Saturday Style: Giving is IN!

I am happy to announce that Ethical Shopping is fast becoming a hot trend.  And lets face it, who better to reach into the pocketbooks of those who can most afford this recession than the Fashion Industry? With the very privileged being brought into question about their over the top spending habits, and the pressure to give to the betterment of the world being higher than ever, it seems that savvy Fashion Designers are seeing these developments as a prime opportunity to effect some change of their own!

Designer of all things Woman, Diane Von Furstenberg seems to be leading the way as she ignites an entire section of her website to Philanthropy - with over 10 partner organizations that she believes in. Reaching into her following with an updated definition of privilege her Love is Life campaign states definitively Diane's belief that "To help, give and inspire is a privilege."

Madame B. certainly agrees.  In fact, I have been in shock for some time that this hasn't been de rigeur within this industry.  I mean truly! While so many are starving in the world, it seems only right to donate a portion of the proceeds from garments that are far above market price to a cause bigger than our own.  In this way our consumerist driven economy could also become an agent of change at levels far more reaching than even the most well-oiled non-profit.  

In honor of Mother's Day, Diane has released her limited edition LOVE IS LIFE T-shirt, where proceeds  go to The White Ribbon Alliance which serves as an international coalition that promotes increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns. This shirt is constructed as a Silk/Viscose jersey with one of Diane’s signature mantras “Love is Life” inscribed in ribbon detail on the front. It's $145.  That might sound like a lot for a T, but considering the top-notch materials and fact that it will last for years to come, plus that the proceeds are going to a great cause, it's actually a Steal!

Happy Shopping!

Madame B.