Just in from Nau, the Grant for Change ( G4C)  highlighting efforts of those who move in the spirit of the Nau Collective:  Athletes, Artists, and Activists challenging assumptions about what it means to move, be moved, and move others.

Design as a tool for positive change applies to many sectors. Examples include but are not limited to: architecture, energy, graphic Design + multimedia communication, performance, product + industrial design, transportation, urban planning and visual arts.

If you think this grant’s for you, you can nominate yourself. If it suits a colleague or a friend, you can nominate them, too (and nominate as many as you’d like). And if you simply can’t decide, then skip the nomination, and just vote. Have a look at the other nominees. See what designers are doing across the country, or in your own backyard. For more info go here.

We’ve been fans of  MIA in these parts way before she hit it big  and became  in her own way a fashion icon. Compelled by the comment of one of our readers, we’re featuring her latest video” Born Free”. Definitely not a dance tune. War and violence are serious occurences that for many of us are distant far away occurences but for others your truly included  are more than ever close to home.The reality of fashion trends illustrate that we  all have different views and opinions and reaction on pretty much every thing . These images I’m sure were meant to provoke. Knowing MIA that is probably the intent…

Actually this cover  by photogrpaher Mario Epanya’s is his  vision for what does not yet exist.  A Vogue Africa. All I have to say is why not ? If we can have Vogue Nippon, India, Australia. Africa with its rich diversity of countries  only makes sense. More of Epanya’s covers  on the next page. Conde Nast what is the deal? via dredcarlo.

 I just had to share  that all of A Peace Treaty’s  scarves are now reduced. The Siachen ( above)  is perfect to carry around for the cooler spring nights. Their handwoven cashmere  is so soft and lightweight you’ll  end up like me rocking yours  everyday . Available here.

NAU’s Shroud of Purrin has all the features you need in  multi- purpose outerwear. Incredibly lightweight, sleek design , double zippers, wind and water resistant. The trench is  warm enough for a brisk winter day but also light enough for this Fall/ Spring weather we’re  having  lately. Made of recycled polyester, you can toss in the wash with no worries. Needless to say I’m still roking mine. Available at Nau. More images on the next page.

 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.