Sustainable designer Daniel Silverstein got his groove back during Friday’s episode of NBC’s Fashion Star, selling a gorgeous (and let’s face it, more mainstream than he’s used to) top to Saks Fifth Avenue for a whopping $180,000.
Daniel overcame substantial obstacles and turned his luck around this week. I’m impressed, but not surprised. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with next episode!
For more on Daniel’s sustainable, zero-waste fashion line, 100%NY, check out the HeartSleeves profile. 
Hovey Lee jewelryis made entirely of recycled and ethically-sourced materials and produced locally in California.
is a Hong Kong native turned LA transplant who studied jewelry design and history, and draws on multicultural and architectural inspirations for her work.
is: Elements. Past Hovey Lee collections have been more literal references to nature, but with Elements, the designer has gone back to the basics and used her designs to mimic its fundamental shapes. Viewing the world through an architectural eye, she’s captured the curves and angles we see around us, and give them a certain elegant flair. I’m enraptured.
I often find it difficult Continue reading
I have been a huge fan of Daniel Silverstein’s work since I first met him and profiled his line, 100% NY back in April of last year. Not only are his designs unique and amazing, they are handmade in Brooklyn with eco-friendly fabrics and generate almost zero waste.
I was thrilled to hear that Daniel would be a contestant on season 2 of NBC’s Fashion Star, and just watched the first 2 episodes in which he totally kicked ass. These designs are now for sale on the Saks and Macy’s websites, and hopefully there’ll be more to come soon:
Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world with different themes. This year, the UN’s theme is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.” Internationalwomensday.com‘s theme is: “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.”
So today, HeartSleeves’ theme will be: “Investing in Women: Empowering Female Artisans and Business Owners.”
I write a lot about fashion lines that employ women. And indeed, employing and empowering women is the surest way to raise the standard of living for entire communities, because women invest back into their communities whereas men are selfish (sorry, guys, it’s true). So to celebrate women in developing countries that are improving their lives and producing beautiful fashion, I’m going to highlight a few on the blog today. You can support them (and HeartSleeves) by shopping at the links below.
“Investment in girls’ education may well be the highest-return investment available in the developing world,” —Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary and Chief Economist at the World Bank
MADE BY WOMEN:
Raven + Lily is a conscious brand that partners with female artisans in India, Ethiopia, and Cambodia. In addition to providing sustainable, fair-wage employment to the artisans, the company reinvests all profits into employing marginalized women through design, launching new partnerships, and funding educational and healthcare needs in its partnership community. Meet the Artisans on the brand’s website, and shop Raven + Lily on FashioningChange.
My picks: Lux necklace, Malam Bracelet, and Manhattan Twilight Necklace, all handmade in Ethiopia by women with HIV, made from melted bullet casings (talk about symbolism), and benefiting literacy and healthcare programs in Ethiopia.
“We cannot talk about building sustainable economies, sustainable democracies and sustainable societies without having strong and empowered women. Strong women lead to strong nations. This makes investments in their education, economic opportunities and political participation vital elements to building a more peaceful and secure world.”— Zainab Salbi, Founder and CEO, Women for Women International
Ananda Pascual works with groups of marginalized women artisans in the slums of Mumbai, Cambodia, and Peru. The aim of the brand is to bring together and openly recognize those involved in the making of a garments, thereby engaging customers in their stories. Read more about AP’s mission on her website and shop on FashioningChange.
My Picks: The pencil skirt and easy blouse are produced by women as part of Creative Handicrafts in Mumbai. The women have been marginalized due to cast, sex, or illiteracy, or Continue reading
