Vivienne Westwood’s Ethical Fashion Africa Collection

Teaming up with the Ethical Fashion Programme, the Dame of Fashion, Vivienne Westwood, has designed a line of bags to support thousands of disadvantaged women in Africa. Each bag is carefully made with recycled materials (like safari tents and roadside banners) in Kenya by women aiming to learn valuable skills to improve their quality of life. While the bags may be a bit of a splurge (the cheapest clutch comes in at around $245), it’s great knowing that the proceeds go directly to these inspirational ladies halfway around the world.

Nicole Miller’s Fair Trade Bracelets

Nicole Miller is known for her elegant-yet-offbeat dresses, but she stepped off the beaten path when designing a collection of woven bangles and bracelets made to empower women in Rwanda. Partnering with non-profit Indego Africa, each bracelet comes with a brief bio of the artisan that designed the bracelet. All profits of the eye-popping accessories go towards furthering the entrepreneurs’ education and improving their work conditions.

Kenneth Cole’s Cano Poncho

Here’s a poncho that’s both trendsetting and brings about social good. 100% of the proceeds of this reversible garb will be donated to Kenneth Cole’s foundation, AWEARNESS. While the organization focuses on tackling many social issues (like rebuilding in Haiti and providing better lives for America’s homeless), the sales of this particular piece benefit The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Kate Spade’s Hand in Hand Bangles

Kate Spade’s latest bangle designs are both chic and inspirational. Coming in silver, gold and copper, every bracelet is engraved with the phrase, “Hand in hand, there’s strength in numbers.” There’s a lot more to this phrase than may meet the eye. Spade has partnered with Women for Women International in celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. 25% of proceeds from the Hand in Hand bangles go towards rebuilding women’s and families’ lives in war-torn countries,

Marc Jacobs’ Aid for AIDS Charity Tee Shirts

With six tee designs, Marc Jacobs is taking a stand against AIDS. All of the profits from this special collection of tees benefit Aid for AIDS, which fights the stigma against HIV and aims to improve the lives of immigrants and people living with HIV/AIDS.

What are some of your favorite fashion-forward products that give back to charity?

Original post: by Jessica Bender at Glamour Gone Good.

Americans want to support companies that pay equal attention to both society and business needs.

Take a look at some of the latest numbers:

71% of consumers think brands/companies spend too much on advertising/marketing and should put more money into good causes.

67% think its no longer enough for corporations to simply give away money to a good cause; they need to integrate good causes into their day-to-day business.

64% would recommend a brand that supports a good cause.

63% want brands to make it easier for them to make a positive difference in the world.

58% are looking for brands to do more than just provide them a product or service.

Source: Edelman’s 2009 goodpurpose study

Based on these numbers, it seems pretty evident that we now live in a world where the pendulum swings in favor of companies that put more weight on being socially conscious and responsible corporate citizens than their competitors.

Think about yourself for a moment.  Do the numbers above reflect your own personal values as a consumer? Are you more likely to support a brand that is visibly aligned with a cause over its competitor, price and quality of both products being equal?

Here’s how some of our favorite beauty brands are responding to this cultural phenomenon:

M.A.C. launched the M.A.C. AIDS Fund to provide grants to programs that serve people affected by HIV and AIDS. 100% of net proceeds from M.A.C.’s ‘VIVA GLAM’ lipsticks benefit the fund.

Sephora launched The Sephora Project to educate and empower women who help make the world a more beautiful place. A percent of proceeds from select products benefit Sephora’s preferred charities.

philosophy has a dedicated “shop for a cause” category of products. 100% of net proceeds from these products benefit the charities listed directly on the product packaging.

Of course, some brands do a better job than others at communicating why they choose to support certain causes or charities. There will always be those that give away much more money to charity each year than others. Some will have consistent campaigns over the years while others will switch it up as they see fit. But, at the end of the day, they are all giving back because they know its what their consumers want to see. It’s becoming increasingly rare to find a beauty brand these days that does not support charity in one form or another. For those brands still out there that managed to miss the memo – it’s time to wake up!

Describe your upcoming Spring into Fall fashion show/fundraiser… What makes the event unique?

In my 12 years of being in San Francisco,  I have not encountered  a purely Eco-Couture Fashion show of this Magnitude. People are constantly asking “Where did you get that (Dress, Outfit etc)?” So I begun selecting some of my favorite designer pieces out of my closet, and decided to create a fashion show! We then begun creating what I hope to be the start of bringing REAL FASHION to San Francisco, by way of local and sustainable designers.

Why did you choose The Coral Reef Alliance as your benefactor?How does the event align with CRA’s overall mission and contribution to the community?

I really became ,what I call with great pride, a “Greenie” when I began to Scuba Dive with my husband. So when I created ‘Spring into Fall, it seemed only natural to choose CRA as our benefactor. Also, The Coral Reef Alliance is the only International Organization seeking to protect one of our most prized possessions on the planet, Coral Reefs.

Will there be any surprise guests? Celebrities?

We  have sold a few Front Row seats to Stylists, looking for new talent. As it is my first year with this production, so I didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes too high, but I have a feeling it is going to be talked about for quite some time, in fact we already have several designers interested in next years show, I am amazed!

Who are some of the designers who will showcase?

Not in any order of favoritism,  you can expect fabulous designs from Dolliemop, or a Miss G Design for any occasion, some intracately, and emotionally, designed Rebbecca Bruce for that next Gala, or so every chic California designed New York look from Sequoia & Gita, and who doesn’t want an itty bitty waist and some curvy hips by the decadent Dark Garden Corsetry, or if you are in the mood to impress try some amazing Wearable Art by Gelereh Alam, or if a Sleek Rega lookl, is what you are after, then be ready for Sarah Sheppard when you are strolling around at some fundraiser. And, maybe a tie in with our Charity The Coral Reef Alliance, you’ll have a peek a some Sexy Swimmer for the next time your at Fiji at the Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort diving on one of CORALS protected Reefs.

Will items be available for purchase after the show’s conclusion?

Before the show, you can  find some beautiful Vintage items at the Coral Reef Boutique,. Nearby, make sure to stop off for some some signature cocktails by our Sponsor Skinny Bob Sleek Chic’s Coctail, or some of our Eco.Love wine the first Certified Carbon Neutral Wines.  You  can  also wander through each designer’s store to sift through past seasons looks including ready wear for all occasions.  After the show if you saw something you just couldn’t live with out, our lovely Models will be showcasing the designs up close. All artists are available to discuss the Garments shown to you on the runway.

Is this an open event? If so, how much are tickets, and what percentage of proceeds will go to the Coral Reef Alliance.?

This is an open event, however tickets are going faster than predicted. When I sent out the Invite, Clauda Ross our Eco-Chic PR Agent sent out the Press Release, and our Media Sponsor mentioned it on Red Carpet Bay Area. Tickets range from $20.00 to $150.00 with two in between priced seats. I am donating a set amount to the Coral Reef Alliance, or CORAL for short, all artist are donating 5% of their sales, and viewers have the option to donate, if so moved, with an envelope provided in the Program.

What types of items will be incorporated into your live auction?

Well, as I mentioned before, we are setting up Boutiques with the Foremost being CORAL’s Botique. So expect some Fabulous Vintage From Our Sponsor Ricky’s Fabulous Treasures, and anything from past seasons that designers what to show so you can see their diversity.

Who are your event sponsors? How will they add value to the event?

We are still seeking sponsors ALWAYS but our support has been wonderful we have had Donations from our fellow Lovely Greenie Zem Joaquin with ecofabulous.com when she promotes this event, Eco.Love wines, Epi-Center Med Spa, the Red Box, Red Carpet Bay Area, Vivanista, and Ricky’s Exceptional Treasures. Hopefully, there will be more to come for Goodie Bags for ALL 303 attendees.

Will there be a social component before/after the fundraiser?

Absolutely our Red Carpet entrance will have Social Photographer Drew Altizer shooting pictures of our guests. Also, Red Carpet Bay Area will be doing Social Interviews for a “Sizzile” on KRON 4 so look for the event if you can’t make it there.

Why do you think Sustainable Fashion and Fundraising go together so well?

I think Global Green started the Movement a few years back at The Bently Reserve, with their Eco-Chic Fashion Shows. And I would like to continue the effort with my events in the future. This is just what we have to do! One step at a time to help save and protect and revive our Planet for Future Generations to come!

What’s your favorite current fashion trends?

I am at a loss, I wouldn’t call my self Trendy, perhaps but Classic, in my tastes I always buy with the future in mind always conscious to Reuse (Vintage is a great start!) Reduce (sharing fashion with other Charities like Dress For Success) and of course Recycle (I like to have a Taylor or one of my Designer friends re purpose a garment).

What are some of the inspirations behind your current jewelry line?

Well what really inspires me and often my clients are the properties of the elements used in my work. What the elements of the Earth can do to help you or inspire you. For example, how a certain stone worn every day can balance the Chakras, or just dress up your look with the beauty of all natural ethically sourced gem stones and 100% recycled 18kt Gold.

What has been one of the biggest challenges in planning this event so far?

Communication! Boy in our world of technology, we should be able to Communicate, Communicate, Communicate, that has been our biggest challenge with over 100 people working on this Show! But as it rolls closer to the event it starts running like a locomotive. I really could not have done this Show with out my amazing Staff I want to thank them for all their hard work and putting up with me when I’m a stress case!!!

Chair Name: Amber Marie Bently

Event Name: Spring into Fall

Date of Event: 3/11/2011

Charity/Nonprofit beneficiary: Coral Reef Alliance

Julianne Hough

This annual fashion show promotes the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Heart Truth Campaign. The Heart Truth Campaign aims to make women more aware of the danger of heart disease. Heart disease is currently the number one killer among women.

Alison Sweeny

To raise awareness among women, celebrities took to the runway clad in red dresses, which stand as the symbol for Heart Truth’s campaign. The Red Dress is the national symbol to encourage women to empower themselves by taking action to protect their heart health and to actively lower their risk for heart disease.

Suzanne Somers

Marking the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Red Dress Fashion Show featured celebrity models including: Julianne Hough, Audrina Patridge, Denise Richards, Dita Von Teese, Guiliana Rancic, Eve, Patti LaBelle, and Dania Ramirez.

Dania Ramirez

The event also featured a performance by pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield.

Natasha Bedingfield

To further support the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, some of the participating designers are auctioning off the red dresses designed for the show online at Clothes Off Our Backs.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Patti LaBelle

Cat Deely

Guiliana Rancic

Laila Ali

Katrina Bowden

Garcelle Beauvais

Dita Von Teese

Camila Alves

Linda Gray

Eve

Denise Richards

Audrina Patridge

Natasha Bedingfield

All photos courtesy of Rob Rich

See the rest of the photos at our flickr or facebook page!

Defining Girls Setting Goals

The event began with radio personality and Oprah Winfrey Network comedian, Faith Alpher opening the show.

The event was hosted by Defining Girl. Defining Girl is the non-profit creation of Twisted Silver designer, Deb Mitchell, who feels drawn to helping young girls navigate through a confusing world. Deb took this opportunity to communicate  the importance of kindness and encouraged the young girls present to make a conscious decision not to follow the crowd.

Jazmin & Audience

After Deb spoke to the crowd, she introduced Jazmin Whitley. At the young age of of 22, not only has Jazmin earned the title of youngest designer to participate in NY Fashion Week, she regularly styles some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities and starred in MTV’s House of Jazmin. At the event, Jazmin inspired the crowd by discussing her early passion for designing, as well as sharing some critical fashion tips. By sharing her own stories, Jazmin was able to help the girls realize that their aspirations can be achieved.

Jazmin, Girls, & Sprinkles

Following the workshop, each girl had the chance for a photo opportunity with Jazmin, received delectable Sprinkles cupcakes, and left the event with a bag of swag. As they said their goodbyes, the girls were invited to a sample sale of Jazmin’s designs at the nearby OrgHipChick boutique.

See Additional Event Images Below.

Jazmin & Envoys

Jazmin, Deb, & Sprinkles Cupcakes

Defining Girls & Jazmin

Jac & Jazmin

Jazmin & the Interns

Sprinkles & Twisted Silver SWAG

OrgHipChick

All photos courtesy of Jefra Star Linn

The Celebration: The Plaza hosts the “POSH Tea” at The Palm Court honoring the founders of Lighthouse International and welcomes their descendants to kick-off the POSH sale that will be held for the first time at The Plaza in May, 2011

The Cause: Honoring Emily and Edith Holt, who founded Lighthouse International in 1905, descendants of many of the families who were active supporters of the Lighthouse in the early years, gathered at The Plaza for the POSH Tea to honor the founders and kick-off the Spring POSH sale.

For the first time POSH featured thousands of new and gently worn designer clothing and accessories will be held at The Plaza from May 11 to May 16, 2011.

About POSH: Fashionable philanthropy was present from the beginning of Lighthouse. Borrowing $400 from their dress allowance, Winifred and Edith Holt started the Lighthouse which is dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment.  POSH is New York’s leading fashion fundraiser, offering new and gently worn, vintage designer clothing, shoes and accessories for women, men and children. Funds raised at the POSH sale support Lighthouse International’s nonprofit mission.  For the past 40 years, POSH has featured such top designers as Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, Douglas Hannant, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Manolo Blahnik, Coach, Burberry and Nicole Miller Theory, Tracey Reese, among others.

The Credentials: Attendees included Elisa Miller-Out, Emily Frick, Mr. Tom Gimbel,  Whitney Douglas, Victoria Donaldson, Sam Hopkins,  Lisa Pulitzer Love , Lisa Bailey Musgravem and Mrs. Douglas Auchincloss. Other guests include Amy Fine Collins, Muffie Potter Aston Hamish Bowles, Bruce and Juliana T. Gilbert, Jo Hallingby, Marylyn Maklin, Helen Marx, Marjorie Reed Gordon, Jean Shafiroff and Nell Yperifanos.

Also, see details for Lighthouse International’s POSH Palm Beach 2011 Gala Dinner on Feb 23.

See event photos below.

Somers Farkas, Carole Holmes McCarthy, Mark Ackerman

Hope Kessler, Lauren Roberts

Marc Rosen, Jean Shafiroff, Tom Gimbel

Somers Farkas, Marc Rosen

Atmosphere

Maude Peters, Louisa Peters

Atmosphere

Mark Ackerman, Alexander Peters

All photos: Courtesy of Rob Rich

So when Vivanista’s Layne Gray sat down with Jessica Herrin, Founder of Stella and Dot, to talk about how her burgeoning company gives back through their Foundation what she found was the ultimate model of a Party For A Purpose.   How so?  The 1,400 consultants across the country host Trunk Shows of the boutique-style moderately priced line of jewelry and a portion of the proceeds are donated by the company to the Foundation.  Yet, the consultants themselves often give back to their community by donating some of the jewelry they are given by the company to local fundraising Auctions.

To find out more watch the video here:

If you have something to spare from your checkbook, or maybe you’d like to clean out your closets, we’ve scoped some of the Bay Area’s special charities — with fashion twist — that you’d might like to consider giving to in 2011.

• Help a high school girl go to prom by donating a dress or any spare accessory from your closet to the Princess Project.

• Assist someone looking for a new employment break in building their self image by donating professional clothing articles or a monetary contribution to A Miner Miracle, Dress for Success, or Career Closet.

• Until There’s a Cure Foundation raises funds for HIV/AIDS awareness with the sale of The Bracelet. You can also snag a fashionable necklace, and other apparel from them to fund their cause. Check out their shop for a stylish selection of charitable gifts to yourself, or anyone else you might still be looking for.

• Stop by Marmalade SF on Union Street and drop off any spare cans of food you have for their canned food drive to benefit the SF Food Bank.

• 75,000 condoms transformed into couture graced Project Inform’s Evening of Hope Condom Couture Fundraiser show. You can still make a donation toward its $225,000 fundraising goal towards HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and research, aiming to end the spread of the disease.

• Contribute clothing to St Vincent De Paul Society which can be used in its annual Discarded Divine Fashion Show. Your donated clothing may be recycled to runway couture for this annual event.

• Support the women of San Francisco’s Junior League with a contribution to aid its Annual Spring Benefit Fashion Show, produced in conjunction with Macy’s.

• Promote opportunities for fashion and design students with a donation to the Fashion Group Foundation of San Francisco’s Scholarship Program.

• Give a loving animal a home, and adopt a pet through Macys and San Francisco’s SPCA collaborative Pet Adoption Campaign. Check out the furry animals up for adoption in Macy’s Union Square windows through January 2, 2011.

What fashionable ways do you suggest people give back in your city?

(Comment below)

This article was contributed by Kizza Chadiha, originally published at SFIndieFashion.

1. Recreation kit from UNICEF

How often do you meet your loved ones when our lives are getting busier? Cherish the moment this Christmas with this gift of play! Sit by the fire and play along with the games and puzzles with your family. You will also receive a Gifts of Magic Certificate upon your purchase, which honors your name for your charitable gift that gives the world, one child at a time. Giving back can never be more fun!

2. The Gift of Cofee and Chocolate! from Full Circle Coffee

Can Coffee and Chocolate change the world? We think it can, Full Circle Exchange and its philanthropic partners will donate dollar for dollar on your purchase up to $1 Million to CARE. Now you can send the gift of fair trade, organic, artisan roasted coffee and handcrafted, chocolate infusions to your friends or family, and feel good about knowing your purchase is helping unleash the potential of countless women and children create lasting change for themselves and their communities.

3. A Heart For Haiti charm from GreaterGood Network

Your big heart is solid for a cause. This year, share it with this priceless heart-shaped charm for the people you love, despite all remaining aftershocks from the terrible earthquake. This hand-made Haitian stone is priceless for that someone special in your heart.

4. Pewter earrings from WWF

Select from a wide variety of these handcrafted earrings carved in shapes of those animals on the verge of extinction. Share your do-good heart with your girlfriends and show to the world those dying species you feel passionate about.

5. Antique Sari wrislet by Global Girlfriend

These fun day-to-night purses are fit for any woman with a sustainable mindset. Each unique design was handmade using the Indian antique saris tailored by women in New Delhi. These artisan saris would traditionally be burned to recover their gold and silver contents. In fighting India’s poverty, Global Girlfriend cooperated with these women, making each proceeding into the labor income of these working women needing to care for their household.

6. Designer perfumes by Six Scents

Let others smell your scents of style for these special editions of perfumeries that help raise money for charities. Six Scents handpicks six prominent artists and perfumers annually to design a series of limited edition fragrances that are different each year. Select your style from their collection this year!

7. INC International Concepts Dress

Do good, dress up, and look glam! Stand out from the red-and-white crowd in this elegant pink dress that features jewel neckline with a pearl-beaded collar. Five percent of each sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (exclusive at Macy’s stores)

8. Shoes by TOMS

Stroll around the city holiday shopping in these comfy shoes! For every pair you purchase, TOMS takes your proceeding to their movement, One for One, and give a new pair to a child in need. For more shoes you give for your family, the more you give children growing up barefoot in developing countries, one walk at a time.

9. Beats Solo Special Edition Headphones, Beats by Dr. Dre

Listen to your favorite jingles with this amazing headphones that are easy to control. Specially designed for (PRODUCT)RED, profits from Beats Solo HD Special Edition headphones will go straight to Africa and fight AIDS. It also features a tri-fold design for easy storage when not in use.

10. Stellar Portraits by Vapor Sky

Ever wonder what the sky looks like on your birthday? Stars and planets change their positions all the time. This unique portrait captures an image of their exact positions, painting a picture of the sky on the day you were born. Vapor Sky transforms the picture into a Stellar Portrait that unique to every individual while giving a portion of their profits to A World Fit For Kids, an organization striving to fulfill the goals and dreams of unprivileged children. Celebrate the moment you came into this world! Hang up your birth portrait in your living room for the next years to come.

Share your merriest do-good gift ideas for the season!

[Photos from gift website and flickr]

This article was written by Stephanie Hackman, orginally published by The Case Foundation.

I recently found myself in a Gucci store with a champagne glass in one hand and an impeccably-crafted handbag in the other. And then John Legend walked in.

Happily, this wasn’t a dream, but a special event to celebrate the opening of the Gucci store in Tyson’s Galleria. The event benefited John Legend’s Show Me Campaign, with 10% of the evening’s sales going to the organization.

Along with my colleague Rachel Feely-Kohl, I joined the mix of local fashionistas, Gucci lovers, supporters of education reform and admirers of John Legend who attended the event. While shopping and socializing, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the Show Me Campaign and its work with education reform in the U.S.

Rachel and I were able to talk with Susan Chokachi, head of communications for Gucci, who filled us in on the connection between Gucci and the Show Me Campaign. Education is an important issue to Gucci, so a partnership with John Legend’s Show Me Campaign seemed like a natural fit. Chokachi has high hopes for forging a long-term relationship with the Campaign, so we can look forward to future Gucci-Show Me Campaign collaborations.

Gucci has a strong commitment to giving back, exemplified by their longstanding partnership with UNICEF, and their work with Foundation for Woman’s Dignity and Rights and FFAWN. This focus on philanthropy even extends to events and store openings like the one at Tyson’s Galleria, where they always try to add a philanthropic aspect, highlighting causes that are important to the local community.

During the event, John Legend spoke to the crowd, explaining the Show Me Campaign’s mission to break the cycle of poverty. Legend was first inspired to create the Campaign after a visit to Tanzania, where he experienced extreme poverty firsthand. Partnering with Millennium Promise, the Campaign supports community-led efforts to find solutions that enable the communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

Turning his attention to the United States, Legend soon realized that a good education was the best way for children to break the cycle of poverty. As a result, he has become a champion of education reform, proclaiming:

“Everyone should have the opportunity to get a great education, regardless of their zip code or racial background. Education inequality is the civil rights issue of our time.”

The Show Me Campaign is working to move the needle forward on education reform in many communities, including the Washington, DC area. Rachel and I had the opportunity to speak with Kaya Henderson, the Interim Chancellor of DC Public schools. Earlier that day, Chancellor Henderson, John Legend and Education Secretary Arne Duncan hosted a TEACH town hall meeting at Howard University to discuss the future of education and the next generation of teachers. Chancellor Henderson was excited about the possibility of building a closer relationship between DC Public Schools and the Show Me Campaign.

We’re also looking forward to seeing how Gucci, the Show Me Campaign, and DC Public Schools continue to work together to support education reform in the U.S. Plus knowing that 10% of my Gucci purchase went to help the Show Me Campaign is pretty cool, too!

A huge thanks to Rachel Feely-Kohl for her help in researching and writing this post.