Compassion will always be in style. That’s why in an effort to lend a helping hand to Haiti, several retailers have donated proceeds of their sales and designed special edition Haiti-inspired pieces. Here is a list of brands that are dedicating their efforts, time and monies to Haiti earthquake relief. From a Ralph Lauren Haiti Relief Polo shirt to a Unique Vintage umbrella, these pieces will make you look and feel good all at the same time.
1-Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has joined forces with the United Way to create the Haiti Relief Polo Shirt. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Haiti Relief Polo Shirt will be donated to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund, an organization that is providing aid to the traumatized nation. Shop Ralph Lauren.
2-The CFDA
The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) designers have created a $25 “Fashion for Haiti” Men’s and Women’s T-shirt, which benefits the Clinton Bush Haiti fund. “The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, CFDA president. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.” The shirt will be manufactured by Theory. Shop CFDA and the following retailers starting February 12: Carolina Herrera, Devi Kroell, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan International, Elie Tahari, Foley + Corinna, Generra, Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix, Manolo Blahnik, Nanette Lepore, Ralphlauren.com, Rugby.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Scoop, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk and Zero + Maria Cornejo.
3–Alexis Bittar
Alexis Bittar donated 100 percent of sales from the online store to Haiti relief last week, from Monday, January 18th to Friday, January 22nd. The proceeds were donated to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti Relief, which gives 93% of its donations directly to the cause.
4-Diesel
Renzo Rosso (the founder and president of Diesel clothing) donated $250,000 to Yele Haiti, the foundation started by Grammy-award winning musician Wyclef Jean. Renzo says, “I was deeply moved by the horrible tragedy in Haiti. I wanted to do something for the people and support the important work that Wyclef and his foundation have done and are doing for the island nation.”
That’s not all. Rosso’s heart has always been with helping the disadvantaged and that’s why he founded the Only the Brave Foundation in 2008, a non-profit aimed to empower and mobilize youth to end poverty. His donation to Yele Haiti will add up to another pledge to start an Only The Brave/ Yéle Haiti music studio in Cité Soleil, with the goal to use music and video production as a tool for social development.
5-Tracy Reese
Accomplished designer, Tracy Reese, was so deeply touched and moved by the human response to the Haiti crisis that she donated 10% of all the proceeds from the Tracy Reese boutique in Manhattan to American Red Cross during the weekend of January 15th. You can still make a donation directly to the American Red Cross here.
6-Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Collection
Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Collection is donating 100% of all the proceeds from the Fame Leggings by 6126 to Save the Children, an organization that is conducting emergency relief distributions in Haiti on a daily basis. The Fame legging comes in Metallic silver and retails for $90 but is $65 for a limited time only. Shop 6126 Collection.
“It is truly horrible what has happened to the people and children in Haiti,” said Lindsay Lohan. “I believe every company should do their part to help by donating what they can. Please help us do our part for the Children of Haiti by purchasing this 6126 legging.”
7-Bond No. 9
From January 14th until February 14th, 10% of the proceeds of the sale of Bond No.9’s Scent of Peace will go to the American Red Cross to assist Haitian communities impacted by the earthquake and provide immediate relief. Shop Bond No.9. Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace is also available in one of four NYC Bond No. 9 stores and Saks Fifth Avenue.
8-Studio Number One
Studio Number One (founded by Shepard Fairey) designed a special edition t-shirt to support relief in Haiti. 100% of the $15 retail price will be donated to the U.S. Fund for Unicef. Shop Café Press.
9-Unique Vintage
Unique Vintage is donating 20% of sales from their uberchic umbrella collection to the American Red Cross from now until the end of January. The umbrellas are $25 each. Shop Unique Vintage.
10-Play Cloths
In an effort to help Haiti, Play Cloths has redesigned their popular Jack T-Shirt with the Haitian flag. The shirt retails for $38 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Wyclef Jean’s organization, Yele, which is providing immediate relief to devastated Haitian communities. Shop Street Level.
Since the 1980s, Edward Beiner has created eyewear coveted by some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities from Jennifer Lopez and Heidi Klum to Alicia Keys and Lindsay Lohan. Beiner creates both regular and prescription shades, constantly offering something new and timeless to his famous clientele. The sunnies are classic yet possess a “cool” vibe that has everyone raving. The stylish shades are a hit among those fortunate enough to live in sunny South Florida, where the designer has seven locations.
Beiner knows that great sunglasses can’t just be chic, they also have to be practical and useful. He uses Eye Point Technology which stimulates the human eye and recreates perfect vision, meaning that only the most technologically-advanced lenses are used in his products.
Living in Miami, Beiner draws inspiration from the sunny skies that frequent Florida. Being a Brazilian native, the sun is no stranger to the designer. In a time when people were solely wearing sunglasses for corrective reasons, Beiner capitalized on their accessorizing capabilities and made his glasses fashion staples. The designer works with only the most skilled factories and artisans and the best materials in creating his dramatic, yet totally wearable eyewear. Upon looking at the collection, you can immediately draw in the Miami Art Deco lifestyle paired with classic elegance.
In a rough economy, Beiner’s collection is consistently growing, thanks to his true passion and niche in the eyewear industry. His stores offer his own collection alongside the likes of Chanel, Chrome Hearts and Cartier. It may still be winter, but Edward Beiner is making us long for the summer sun.
To shop and learn more, visit Edward Beiner.
How many of us can boast that the origins of our handbag collection stem from having nothing to carry to a BBQ? Not many of us for sure—but that is the story of Stef Hammitt—a formal model who launched her line in 2003 and never looked back. Or more precisely, never had to worry what to being to another BBQ ever again.
Hammitt discovered her passion for fashion when she designed a clutch for that infamous BBQ, which has mushroomed into a collection that includes a variety of colors, shapes and sizes from totes, cross body slings to clutches.
Hammitt applies leathers and suede imported from Italy and each hide is hand-dyed in an organic vegetable dye. This process allows the rich color to run all the way through each piece. The bags are finished with Swiss-made zippers and 24-karat gold plated hardware.
Us POSHGLAM gals adore her spring 2010 collection that’s all about orange and gold detailing, and find it all too cute that she names the pieces after destinations in L.A. like LAX, Brentwood and Getty (the museum, that is). Celebs who take to the street in Hammitt include Angelina Jolie, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Kelly Ripa, to name a few. Brentwood and Westwood styles are $485, Melrose style $395, Getty wristlet $150. For more information and where to buy Hammitt go here.