Living in NYC one cannot ignore the fact that  urban  gun violence sadly is alive and well. Instead of spending their energy on fear  and contempt Ken & Dana design created a jewellery  collection under their B-Side label using “this instrument that represents violence and re-frame it as symbols of non-violence.” The jewellery collection is  supported by a gun buyback fundraiser event. On the next page a closer look at the arresting collection and the supporting event.

Back in November we gave you a glimpse at the collaboraton between  Jean Paul Gaultier and Melissa. This week racked gives  us a  second look at the fab 10 cm high strappy sandals made of recycled plastic. Launching in June 2010. Cannot wait!

Another Snobette fave, Studio Number One’s Cleon Peterson, Casey Ryder and Shepard Fairey created an iconic Haiti image from a photograph by Tao Ruspoli , who was able the capture the endless sense of wonder and hope in the eyes of children, who some might say have no reason to smile. The challenging beauty is that the children of Haiti still do…  View the original piece here. The profits generated from the sale of this product go directly to the Haiti relief effort lead by Artist for Peace and Justice. More styles on the next page. Available for  preorder men’s and women’s on 8ospurple.

Not a fan of holidays in general, but Valentine’s Day takes the cake for dislike levels. So I’m ignoring that our beloved Toofly is promoting her heart necklace as a Valentine’s Day item. She re-colored last year’s silver and gold version in red and black and they are priced at a very affordable $30. Toofly will be donating $1 from each purchase to Yele to help Haiti rebuild.

Designed in the wake of the horrific earthquake in Haiti as a way  to take part in the relief efforts.  Ken&Dana Design created the PUB.L. 89-236 Necklace as part of their Rights collection . Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This Public Law (PUB.L.) abolished the national-origin quotas that had been in place in the United States since the Immigration Act of 1924.Relief Org Red Cross.Donation $30. Available here.A detailed view on the next page.

Made in a fair trade facility in Guatemala, Osborn Design Studio  creates the simplest statement making shoes. Oxfords or booties in various materials that definitely stand apart from the crowd. View more styles  here.

On this day of giving thanks we bring you Randi Obenauer’s collection of recycled  leather handbags, Ora   who in its own way makes our world a little bit better bi re-using leather that would other wise be discarded. An added benefit is that since the leather is found , each bag  is in its  own way unique and totally exclusive. On the next page a closer look at my fave pieces from Ora handbags.Available here.

One of the coolest factors of the NYC retail scene is that the dynamic turn around of locations  and spaces allows for vacant store fronts that can be occupied by young exciting brands like NAU. Their pop-up store opened in Soho , NYC   last week with  a great assortment of apparel from their Autumn/Winter “09 collection as well as items from Timberland, Freitag and Horny Toad. The space just like the label  aims to be eco-friendly by re-purposing cardboard and wood while a portion of the proceeds go to various not for profit organizations. On the next page a  closer at what that caught our eye.

Using conceptual prints Samia Malik created The  Ihtgw  ( I have to go Work)Spring/Summer 2010  as a statement on”urban structures, everyday life, propaganda, music and use of cheap labour within the fashion industry. ” The  unisex streetwear line has won me over as it opens the door not just to  a dialogue about vital issues and  topics  but,   also  to the possibility and necessity for this generation  to create its own  new symbols  and prints that hopefully will in turn become universal. On the next page a closer look at Samia Malik Ihtgw Spring/Summer 2010.

Edun has partnered with Dazed& Confused on a capsule collection of tees and dresses where a portion of the proceeds go to War Child . An organisation dedicated to helping children in War torn areas of the world, not only by providing safety  from the obvious violence but mostly providing mental  rehabilitation from the internal scars  that are  often overlooked when considering the affects of war. A closer look on the next page.