Fashion for a Great Cause: Fighting Poverty

Since 2005, Fashion Fights Poverty has celebrated fashion designers and organizations that use fashion, artisanship and creatively to create sustainable economic opportunity in poverty stricken communities.

And this year, they are once again raising awareness of socially-responsible fashion and visual design by commemorating Americans using creative means to address global issues.

Dress Responsibly 2008 kicks off July 4th and culminates in the September 26th eco-fashion benefit at the St. Regis, showcasing the most interesting and ecletic eco, sustainable, and artisanal designers who are reinterpreting iconic American images - from candy-colored pinup girls in Los Angeles, to 1980's fashion transformation in Miami, Coney-Island postcards, and the Kennedy White House.

"By taking on "America" as a theme, FFP draws a link between the mission of FFP and what, we believe, it means to be an American," says Michael Dumlao, Co-founder and Creative Director of FFP about this homage to the rich artistic, cultural and philanthropic heritage to the US, which will be compiled in a look-book of chic, contemporary and ethical designers modeled by celebs and others who have pledged their support to FPP's mission. A percentage of the proceeds will go to FPP's 2008 beneficiary, Nest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries by providing entrepreneurial female artisans with microloans to start businesses selling their unique goods, as well as an online place to sell them.

"In this historic election year where the focus is change and innovation, we believe, to be an American is to conceive and build innovative solutions to our common problems. Whether those concerns are poverty, the environment, or ensuring the dignity of our fellow sisters and brothers, FFP believes that our nation's entrepreneurial spirit must be nurtured and directed towards new and sustainable ways of meeting those challenges."

A limited number of the Dress Responsibly 2008 look books will be available for purchase at FashionFightsPoverty.org. FPP benefit sponsors include St. Regis Washington DC, EDUN-Live, EnviroCab, Washingtonian Magazine, Whitmore Print & Imaging, and the Michael Romeo Group.

- Lesley Scott

 

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