A BENEFIT AT CARAVAN, NYC
June 3rd, 128 East 91st Street, Upper East Side
Text, Images by Judith Ecochard and Keep A Child Alive
A couple of years ago, music industry veteran Leigh Blake used royalties form her Red Hot & Blue fundraiser to start Keep A Child Alive-an organization that’s an “urgent response to the AIDS epidemic ravaging Africa.”
Since then, ambassadors Alicia Keys, Iman and Jessica Alba have tirelessly added some celeb pizzazz to raise awareness and bucks for this non-profit that uses a 100% of its monthly or “life” donations to directly support medical care, transportation needs, nutrition, and testing at 14 clinics and orphan sites in 7 developing countries.
Think PR’s team often provides media clout for worthy charities. We’re always keen on giving these non-profits coverage-because even in a sour western economy- any funds raised goes a long way.
And they mean it.
We dipped into the leafy courtyard of Caravan, a ‘by appointment only’ bricks and mortar version of the roving boutique jammed with cult labels…for a fundraiser that had guests decorating tees at custom paint stations provided by the high end design outfitter, Bobi. All proceeds from the shirt sales went to Keep A Child Alive.
Cool.
While there we got some face time with two congenial clothing reps that gave us the back-story on this LA based label.
In its second year of production, Bobi, designed by Kara Lusardi, comprises comfy jersey cotton separates and dresses of the highest quality that retail at upscale boutiques like Fred Segal, Big Drop etc.
Bobi produces 80-90 new pieces a season (that’s a lot!!!) and for Fall has gently gathered tops, tunics, and striped, draped dresses in very deep rich jewel tones that play into “Roman-gladiator, medieval themes.”
While we get the concept (hello Balneciaga)---these pieces are actually very easy to wear. We can see why a large international clientele has scooped Bobi up for their wardrobes.
We also got a chance to chat with Liz Gilbert- the leading light behind the African based Shompole jewelry line.
We’re drawn to the modern edges of the bold, eye-catching pieces made from gold (18k), bone (cow), Yemenite coral and other found materials- all hand crafted by African artisans into fetching necklaces, rings and bracelets.
“This is not a charity,” Ms. Gilbert notes, “… I wanted to create a luxury business that gives them (African artists) resources to work with…and help translate African styles for western tastes.”
Founded with her fiancée Anthony Russel who also runs the eco-tourist high end camp Shompole in a western Kenyan National park, Ms. Gilbert adds that the jewelers she reps are “self-employed people and charge what they want.”
“It’s a bit like a partnership.”
With Dignity and Respect all the way...