Fashion AIDS aids!

Fashion AIDS aids!

As at the end of 2009, 33.3 million people were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. 68% of them reside in Sub- Saharan Africa. About 2.6 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2009. Globally, there are 16.6million estimated orphans due to AIDS.
The good news? More than 5 million people are now receiving HIV treatment. Consequently, the number of AIDS-related deaths annually and the number of new infections among children is steadily decreasing worldwide.

Fashion has not turned a deaf ear to the plight of the world especially with respect to the AIDS pandemic. In fact if any industry recognizes the impact that AIDS/HIV has on the world today and has determined to do something about it, it is the fashion industry. Every so often, AIDS/ HIV awareness projects and messages have found their way into various fashion and product lines. In recognition of World AIDS day which was December 1st and in support of what the fashion industry is doing concerning HIV/AIDS, I want to highlight 3 out of the recent fashion + AIDS-awareness collaborations that you need to know about!

♥ Filling Fashion’s Cracks

Want a unique take on the same old boring purse or bag? Well, try Safe Sax! SafeSax’s nifty bag line takes the condom from its hiding place and puts it into public view in the form of colorful purses, tote bags and makeup bags. Although edgy and somewhat in-your-face, these fun, colorful and funky bags successfully achieve Safe Sax’s mission of ensuring that condom use as a way to reduce HIV transmission is openly discussed. In addition to being an attention grabber, partial proceeds from the sale of Safe Sax products go to non-profit organizations that are concerned with AIDS education and prevention. So if you are daring enough, try out a funky but AIDS conscious Safe Sax purse or bag this holiday. Be a part of AIDS awareness and this unique campaign to end the HIV pandemic in the world.

Oh and if you are a bag designer or a fashion savvy consumer and are interested in designing a Safe Sax bag/ tote, contact info@safesax.com. They are constantly looking for new inspiration and would love to hear from you!

♥ Save a Hide…Wear a Rubber

AWEARNESS, the Kenneth Cole Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises awareness, increases prevention, supports education and eradicates stigma, to support the fight against AIDS. To this end, every season, Kenneth Cole partners with a nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization to create products and host events to achieve the foundations mission. This year Kenneth Cole released a new rubber accessory collection line to support amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS research. These must-have accessories range from $18 to $198 and 100% of net profits from the collection will go to AWEARNESS in support of amfAR throughout the month of December. I love this collection because of its rugged but sophisticated appeal.

Check out Kenneth Cole stores nationwide or online to get your hands on a piece this holiday season.

♥ Until There’s a Cure

Until There’s a Cure Foundation is a national organization dedicated to eradicating AIDS, by raising awareness and funds. I especially love this organization because it offers a collection of colorful and elegant handmade bracelets made by women in African Countries including villagers in Namibia, women in Uganda, women in South Africa living with HIV/AIDS and local women in Nairobi, Kenya. So far, these bracelets have raised up to $9,000,000 for HIV/AIDS charities around the world.




All proceeds from the sale of these unique bracelets go towards care for HIV/AIDS orphans, hospitals, nurses, and the medical needs of local women in Africa whose lives have been severely impacted by AIDS. It also serves as a source of employment and provides a livelihood for women in these countries.
Check out more of these African art bracelets at until.org.

Source:
- UNAIDS 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic

PAUSE.

PAUSE.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only… Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening -Coco Chanel

Domestic Violence remains a tragic problem that occurs in every corner of the world. In fact, one out of three women has been abused one way or another during her lifetime. Domestic violence is an issue I am passionate about especially as it is a problem which cuts across race, age, culture, religion and education. It remains a problem that is not only of economic or human rights importance but most importantly of health.

Domestic violence is such a disconcerting issue, that it begs for something radical, something unusual… something attention-grabbing. I believe fashion can and definitely does that. Fashion and all its nuances are forever pushing boundaries and challenging the way we view things. Amnesty International’s ad campaign brings that something unusual into its campaign. It creates a strong visual using a play on words to pass across the message that domestic violence still happens.

If to an observer, the ad seems disturbing thus making one pause and want to take action, then I believe it has done its job quite well. And this I think should be the main goal in public health awareness. Even fashion designers/ the fashion industry can take a cue from this. Maybe designs, creations and collections don’t have to be disturbing per se but the thought behind it, the finished product, should make one pause for a second. I think that ‘pause’ stays with you and is what is important.

Fashion isn’t only about pretty dresses. It can reflect events that happen around us every day, it is “what is happening”, it is “the way we live”- at least it should be. Fashion can thus address and be inspired by domestic violence and not only issues like AIDS, breast cancer, heart disease etc. Fashion can be used as a tool for domestic violence public awareness and serve as a wake up call to action.

Essentially, I think the ad doesn’t just announce that domestic violence still exists, but rather, it uses the imagery to awaken you to the possibility that you just might be a part of the audience; an audience that looks on without necessarily taking action, or acknowledging the problem.

Amnesty’s responsibility goes beyond addressing domestic violence; it encompasses human rights protection around the world. Whether directly or indirectly, issues involving human rights violation have an effect on health and this is how Amnesty finds its way into Leciellarue. Issues like forced expulsions that still occur in countries around the world are also addressed in Amnesty’s ‘fashionable’ ad campaign.

Check out amnesty in your country.

Image Credit: www.amnesty.fr
Advertising Agency: TBWA/Paris, France
Creative Directors: Eric Holden, Rémi Noel
Art Director: Mohamed Bareche

Source:
-Amnesty International
-Amnesty International USA

...not just a woman's issue || Thinking Pink

...not just a woman's issue || Thinking Pink

Although the end of breast cancer awareness month gradually approaches, there is still time to do your part in the fight against breast cancer by shopping! Here are some of my favorite picks and the organizations that these designers/ products support

Designer: Jaclyn Smith
Product: the Jaclyn Smith Anniversary Collection
Being a breast cancer survivor, herself, this cause hits close to home for Jaclyn Smith. And so, for every piece purchased from her Limited Edition Apparel Collection, Kmart will make a donation to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). These pieces are easily identifiable by the pink ribbon- and range from $24.99 to $89.99

Image Credit: Wanita Indonesia

Designer: Lauren Merkin

Product: Diana Pink Studded Lambskin Bag
I absolutely love this studded leather flap front cross body bag. 50% of the proceeds of this baby pink beauty will be donated to Young Survival Coalition (YSC); a global organization dedicated to ensuring that no young woman is left to face breast cancer alone.

Company: Clinique
Product: Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
The truly dramatically different moisturizing lotion comes with a collectible key ring with a pink ribbon heart and a Clinique “C” charm for $35. It also includes a free pink ribbon pin and a bookmark with key breast health tips. For each purchase, $10 goes to BCRF

Company: Rumba Time

Look fashionable in this pink RumbaTime wristwatch while contributing to breast cancer research at the same time. The colorful rumba watch is $20 with 20% of proceeds from its sale (40% during October) being donated to BCRF

Company: Converse
Product: Chuck Taylor Pink All Star Hi-Top and Oxford
Converse is also partnering with BCRF for Breast cancer Awareness month and is donating $50,000 connected with sales of this chic and comfortable pink chucks that are currently being sold for $45

Designer: Ralph Lauren
Product: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony
For higher end items, shop Ralph Lauren Pink Pony. This year, Ralph Lauren enlisted 100 fashion bloggers to stylishly showcase their support of Pink Pony’s mission to benefit breast cancer prevention and care to medically under-served communities. 10% of all proceeds from Pink Pony benefit the Pink Pony Fund.

Image Credit: Karla's Closet

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

Estée Lauder || Thinking Pink

Estée Lauder || Thinking Pink

When it comes to breast cancer awareness, the Estée Lauder brand is one that has been actively involved in the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign since 1992. By distributing pink ribbons and informational brochures at counters in North American and around the globe, the brand works to raise awareness about breast cancer around the world. This month, Estée Lauder companies’ brands are selling Pink Ribbon products to raise funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)- a foundation dedicated to preventing and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Their exclusive Pink Ribbon collection acts as great conversation starters and will create opportunities for women around the world to share stories, encourage screening and raise awareness. Apart from raising awareness, proceeds from the sales of this elegant pink collection will raise funds of up to $500,000 which will be donated to the BCRF. Check out the Estée Lauder pink ribbon collection. Where better to wear pink than on your lips?

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In the United States alone, about 39,840 women will die of breast cancer in 2010

Source:

-The American Cancer Society

the white cashmere collection || Thinking Pink

the white cashmere collection || Thinking Pink

In support of a future without breast cancer, fifteen Canadian designers including Ines Di Santo, Paris Li, Angela Chen, and Caitlin Power took on White Cashmere Collection 2010: Fashion with Compassion. An annual awareness-raiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the White Cashmere Collection 2010 event was held to not only raise breast cancer awareness but to also raise funds for the Foundation. It featured models that strutted out in lovely couture designs made solely out of Cashmere bathroom tissue (BT) and inspired by the strength and courage of women affected by breast cancer. The spectacular BT creations ranged from hats, jewelry, swimwear and even a wedding gown.

Where do you come in? Well, participate in Cashmere’s Vote Couture for the Cure and vote for your favorite White Cashmere Collection 2010 design. For each vote placed, Cashmere will donate $1 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and $5,000 on behalf of the designer with the most votes. In addition, every voter also gets the chance to win a limited edition $150 cashmere scarf by designer, Thien Le. So go to Cashmere.ca, feast your eyes on this year’s lovely BT couture designs and vote vote vote!!!

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In Canada alone, 23,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 will die as a result of the disease in 2010

Source/ Image Credit:
-Canadian Cancer Society
-Cashmere

Thinking Pink ... globally

Thinking Pink ... globally

In 2010, 1.5 million people worldwide will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

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Although a disease thought to be exclusive to the developed world, in reality 69% of resulting deaths from the disease occur in developing countries. Affecting nearly 1 in 4 women with cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and is a leading cause of death from cancer among women globally.

Breast cancer survival rates vary worldwide with the lowest survival rates (below 40%) found in low income countries as a result of late detection programs, lack of adequate diagnosis and lack of treatment facilities.

October is breast cancer awareness month and so this month, LecielLarue will be dedicated to all things breast cancer slash fashion related! Music, tv ads, billboards and even facebook is being used as a platform to raise breast cancer awareness around the world!

Well, why not fashion?

Source:
-The American Cancer Society
-The World Health Organization
-Worldwide Breast Cancer

Fashion's Night Out || shopping for something good

Fashion's Night Out || shopping for something good

Fashion's biggest party in history is back this year! Taking place in 100 cities across the U.S and 16 countries around the world, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is a global shopping celebration dedicated to fashion and charity. The City of New York which has been the main focal point of the celebration in the past, is joined by other cities across the nation this year and will include models, celebrities, fashionistas, freebies, cocktails, along with great shopping deals to benefit various charities around the globe.

Some of them include:

♥ The New York City AIDS Fund.
This year the FNO event has an entire fun clothing line by Vogue with 40% of the proceeds of all sales going to The New York City AIDS Fund. ||
♥ Soles4Souls.
Nine West hosts Joss Stone for the FNO event and a portion of all proceeds go to Soles4Soles. Guests at the store will also have an opportunity to donate gently used shoes to Soles4Souls. ||
♥ Kids Company Charity.
Exclusive Fashion’s Night Out T-Shirts and tote bags will be on sale in a number of FNO participating stores in London with all proceeds going to the Kids Company charity ||
♥ FEED USA.
Gap launches a new limited edition line of canvas totes starting at $19.50- created in collaboration with FEED Project with $5 of every purchase going to any schools food improvement project of your choice.

These are only a few of the charities that will be benefiting from Fashion's big event. Join Fashion's global celebration on September 10, 2010 and plan a night out with friends - shopping for good in your city.

Image Credit: jakandjil

Also See:
-Fashion's Night Out T-Shirt

Vraiment Inspirant!

Vraiment Inspirant!

It brings me indescribable joy when I discover something truly inspiring. Truly inspiring in my opinion, is fashion with a message- a creative fusion of fashion and health. Truly inspiring is the amazing strapless dress, partly woven from blue recycled mosquito nets recently modeled by Kate Moss. The “mosquito-net” dress was exclusively designed by William Tempest, one of London’s hottest young designers, for the Sport Relief 2010 campaign as part of an effort to combat malaria in 2010. Though preventable and treatable, malaria accounts for a staggering number of deaths. Tempest and Moss are thus using this dress to raise awareness and sensitize the public to the magnitude of the mosquito-borne disease. In addition, they hope to help raise funds for insecticide treated nets- one of the most cost effective methods used in preventing the spread of malaria.

Image Credit: stylehunter

William Tempest isn’t the only designer making statements with malaria inspired pieces. Motivated by Malaria No More UK’s mission, Designer Markus Lupfer has also designed a netted navy cocktail dress that is up for grabs at asos.

Image Credit: asos

The designer uses this dress as an expressive medium to get the word out about the severity of malaria and also to raise funds for mosquito nets in rural Africa where a huge percentage of lives are lost as a result of the disease. Only 750 of the beautiful Lupfer netted charity dresses are up for sale. Funds from the purchase of the dress will benefit a country in Southern Africa where two thirds of its population is at risk of malaria.

Also on asos is a lovely Stephen Webster mosquito ring commissioned by the Malaria Awareness Campaign to raise awareness about malaria among UK travelers. The ring has already been spotted on Victoria Beckham. What better feeling than to know you are not only shopping for amazing pieces but also supporting a great cause in the process ;-)

Image Credit: asos

Raising health awareness and making a difference can obviously be done in truly inspiring [vraiment inspirant] ways...

Why not Fashion?

Ps: Every year there are about 250 million malaria cases and one million malaria deaths. One in every five childhood deaths is as a result of this disease. Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria. In other words, about 4 children have died due to the disease while you read this post- CRAZY! Make a difference today, get involved! Sport Relief has terrific and easy fundraising ideas if you want to be a part of making a difference in the spread of malaria.

Source:
-Sport Relief, 2010
-World Health Organization, 2009

Dying to Give Life

Dying to Give Life

Afghanistan, Niger, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Sudan, Eritrea and Equatorial Guinea- these are the world’s worst places to be a mother. In these countries, the joy of pregnancy is often accompanied by the fear of dying. The unwelcome pass of the baton, between mother and child -wherein a first breath and new life is exchanged for last breath and death, has become common place.

Every minute a woman dies in pregnancy or child birth. 99 percent of these deaths occur in developing countries.

In Niger, 1 in 7 women die in pregnancy or childbirth, with 1 in 8 dying in both Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. In comparison the risk of dying in childbirth is less than 1 in 25,000 in both Greece and Italy and less than 1 in 47,600 in Ireland. In Africa as a whole, the risk of maternal death is 1 in every 16 women whereas in Northern Europe, 1 in 4000 women risks dying from pregnancy related causes.

These statistics may be hard to relate with and might feel like just... well, numbers to you. However, this "story of Mama Sessay: one woman's journey from pregnancy to death" might make it more real for you. It is one out of thousands of heartbreaking untold stories; where the lack of simple and basic services could cost a mother her life.

Enter the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood.

The White Ribbon Alliance is a global effort of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations (UN) agencies, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to raise awareness of the need to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns in developed as well as developing countries. Two fashion models working in collaboration with the White Ribbon Alliance are using fashion as a vehicle for change in the area of maternal mortality.

Ai

Image Credit: Zimbio

“MODE for Charity 2010 – babies and mothers” was a White Ribbon charity event and fashion show headed by its Japanese ambassador and international model – Ai Tominaga. Featuring clothes by Japanese fashion designers, the show and event aimed to raise awareness in Japan on maternal mortality issues affecting developing countries and advocate funding for maternal health projects in Zambia where maternal mortality is among one of the highest in Africa.

Image Credit: Zimbio

Naomi

Image Credit: hipcandy

Global Ambassador to the White Ribbon alliance, Naomi Campbell is a model who uses her high profile in fashion as a vehicle for change especially in the area of maternal mortality. She has been involved with a number of projects to support the White Ribbon Alliance notably her “Fashion for Relief” charity fashion show. This year, Fashion for Relief Haiti was held to raise funds for mothers and babies in Haiti. Her other White Ribbon Alliance projects include teaming up with Louis Vuitton to select a Spring/ Summer bag that would have a portion of its proceeds given to the White Ribbon. Last Year, a beautiful Khaki metallic striped bag was chosen to be sold this year to benefit the Alliance.

Image Credit: thatsafabuloushandbag

Why not Fashion?

Source:
-State of the World's Mothers 2010: Save the Children
-The White Ribbon Alliance

Be a part of making a difference -> the whiteribbonalliance

the Broken but not Forgotten City

the Broken but not Forgotten City

My family moved to Jos, Nigeria when I was 11 years old. I remember looking out the car window from the back seat as we drove into the city, full of expectation and wondering what the city had in store for me. Driving past the backdrop of hills, the city looked so calm, peaceful and oozed serenity. 13 years later, it saddens me to think about the killings, the massacre, the loss and the sorrow that has become associated with the beautiful city. It is almost impossible to believe that the same city which holds a dear place in my heart; full of amazing childhood memories, has become a city where families have been violently torn apart and wrecked with grief. Currently, more than 500 people- mainly women and children- have been killed in the massacre that occurred in March. I constantly think about and pray for the survivors and victims of the violence that occurred. This is why it gladdened me to hear about Fashion for Jos, a charity event under Fashion for the Nations- which took place in May 2010 to help those dealing with the aftermath of the killings.

Organised by Estella Ogbona of Estella Couture, Fashion for Jos was not only a fund raising event for the victims but aimed to create awareness about genocide in Jos and Nigeria. It showcased beautiful designs made with Ankara fabric and pieces from fashion houses and designers such as Studio D-Maxsi, Asisat Edu, Editalo designs, Siasylmons Fashion, Shakara Boutique, and of course Estella Couture.

Photos by Sagat Studios

Image Credit: Sagat Studios

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With the poor health system in most African countries, more African designers need to take the approach that 'Fashion for the Nations' is taking. They need to blend Africa’s unique culture with fashion to raise funds for and awareness about the serious health issues in the continent.

Why not Fashion?

|You can also find Fashion for the Nations on Facebook!|
Source:
-NYTimes

Condom Couture

Condom Couture

Globally, 33.4 million adults (aged 15 and older) and 2.1 million children (under 15) were living with HIV/AIDS, as at the end of 2008. About 2.7 million people were newly infected. 67% of people living with HIV worldwide reside in Sub- Saharan Africa. For every 2 people starting HIV treatment, 5 become infected with the virus. More than 2 million deaths in 2008 were due to AIDS
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Her magnificent dresses are made completely of expired or defective condoms, rejected by industry quality tests. Inspired by HIV positive children she met while volunteering at GAPA- an HIV prevention group, this ingenious Brazilian designer realized she could use fashion for AIDS awareness and has been doing just that for about 13 years. She is none other than Adriana Bertini. Adriana Bertini designs innovative creations of colorful, beautiful and vibrant outfits. They are not meant to be worn but rather to raise awareness and promote the use of condoms as an important means to prevent HIV transmission. Her designs have shown up all over the world on fashion shows, at international AIDS conferences and as museum exhibits. This designer is making a difference. Already she has been able use her artistic designs to encourage parents to talk about sexuality with their children. In addition, all proceeds from the sales of her dresses go directly to HIV prevention and awareness organizations.

Adriana Bertini

Image Credit: Adriana Bertini

Image Credit: nogoodforme

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Designing a wedding gown out of 2000 condom wrappers, Project Runway’s Jack Mackenroth is another person using condom- inspired couture to raise awareness about AIDS/HIV. As an HIV positive designer, he uses fashion as a medium to promote safe sex. His signature piece was featured at a fashion show organized by Project Inform- a nonprofit AIDS/HIV advocacy organization.Sketch of the wedding dress designed by Jack Mackenroth (Photo: Jack Mackenroth)

Image Credit: Condomunity

Jack Mackenroth

Jack Mackenroth Wedding Dress

Image Credit: Jack Mackenroth

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In July 2007, to get people to start talking about sex in China, a show was held at the Fourth China Reproductive Health New Technologies and Products Expo. Organized by China's largest condom manufacturer, Guilin Latex Factory, the show aimed to promote the use of condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The condom-inspired outfits were designed by students of Beijing Garment College in collaboration with Guilin Latex Condom Factory workers.

Beijing Fashion Show

Image Credit: BestPicStuff

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Ok, so I admit, these are probably a lil' bit much. But still, they get the message across and hold your attention- they are unforgettable. These are perfect examples of fashion being utilized as a tool for safe sex awareness. If the media, billboards, and pamphlets are being used to promote health awareness, well, why not fashion?

Source:
-UNAIDS 2009 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic
-UNAIDS- Brazilian Designer: condoms, basic as jeans, necessary as love

A Different Kind of Couture

A Different Kind of Couture

Just recently, I was browsing through 2009/10’s haute couture collections and was appalled by some of the outrageously bizarre couture pieces that consistently made it onto runways. One wonders who the designers muse was. It doesn't take much imagination to conjure up scenes from horror movies with some of the pieces- Seriously! Couture on fashion runways tend to be decidedly weird. Ever so often however, inspiration seems to find its way through. Only then, is beautiful couture made.

Food Inspired Fashion



(Photos by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada’s fall 2009 collection from Milan Fashion week
Image Credit: Coutorture

Lego Inspired Fashion
French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac introduces Lego to the high fashion world with Lego inspired hats and glasses made from real Lego bricks





(Photos by Photo Agency)

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Spring/Summer 2009 collection, Paris Fashion Week
Image Credit: Zimbio

Columbia Bio-fashion week 2009


(REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga)

Colombian designer Nataly Jojoa, 2009 Biofashion week
Image Credit: (REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga)

Music Inspired Fashion

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Fall 2009 collection
Image Credit: Coutorture

Pac-Man Inspired Fashion
Designer Giles Deacon brought in Pac-man fashion to Milan with Pacman-inspired head gears/ helmets






Photo by Marcio Madeira. See style for more

Giles Deacon’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection
Image Credit: TrendLand

Though unusual, these are beautiful pieces! They capture the essence of fashion. They make you see differently. They stick in your head.

This is where health comes in.

If couture can be inspired by leaves/ trees, Lego bricks, food and even Midway’s Pac-man video game, then why not health? The state of both global and domestic health is quite alarming particularly in the area of women’s health. What better way to raise awareness than through health-inspired couture? In my opinion, when creativity and art can be channeled effectively into fashion, powerful health messages can be created. It provides an opportunity for consumers, to find out about a health issue, get interested in it, take measures to protect themselves from a poor health outcome or decide to be part of making a difference.

With couture, half the time, the question people ask is “where in the world would you wear these things??” With health-inspired couture however, this question can be answered- it is a different kind of couture-one with a message. It aims to jolt the senses, to get the word out, to get people to start talking and to force people to take positive action.

Why not Fashion?