The December Issue: Vogue on Donna Karan, Bill Clinton & Haiti

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 November 2011 09:20 Written by Urban Zen Tuesday, 15 November 2011 09:19

We are thrilled to share some very exciting news with you: we’re in Vogue! On newsstands tomorrow, you’ll be able to pick up the latest issue of Vogue and read all about our Founder Donna Karan, our inspired collaboration with Former President Bill Clinton and our ever-evolving love affair with Haiti, all on the glossy pages of this iconic magazine.

This love story – the story of Urban Zen and Haiti – is one we are proud to share with the world. Our hearts have been irrevocably changed because of the creative spirit we’ve witnessed in the Haitian people. We believe that harnessing creativity is a gateway to a promising future and we continue to be motivated by the endless possibility and potential of Haiti.

Read our story. Witness the beauty. Feel the artistry. Join us in our love story with Haiti.

FIVE DAYS IN HAITI: A PICTURE OF HAITI’S BRIGHT FUTURE

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 11:39 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 29 July 2011 03:26

This trip to Haiti was different than anything else I’ve experienced before. There’s work and then there is show time – this was show time. Like so many other instances in my life, this was yet another powerful example of dots connecting and this time I was able to share the magic of Haiti with my team and a journalist.

It was a very exciting trip and I invite you to read my series of blogs where I share my experiences with you.

A PICTURE OF HAITI’S BRIGHT FUTURE: Day One

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 11:39 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 29 July 2011 02:34

I had the unique pleasure of taking a new team of people on an excursion to experience Haiti through the Urban Zen lens. I was a tour guide of sorts, sharing my intense love and passion for all things Haiti. On day one, we hit the ground running in Port Au Prince by visiting Haitian artisan Philippe Dodard at his studio to look at the new patinas – such an amazing thing to touch, feel, and breathe in the work that we’ve been developing for months.

A PICTURE OF HAITI’S BRIGHT FUTURE: Day Three

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 11:40 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 29 July 2011 02:32

We began the day by visiting Shelly Clay, a truly inspiring woman behind the Apparent Project. The Apparent Project is an organization that uses recycled materials like cardboard and cereal boxes to produce gorgeous beaded jewelry; the result of this generates a revenue stream that takes care of orphaned children. Shelly is all about utilizing the resilient, creative culture of Haiti to empower children; she is a woman whose mission resonates with me on a very personal level.

Next we were off to the Iron Market to set up for “Hommage Aux Doyens De L’Artisans,” which was an effort organized by our friend and artisan ambassador to President Martelly, Pascale Theard. It was a blisteringly hot day, but, in truth, it felt like Christmas to me. It was such an amazing experience to see boxes and boxes of artisan craft coming in from all over Haiti. We opened the boxes to find the work of Karine Villard, Christelle Paul, the Hornisans, Marithou du Poux, Martine Bourjolly Cantave, Albert Einstein, Caribbean Craft, Pascale Theard, Phelicia Dell, Jean-Pierre Richard do Rosiers, Josnel Bruno, Aurelian, Callixte Fritz, Philippe Dodard, Farah Woolley, the Stone Artisans of Leogane, Jean-Paul Sylviance, and Shelly Clay. Every piece was as unique and beautiful as the artisans who created it. It was a moment that captured everything we’ve been working toward in Haiti and it was such a joy to share it with others.

The Bridgehampton Polo Challenge: An Exchange of Inspiration

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 July 2011 11:19 Written by Urban Zen Monday, 25 July 2011 08:15

It continues to be a very exciting summer for Urban Zen. As we prepare for a new slate of programming for the fall, our July and August are dedicated to bringing our Hope Help & Rebuild Haiti (HHRH) initiative to the Hamptons. Each weekend of Bridgehampton Polo, pieces from the HHRH collection will be sold, from which 100% of the proceeds go back to supporting Haitian artisans as they build back their country’s future.

This weekend Jenna Bond-Louden, our Director of Development, attended the opening of the 15th season of Bridgehampton Polo. Here, she shares her experience with us:

Spending this past Saturday, July 23, at Bridgehampton Polo was a great occasion. The sun could not have been any hotter; even as late as 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the heat could not be escaped. However, as with new beginnings, the energy of the crowd was determined by the comfort of relaxed summer joy. Fewer hats and plenty of iced cocktails decorated the reception alongside the grounds as the match featuring Nacho Figeras, Marino Aguerre, Tomas Garcia del Rio and Christian “Magoo” La Prida proceeded. Friend of the foundation, Russell Simmons, was in attendance, as was actor Malik Yoba who spent time under the Urban Zen tent getting to know our work and sharing his experience, among a flock of vivacious event goers.

Along with three other members of the foundation team, including our executive director Myra Magaletta, I spent the afternoon connecting with attendees in conversation about the work of Urban Zen Foundation, while learning about the philanthropy that matters most to those enjoying the match. When people were not engaged in the sport, they dropped by our tent for Reiki therapy performed by one of our two Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZITs), infused with essential oil therapy. A moment of surrender proved, as the weather powered on, to be the best relief to the heat.