As the concept of social entrepreneurship becomes more prevalent in fashion we present you El Naturalista , an eco- footwear brand makes environmentally  friendly footwear , while their   Atauchi project develops and implements educational and socioal programs in various communities in Peru via neo2. Check out more styles on the next page.

Using  natural rubber from Liberia and leather  from Ethiopia  Oliberté presents itself as the first sneaker brand from Africa. The silhouettes are sleek,  minimal with enough stiching detail to make them interesting. Grounded in providing fair wages and labor conditions Oliberté  exemplifies manufacturing  kicks with a conscience. A closer look at the styles on the next page. 

With a definite love of all things fashion designer/stylist Kit Scarbo launches her capsule collection with Etnies featuring  her message of female empowerment,( which we luv!) fun and creativity. On the clip above Kit shares her inspiration while on the next page you get a closer look at some of the pieces of the collection. To purchase go here.

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.

Songstress Mary J. Blige collaborates with one of my faves , Catherine Malandrino on a line of  tees  with empowerment messages dedicated to the Organisation Blige founded in 2008, the   Foundation For the Achievement  of Women Now  ( FFAWN). Launching  February 17, 2010 at the 350- square- foot Malandrino concept shop inside Bloomingdales. More details via wwd.

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.

Allumer, has launched a range of exclusive designs in support of the national children’s charity, Jeans for Genes. Designer Natasha Leith-Smith created two unique 9ct yellow gold and 9ct white gold special pieces which remind the wearer of the charity and its aims.

 Jeans for Genes raises money for the care and support of children with genetic disorders, and research into the causes of and these conditions and potential treatments. Also take a peek of her latest pieces on the next page. Jeans for Genes piece(above) is available at Allumer and Kabiri.

In this special collaboration with Afghan Hands, A Peace Treaty assists women in need, as a result of conflict and economic desolation .The women participate in educational programs and training, as well as produce exquisitely hand-embroidered accessories.

Through the Afghan Hands project , 200 women and their children are enabled to gain security, independence, literacy, and livable wages throughout Kabul and Jalalabad. The pictures do not do justice to the amount of precision and detail these pieces exemplify. It’s like wearing art.The scarves bear the name of the women who made the. A closer  look at Sozan Doz by  A peace Treaty on the next page.

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.

As we are all overwhelmed by the magnitude of loss and destruction currently In Haiti, Fashion label Operations NY, is hosting a fundraiser Saturday January 16, 2010 from 7-12 am at their store located on  60 Mercer Street (Corner of Broome). Funds collected at the door will be donated entirely to support humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Barbossa, Omni Wines, Prometheus Springs,  Frank Catering, One Way One Bright Pass, Dj Tabu ,  Lucky Strike,  Organicoa, Good Sense & Co. , & The many more who have generously donated their time and resources to make this happen on such a short notice. This will also be a time to gather resources, brainstorm and see what we can do to help out and participate contact dio@operationsny.com.

Donations can also be  made via:

 American Red Cross simply to text “Haiti” to 90999 and give $10 to the American Red Cross.  The donation will be tacked on to your cell phone bill .

 Text “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti, an organization started by Wyclef Jean to provide humanitarian aid to Haiti.

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