Text/Images of Designers For Darfur Benefit by J. Ecochard
The fashion and cosmetic industries have always been about the latest trends, the hottest supermodels, the must have handbags, the ne plus ultra gowns worn by an “it” celebrities…and just about everything else devoted to outer appearances. Yet, the glamorous sides of these companies have always had other more altruistic angles…namely, the enormous amount of money and time donated to worthy charities that have positive global impact.
Recently we spent some time at two local hotspots that kindly donated their spaces for worthy causes. In Miami’s trendy South Beach, the always jammed Shore Club hosted a reception/silent auction for Charity:Water . Founded by former event planner Scott Harrison, this non-profit organization builds safe, clean water and basic sanitation systems in impoverished communities. Having spent time in environments where a child’s entire day is spent securing water …instead of attending school, we know that a functioning village well can truly be a life changing necessity.
The red hot Socialista in NYC similarly opened its swank retro-Cuban lounge for the New York Coalition For Darfur . Several celebs like Don Cheadle and George Clooney, and organizations like Designers for Darfur… have done way more than just lend their names to educate the public about this ongoing tragedy and to secure funds earmarked for food and medical relief desperately needed by Sudanese refugees. It is incredulous that so soon after the horrors of nearby Rwanda, that another African genocide is currently occurring. A twist for those in the fashion industry is that China is Sudan’s largest foreign investor and trade partner (think oil), the largest provider of weapons and chief diplomatic sponsor preventing UN deployment of protective forces.
To get the attendees talking, Sagatiba Pura Cachaca Rum from Brazil was generously flowing. Our favorite touch was the DJ Josh Link who's motto "if you can't dance to this, you ain't got no business having feet" is spot-on!!!