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?

Fashion is… what is happening.

Fashion is… what is happening.

Currently scleroderma affects more than 14 million people globally. For every one man with scleroderma, four women are affected. Although a disease that is mostly unheard of by many people, fashion can be a gateway to awareness…

For more information visit the Scleroderma Foundation

Why Not Fashion?

Why Not Fashion?

Walking down the ever busy streets of Michigan Avenue one foggy morning, it suddenly struck me how despite the gloomy weather, Chicago’s women still dressed as sophisticated and as chic as ever. Deep in thought, something caught my eye- a pair of unique red stiletto pumps briskly walking towards me. Intrigued and mildly filled with want, I looked up at this beautiful mid-thirties woman and blurted out “oh wow, I love your shoes!” She looked back at me in surprise, smiled and said “Thanks! Its rock the red pump!” and disappeared into the crowd. Being the inquisitive person I am, I immediately Googled “rock the red pump" as soon as I got home. And there it was- an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign for women and girls! …and I thought to myself, “Well, why not fashion?”

The world of fashion is emerging as a medium for public health awareness. Utilizing the “voice” of fashion, awareness campaigns such as The Heart Truth (which uses the red dress as a symbol to build heart disease awareness among women) and “Rock the Red Pump” (which raises awareness about HIV/ AIDS among women and girls) have been a huge success.

Health messages are being infused into the psyche of women via fashion shows, runways and clothing designs. The permeation of health into the fashion world is however painfully slow despite the fact that the fashion industry is proving itself to be quite an effective medium in raising awareness about women’s health issues.

As an industry that captures a wide range of female audiences, fashion can be a gateway to improving health for women. By utilizing fashion in ingenious and unconventional ways, it can be an effective tool to alert women to health issues that affect them while informing them on actions to take to lower risks.

Fashion designers can raise awareness about women health causes they are passionate about by designing and creating health inspired fashion lines with pieces, clothing, distinct colors, accessories (including hats, belts, shoes etc) and beauty products. These can have add-on health messages or come with information on additional health resources. Popular clutch designer Lauren Merkin, for instance, designs a special pink item every year from her collection to support breast cancer awareness and issues. Celebrities and famous role models are possible frontiers for using fashion to address health. By donning health-messaged designs and pieces, they can help in raising awareness about important women health issues including breast cancer, heart disease, cervical cancer, HPV, HIV/AIDS, stroke and even promote healthy prenatal behaviors. In addition, fashion magazines and media geared towards women can do a better job of providing appropriate health-related articles targeting the greatest mortality risks faced by the women who make up their readership. Studies suggest that women’s magazines may be encouraging women to focus on aspects of health that will not improve overall health or reduce risks. A conscious effort to use fashion to address health will however ensure that the most important health issues are tackled.

Fashion is a part of most women’s lives in some way or the other. To improve health for women therefore, fashion magazine editors, designers, celebrities, role models, working professionals and women health activists will have to figure out tasteful ways to use this medium to promote and raise awareness about women’s health issues.

When fashion and health can effectively work hand in hand, symbols that have been created and linked to health can then have a “voice”. So that when women see a beautiful red dress, they think –“what can I do today to protect my heart health?” A pair of red pumps- “HIV rates among women my age is rising, what can I do? Who do I tell?” A cute hair band with a pink bow they’ll think –“what can I do to lower my risk for breast cancer?” Or when a favorite fashionista or role model wears a health-inspired design they can begin to think of ways they can also be a part of the global movement against poor health outcomes.

If we are concerned about improving the overall health of women, addressing health from a platform that most women identify with, needs to be considered. Well, why not fashion?

Image Credit: mendoza

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