#Unselfie Style - #GivingTuesday

It’s the morning after  Cyber-Monday.  I thought I would take a break from the holiday shopping and gift guide planning to focus on giving.  The #Unselfie and #GivingTuesday campaign is a social media initiative most active on Instagram to take away from your own narcissism and instead raise awareness of a cause that is important to you.  The point is to post a photo with information on your cause instead while obscuring your own face.

The project was launched with the 92nd Street Y, Mashable, the United Nations Foundation and over 2,000 partners, big and small, across America.  Do you have a charity that you regularly donate to?  What about an organization that you volunteer for?  This is the perfect opportunity to give them a shout-out.

I can’t say I am particularly loyal to one specific cause.  I have volunteered my time over the years for DIFFA, Fashion Fights Cancer and many seasons with the CanadianCancer Society.  I am happy to give blog space to promote pretty much any good cause one of my fashion industry peeps are passionate about.

The general public has an image of the fashion industry as a vain and shallow community, but in my 20 years in it, I have found it to be the exact opposite.  I can’t name any prominent fashion brand or designer who doesn't devote a good percentage of time and resources to a great cause. 

To name a few:

Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush have worked together for F.E.E.D.

Betsey Johnson is a huge advocate for Breast Cancer Awarness with programs for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, Iris Cantor Center, Pink Ribbon products, etc.

Donna Karan founded the Urban Zen Organization to provide comfort and wellness where the health care industry fails, but also to preserve and support diverse cultures.

Josie Natori was in her native Philippines right after Typhoon Haiyan hit.  She rallied a large number of fashion brands to donate aid to the country and has channeled visitors to her site to organizations that provide the most help to the victims of the tragedy.

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Fashion Fights Cancer - Global Fashion Fight

Some of NYC's top beautiful people were at Central Park West last night to raise money for Fashion Fights Cancer's Global Fashion Fight. Supermodel Claudia Mason and a few pageant queens graced the event, along with designers and other glitterati. The organization, founded by exec Ty Canty serves to nurture cancer patients through fashion and design in addition to raising funds to cancer research.  

The benefit evening included a wine reception and designer sample sale to benefit the cause.  The venue was a gallery exhibit of gorgeous fashion photographs by Chayo Mato.  The subjects were fierce, style personalities who have been touched by different forms of cancer.   I was particularly touched seeing people I have known and worked with in the photographs, like designer Carmen Marc Valvo.  It served to remind me once again, how often, how directly it affects everyone's lives.  

To volunteer or donate, follow through here.

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Tracy Reese - Fashion Fights Cancer

How meaningful can a handbag be? I learned the answer to that at an event given by Fashion Fights Cancer.  Designer Tracy Reese led a design and therapy session for cancer patients to personalize a tote bag.  The multi-week workshop was held at the designer's studio.  She and her team opened up their facilities to demonstrate dying techniques, embellishments and her library of inspiration books for the participants.  The group started with sketching on the first workshop, then got to explore all different skills for the next classes for their finished bag.

This class was one of a series organized by Ty Canty, founder of Fashion Fights Cancer.  Previous workshops were led by Byron Lars and another coming up with Jason Wu.  The non-profit will host a fundraising gala this September to provides services to survivors and those suffering from cancer.

To donate or volunteer your own stylish skills, learn more here.

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Fashion Fights Cancer with Byron Lars

An intimate event took place last week at Midtown Manhattan’s Audi Forum.  Fashion Fights Cancer president, Ty Canty and superstar designer Byron Lars presented a special group of ladies and their creations to the world.

The non-profit organization brings together the fashion community to raise awareness and funds to battle cancer. The project brought together Byron Lars and cancer patients Frances Ricks, Muriel Asnis, Barbara Moskowitz, Peggy Siegel and Carmen Diaz to create hand painted scarves under the mentorship of the designer. 

Some women were seasoned artists; some found a surprising new outlet for creative expression.  Muriel Asnis was already a jewelry designer and donated some of her work to a fundraising auction for the organization.

 The ladies modeled their silk scarves on top of Byron Lars’ blouses.  As gorgeous as the designer’s pieces were, nothing looked as beautiful on these women as their smiles of accomplishment.
Cupcakes and champagne were served.  Guests also went home with gift bags of Godiva chocolates and Mizani hair products.
Future events include designers Tracy Reese and Jason Wu.  To donate or get involved, please visit Fashion Fights Cancer on the web. 

photos by Mariana Leung

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Fashion Fights Cancer

Last week at the Audi Forum, non-profit organization Fashion Fights Cancer hosted a super-chic event.  The soiree included top designers Tadashi Shoji, Byron Lars, Lotusgrace and Thuy along with others who donated items for the sample sale.  Cocktails flowed, guests nibbled on Pop Chips and sweets.  Plenty of models were on hand to sell and pose in the garments.
Host Suzy Malick and other speakers spoke passionately about the cause as well as cancer survivor stories. While having a good time, they also shed light on the higher purpose of the stylish soiree. Proceeds from this event will benefit the I’m Too Young for This Cancer Foundation and The Cancer Research Institute. 

Photos by Mariana L 

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