Adventures in Fashion, Africa, Eye Spy, Fashion, International, Johannesburg, Philanthropy

46664 Fashion: The long “Catwalk” to freedom

Carla Fernandes 596x632 46664 Fashion: The long “Catwalk” to freedom

Here’s a little history recap before I proceed: 46664 (it’s pronounced as four, double six, six four) was also the prison number for Nelson Mandela from his imprisonment in 1964 to his release in 1990. The number stems from the fact that he was the 466 prisoner of 1964. 46664 is also the name of the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign started by Nelson Mandela, which has held a series of charity concerts; commonly known as “46664 Concerts”.

If that was not enough, these campaigns have now landed in the world of trends. Now we can all own a piece of history, or at the least promote the knowledge of it. Majority of the collection comprises of prints – no brainer that it was inspired by the full print / loose shirts that Mandela himself wore after taking office in 1994 as South Africa’s first black president.

Mandela’s 46664 fashion line made catwalk debut in JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Sep 26 2011.

The collection so far, has lines for men, women and children too. From printed dresses to conservative pencil skirts, printed wear for men or even “46664” branded golf shirts for kids. This is not only for the love of fashion, but primarily for the love of charity.

Discover the collection online: www.46664fashion.com – (images courtesy of the site).

“46664 Fashion was created as a partnership between Seardel/Brand ID and 46664, as part of 46664′s concerted move towards building its sustainability/self-sufficiency.

The license agreement was robustly overseen by the 46664 Board and ensures that a percentage of 46664 Fashion’s turnover is given to 46664 to further the humanitarian legacy of its founder, Mr Nelson Mandela. This means that 46664 will be able to engage in long-term planning. Its Board will identify projects that will benefit from funds raised through sales of 46664 Fashion, and the other commercial endeavours undertaken by 46664. It’s important to note that monies raised by 46664 will not accrue to any individual.”

South Africa is definitely at the forefront of African Fashion therefore we can look forward to exuberant collections as well as concerts from the “46664” brand.

Contributor: Carla Fernandes (Africa-Vogue.com–Coming Soon!)

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Accessories, Atlanta, Fashion, Guest Design, Haute Press, Lovit, Luxury, News, Philanthropy

Help Us Choose our Color Palette! POSHGLAM Collaboration with @MelBoteri for Charity

Mel Boteri Bag 632x383 Help Us Choose our Color Palette! POSHGLAM Collaboration with @MelBoteri for Charity

As international fashion weeks rapidly approach we have decided to partner with Melanie Mueller, designer behind custom bag company, Mel Boteri. We are finalizing our plans for a customizable, philanthropic handbag that not only will turn heads but will also change hearts.

My friend and designer, Melanie Meuller creates handbags that consumers can tweak to their liking through an online “design-your-own” site. After learning about my vision to create a customizable handbag that is functional, fashionable and philanthropic, Melanie agreed to partner in bringing the concept to life and will include the bag in her next collection, YAY! Forty-percent of the proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, a non-profit that both Melanie and I strongly support. I am super excited about this initiative and look forward to the support of the POSHGLAM readers. We are still deciding on colors and textures for the bag, please send your suggestions including links etc in the comments. Looking forward to your response!

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Accessories, Cheap & Chic, Fashion, Lovit, Philanthropy, Style

Edgy & Environmental Eye-wear with BonLook

glasses2 Edgy & Environmental Eye wear with BonLook

Shoes change with the season. Handbags, hats, scarves and jewelry change with the season.  So why is it that people keep the same pair of glasses for years without switching it up? Eyeglasses present hundreds of new opportunities to change and influence your style, and we’ve found the perfect one for the style-obsessed and trendsetters with less than perfect vision.

Frameless? Boring. Rivers Cuomo black rims? Overdone. Cat-eyes? Wire rims? Yawn. Ok, there’s more than one way to be cute & quirky! The founders of BonLook.com brought the style and quality of European eye-wear back to the states (don’t worry, all the frames are made in the USA!) after traveling and living abroad. They found that people were wearing much more fashionable eye-wear in places like Stockholm, Cape Town, Tokyo and Paris, and used them to spice up their look, rather than letting them go relatively unnoticed like in the US. Through all this traveling, the team brought back inspiration for stylish, edgy, vintage-inspired frames. And although their designs look pricey, they’re affordable enough that you can buy a couple and switch up your look as often as you want. Almost every pair is priced around $100. Oh, and did we mention that each style is also available as sunglasses?

Our favorite part was the virtual try-on feature. If you’re one of those people whose had the same pair of glasses since sophomore year of high school because you hate the long drawn out process of trying on new frames, this is actually a fun way to find a new pair of specks! We found the perfect pair, and are actually excited to wear them to work everyday! And the best part is, we never had to leave the house and deal with pushy sales-people. And how many eyeglass stores carry rose-gold?

glasses copy Edgy & Environmental Eye wear with BonLook
BonLook wasn’t just founded on bringing trendy, affordable looks to the weary-eyed masses. Social responsibility has always been a primary focus of the company, and there are several ways they’re working to make a difference through fabulous fashion. BonLook supports the ChildSight program in New York, which “brings education into focus” for economically disadvantaged children in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. The program goes directly into targeted schools to provide vision screenings, prescription eyeglasses and ophthalmic referrals as needed to underprivileged students – free of charge. BonLook’s reach isn’t just domestic. All proceeds coming from sales of the sophisticated Massamousso Lorgnette glasses go towards the Desert Flower Foundation, which strives to end female genital mutilation, which affects over 15 million women and girls around the world, the large percentage being from Africa.

To top it all off, every pair of glasses sent by Bon Look is transported through carbon-neutral shipping methods. The CO2 emissions are carefully calculated then offset by supporting carbon reducing projects, promoting renewable energy generation, methane capture and combustion, energy efficiency, and climate restoration. Need we mention they also used recycled and recyclable shipping boxes?

It doesn’t take 20/20 vision to see why it’s time for a hot new look, and to start supporting some life-changing programs!

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Accessories, Celebs, Fashion, Philanthropy

Charitable Charms | Give Back Fashionably

jewels Charitable Charms | Give Back Fashionably Jewelry is that extra little something that can take the way you look from “good” to “the greatness”. So why not make yourself feel incredibly GLAM at the same time? People everywhere need help from each other today more than every in recent past, but there are ways to do your part, while looking fresh (and so clean).  Many designers are choosing to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of particular items to organizations of their choice.

The Gap has done particularly well with this trend with their (Red) collection, which incorporated the designs by artists such as Chuck Close and Geoff McFetridge. Thanks to campaigns like these, it’s hip to be helpful.

Kara Ackerman created a simple yet elegant bracelet with a small charm to benefit the Making Headway Foundation, in honor of Lily Hannah Taubin, who passed aware from a brain tumor. 15 percent of each $35 piece goes to the charity, which helps families of children who have been diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors.

A real gem though in the world of fashion for charity is Joan Hornig Jewelry, which not only donates 100 percent of their profits, but allows the buyer to choose the charity in which their money is sent. Profits have been donated to charities helping everything from animal rights and the arts to heath care and social welfare. Their motto is “Philanthropy is Beautiful,” and their pieces are “designed to make a statement and make a difference.” Prices range from below $100 to several thousand dollars, so no matter your budget, you can make a statement and make a difference this holiday season. If not for yourself, then for someone else as a gift that’s truly from the heart.

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Accessories, Fashion Strides, International, Lovit, Luxury, Philanthropy

Hoss Intropia: Socially Responsible, Style Conscious

Hoss 1 632x632 Hoss Intropia: Socially Responsible, Style Conscious

Can a 4.5 inch heel actually look comfortable? Why, yes. The new line of Hoss Intropia women’s shoes make us want to come in from a snow storm and cuddle up by the fire. Maybe it’s the luscious velvet, maybe it’s the snow-worthy heel; whatever it is, these shoes aren’t ones you’ll want to take off at the door.

The new collection has a very baroque aesthetic, and looks beautiful with deep winter colors and neutrals, no doubt influenced by the Spanish location of the brand’s headquarters. When Michael Robets, Vanity Fair’s Fashion and Style Director, shot one of Hoss Intropia’s  collections, he remarked that it “reminds me of the wardrobe of a contemporary woman, who travels and collects pieces from all corners of the globe, and puts them together in an individual way.” Sounds like our kind of girl.

The best part about Hoss shoes is the good feeling you get by supporting the socially responsible company. A staff of 90 percent women work flexible hours for a business that has, for over 14 years, been dedicated to supporting not-for-profit associations. They’re even selective of their suppliers; making sure their individual responsibilities and missions mirror their own. Now if that isn’t the definition of guilt-free shopping, we don’t know what is. Lovit!

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