions of the world.

Photo Source: Same Sky

Nicole Miller Collaborates with IndegoAfrica

Fashion designer, Nicole Miller, has launched her latest collection "IndegoAfrica." The vibrant colors, patterns and hand-crafted feel are what makes the collection unique. But what really makes this line special is Nicole has partnered with Indego Africa.

Indego Africa is an innovative social enterprise that partners with women artisans in Rwanda on a fair trade basis to drive forward a sustainable, long-term solution to systemic poverty in Africa. The organization and it's programs emphasize entrepreneurship and independence, by empowering African women to lift their families out of poverty through fair trade partnerships, international export market access, and long-term skills (source: Indego Africa).

Nicole Miller will donate 15% of proceeds to the organization.

Shop Nicole Miller's IndegoAfrica collection here: http://tinyurl.com/3m3xtd4

Photo Source: Nicole Miller

Cause Couture

Cause Couture - Trade Talk

It's all about Stylish Giving.... and a GOOD read!

Enjoy~

Vivienne Westwood Launches Ethical Fashion Africa Collection

Vivienne Westwood fashion design career spans over 30 years and she has remained true to her own eclectic sense of style. Now she combines that style with eco-friendly fashion and philanthropy.

Vivienne is using her philanthropy power to forever change the lives of women in Africa. She released a limited-edition collection accessories named "Ethical Fashion Africa." She has teamed up with YOOXYGEN to launch The Ethical Fashion Africa Project that has been backed by the International Trade Center, a joint effort of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

Vivienne traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to teach a women how to design handbags from locally-sourced, recycled materials to produce fashionable bags and accessories. This skill gives women the opportunity to earn a living and become self-sufficient. You can see Vivienne's trip to Kenya here.

The limited-edition collection of accessories are 100% handmade in Nairobi from recycled materials. The collection retails for $49-$339. View her handbags, laptop covers and other items on YOOX.

Jimmy Choo Celebrates 15th with Stylish Giving

Jimmy Choo celebrates 15th with capsule collection, new foundation

White Gown Auction for White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood

On September 20th, The WIE Symposium - Women: Inspiration and Enterprise held its annual conference in NYC. WIE is a forum where exceptional women role models share their stories, time and inspiration to empower the other women and the next generation. It is like giving girls "girl power."

This year's WIE Symposium hosts are three powerhouses: Arianne Huffington (who many of us admire) Donna Karan (who everyone wants as their gal pal), and Sarah Brown (who you want as a neighbor and best friend). The day included talks, lectures, a fashion show, awards and a panelist of speakers on politics, philanthropy, fashion and the arts.

The event is hosted by White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, an organization that works to promote awareness about making pregnancy and childbirth safe to decrease maternal mortality.

This year a White Gown Auction is being held through CharityBuzz to benefit the White Ribbon Alliance. Some of the designers include Vera Wang, Marchesa, Catherine Malandrino, Chloe and more.

Lauren Pierce Designs a Socially Conscious Collection

Lauren Bush-Pierce, the young fashion designer and former first niece, creates a women's line that is socially conscious, sustainable, and quite sassy. The Lauren Pierce Collection, which debuted in Spring 2009, is not about her name and fame. She has committed to create a collection that makes her passion worthwhile and do good in the world.

"I've always loved design and had an interest in the fashion world, but to me, it’s important that the clothes do good and stand for something,” she says. “My goal is to create a product that is a little more meaningful.”

But her philanthropy is more than just writing a check to charities. Lauren created a sustainable brand philanthropy program to support women's charities throughout the world. In Spring 2009, she worked with Women for Women International, which teaches women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo how to hand-dye fabrics. Women learn a skill, get paid for their work which leads to self-sufficiency, families that can be fed, and better communities. The unique materials accent Lauren Pierce’s timeless cocktail dresses and 10 percent of the proceeds from sales go back to supporting the women-artisans.

Lauren Pierce Collection is available at Lauren-Pierce.com

Pink Pony Collection by Ralph Lauren Supports Breast Cancer

Lauren combines fashion with philanthropy again! The Pink Pony Fund was established at the Ralph Lauren Foundation and is supported by funds raised through the Pink Pony Collection. Ralph Lauren launched the Pink Pony Fund initiative after the death of his friend Nina Hyde battle with breast cancer. Ms. Hyde was fashion editor at the The Washington Post.

The Pink Pony Collection supports breast cancer programs for "early diagnosis, education, treatment and research and is dedicated to bringing patient navigation and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities." Ten percent (10%) of proceeds from Pink Pony Collection products benefit the Pink Pony Fund.

“Breast cancer is not just a woman’s issue - it affects all of us, the brothers, husbands, fathers, children and friends. Pink Pony is our effort in the fight against cancer,” Lauren said.

LA Fashion 2010 Pre-Emmy Fashion Show "Caring with Style"

Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner.

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 23, 2010 – LOS ANGELES, California - Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show. This exclusive fashion event will take place Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at LEVEL 3 located at the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, 3rd Floor, Hollywood, CA. Red Carpet arrivals 7pm – 9pm. Fashion show starts at 9pm.

Confirmed celebrity list: Jaimie Hilfiger, Model, Actress and Host, Igal Dahan, Celebrity Jewelry “Cuffs of Love”, Ayinde Alakoye, Millionaire Matchmaker and CEO of Hitch Radio, Marjorie DeHey Daleo, CEO of Mediavix, Sara Cohen, Silver Medal Winner Ice Skater, Maria Kanellis, Celebrity Apprentice, Gunner Wright, Actor, Joslyn Pennywell, Model, Dave Shelton, Writer, Cartoonist, Actor, Miro Gladovic former pro soccer player in Australia and creator of American Footy Star, and Claire Sinclair, Actress to name a few.

The event will raise funds and awareness on behalf of the communities affected by the oil spill earlier this year in Louisiana’s Gulf of Mexico. While many designers have supported their individual causes in the past, this event marks the first time a group of designers have joined together in the name of one cause. The Gulf spill has devastated the long-term livelihood of thousands of Gulf residents – fisherman, restaurant and resort owners/workers, sport fishing operators, shop owners and business owners and workers at large - leaving them all at dire risk for their economic future. Additionally, the sea life of the area has suffered greatly; turtles, fish, birds, alligators, and vital plant life are all victims of this tragic event. The leak grew far faster than the original estimate of 5,000 barrels a day. The oil spill is a catastrophe, a declared a state of emergency with no easy solutions and no end in sight.

Charity Lives, LA Fashion Corner and F.A.M.E have come together to provide this star-studded fashion show set to cap off the 62nd annual Emmy Awards by showcasing some of the country's most exciting new fashion designers. The fashion industry's top models, wardrobe stylists and hair and make-up artists have donated their time and talent to the cause.

"LA Fashion Corner is committed to the cause and while continuing to work to help make a difference in a variety of communities,” says London Moore, President/CEO of LA Fashion Corner, Inc. "Through our fashion shows alone we have raised thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, aid for victims of domestic violence and financial support for needy children. We anticipate a huge turnout for this Gulf disaster event and fully expect LA Fashion Corner’s charitable outreach programs to continue to grow and expand beyond this inception year. The support for our previous LA Fashion Corner events has been immeasurable and only reinforces our belief that LA Fashion Corner will have the opportunity to continue to help make a difference in the lives of many communities that could benefit from our help.”

The highly anticipated red carpet charity event will also feature a luxury fashion show with music, fashion industry exhibits, gourmet appetizers and complimentary gift bags. A VIP reception featuring celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and fashion will be held for special sponsors and donors. An Opening Gala will kick off the event with a vendor's marketplace, music, and VIP reception.

In addition to its fundraising goal, LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show will create major exposure for local and national brands, retailers, boutiques, department stores, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, artists, celebrities, designers as well as acclaimed fashion photographers and fashion stylists.

For Interview, Talent and Media please contact:
Yvette Morales
YM & Associates PR Marketing Business Development
949-244-9769 or YMoralesY@aol.com

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