Keeping with our new years resolution to change the world through fashion, we are launch Designers for Humanity, a foundation to connect independent and mainstream designers to the ever growing needs of the global community. Last year Fashion Indie showed it’s support by engaging 70% of our programs with charitable organizations such as Designers for Darfur, Fashion Delivers, Action Against Hunger. This year we plan to step up our game by committing to All for Africa, an organization which has already made big changes in the country of Africa in sustainable infrastructure development and assistance to those who are impoverished. Our big goal for 2008 is to engage the (RED) campaign, an organization which has up till now has only worked with larger retailers like GAP and Armani.

If you would like to be involved with Designers for Humanity, please click here to register.

If you would like to contribute to Designers for Humanity, email busie@fashionindie.com for details.

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You know that feeling you get when you do some good for the world. That little bit of weight that is lifted as you contribute to the solutions which make you a part of the global community. If you don’t then get out your wallet and feel a little bit of that now. Designers for Darfur have just launched a Limited Edition tee shirt, designed by designer Malcolm Harris of Mal Sirrah, to help themselves support the continued efforts to Save Darfur.  Not only are the tees helping the charity, they are “billboards which announce to the world-at-large that we are all united in bringin the genocide currently taking place in Darfur to an end”, says Malcolm Harris, Designers for Darfur founder. You can find the tees for $24.99 at DesignersforDarfur.org.

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It’s a loft goal yes, but one we think we can get rolling.

In Spring 2008 we will begin mobilizing a giant initiative throughout the independent fashion world. The goal will be to make serious changes in the world through fashion. Fashion Indie is known for it’s charitable contributions. We have connected designers and donated time and resources to charities such as Action Against Hunger, Face Aids, Fashion Delivers, All for Africa, The MacDella Cooper Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, and Designers for Darfur. This year we plan to combine our efforts with other major organizations to form Designers for Humanity, an umbrella group which will develop programs and establish connections between designers and charitable organizations and causes working towards the following goals; Environmental Health (Global Warming, Deforestation, Blue Oceans & Skies) , Global Poverty, AIDS Initiatives, and Womens Equality and Health.
It is our way of encouraging change and making fashion rise to the needs of others.
In the next couple of weeks we will have more information on how to be involved as well as initiatives which you can support and be a part of.

Thanks for giving us the power to carry out this initiative.

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Last night at Socialista, 505 West Street, the fashion community came together to celebrate the release of Don Cheadle’s “Darfur Now”, a powerful documentary that sheds light on the tragedies that have ravaged the Sudan. The film follows the stories of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world to show the actions that one person can make to change the lives of millions. Undoubtedly a powerful wake-up call for those who still haven’t taken actions in their lives to bring about positive change.

At last nights party, local New York fashionistas were in full swing, making their presence and voices heard. Miss J. Alexander socialized, sort of, speaking to a few friends about Tyra’s big move to New York. He was quick to rise to his feet though when Fashion Indie favorite Andre J walked into the room with an entourage of friends who were filming and snapping his every move (I wonder where I can get me some slakeys). You didn’t hear it from me, but there are a few rumors going around that the cross dressing Patty Fields boy is getting some attention from casting directors of the new Sex and the City Movie. Of course when asked by gossipist Baird Jones (who whispered this sweet nothing into my ear “For $25 bucks I will have my bodyguard take you outside and break your pinky.” To which I replied “For $50 bucks can I pay you to have him snap off the finger of someone else.” Always the diplomat.) about the appearance in the movie mum was the word. Apparently, the rumor is just that, until the movie premieres of course.

The incomparable Malcolm Harris, designer of Mal Sirrah and founder of Designers for Darfur made the rounds and as always was the perfect host. I had spoken with him the night before that the Caravan Fashion Forum (which was packed with some of the most interesting young fashion designers and featured Daniel Saynt (me). Shame on you if you missed it) and I was more than happy to be a little closer in his circle since we share similar passions, fashion and philanthropy. Threats of violence and men in drag, overall a good night and I still have my pinky. See you at the next one Indies.

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Be there with Daniel Saynt & Fashion Indie as we support this amazing event.

Show your support and fight for a cure.

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If New York is the heart of fashion, the Garment District represents the arteries, pumping blood into the beast and keeping it alive. Money hungry developers are looking to change the classification of Garment District buildings, turning these rent controlled designer spaces into high priced office spaces. They are looking to increase rents from $25 per square foot to $125 per square foot, a move that would force hundreds out of the area. If we lose the Garment District we might very well loose our status as Fashion Capital of the world. Sign the Petition, Volunteer, and have a say in what happens to your New York. Fashion Indie supports Save the Garment District and so should you.

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The ONE campaign has become one of the most fashionable causes ever. This short film raises important questions about the causes we fight for and the people who need our help. The connection between where the problem lies and where a solution could come from is so direct in this film as scenes of make-shift coffin stores and celebrities wearing posing with the ONE shirt intertwine.

Fashion Indie is an avid supporter of ONE and is currently seeking a way to become involved with the (RED) campaign. We feel that if the designers had a way to participate, they would. (RED) shouldn’t only belong to the GAP, it belongs to all of us who want to see a change in Africa. If you or someone you know has any connections to the ONE or (RED) group please let us know. We have tried contacting them repeatedly but have never gotten a response back. I know it’s not a normal type of post, but we can all make these little changes necessary to make a big change.

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