Celebrating Haitian Artistry In the Hamptons

Last Updated on Friday, 16 September 2011 04:56 Written by Donna Karan Monday, 8 August 2011 06:08

Over the last few months I have shared with you my heart for Haiti – my love of the people, the artisans, the creativity, the country. Well, summer is here and I am bringing Haiti to the Hamptons. We have so many extraordinary developments to share with you and I encourage you to come and visit Urban Zen in Sag Harbor. You’ve heard me talk about the magic of Haiti and now you can come touch, feel and be surrounded by the essence of Haiti. The Urban Zen Retail stores are filled with gorgeous Haitian product and 100% of the sales are used to continue the efforts of our HOPE, HELP AND REBUILD HAITI initiative.

Super Saturday 14

Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 11:18 Written by Donna Karan Tuesday, 2 August 2011 06:41

This summer has been all about Haiti, healing and the Hamptons and this Saturday I was able to experience it all with a very full day at Super Saturday, the Bridgehampton Polo Match and the Art for Life benefit.

I began my day at Super Saturday, where my worlds of philanthropy and commerce come together – family, friends, Donna Karan International, DKNY, and Urban Zen. I have such wonderful memories of the first Super Saturday, which I started with my dearly missed friend Liz Tilberis in her back yard. From a back yard to an open field, there we were this weekend, at the 14th Annual Super Saturday. It was a hot day and the hottest ticket in town, but the weather didn’t stop women from shopping to support the Ovarian Cancer Reaserch Fund – the true purpose for the event.

A PICTURE OF HAITI’S BRIGHT FUTURE: Day Five

Last Updated on Saturday, 17 September 2011 11:41 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 29 July 2011 02:30

The end of a monumental trip.

As I wrapped up such a memorable excursion, it was important for me to ensure that progress will continue and that the promise of rebuilding Haiti will be realized.

We returned to the housing expo and visited Maryse Kedar’s school, “Ecole Nouvvelle Zoranje.” Education is an integral part of the Urban Zen mission and it is key to Haiti’s future – I feel blessed to be able to support the work of this school.

Next, we met with Keith Recker from the Hand/Eye Fund to discuss the potential of Haiti and how we can come together to best support what is needed. I was so excited to learn that Keith has just been given a grant by the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to develop sustainable businesses depots within artisan communities. I never cease to be energized and motivated by the way things synchronistically come together; the way the dots connect to reveal a beautiful picture.

MILLION HEARTS FOR HAITI AT SUPER SATURDAY 14

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 July 2011 11:02 Written by Urban Zen Thursday, 9 June 2011 03:55

PAINT A HEART FOR THE OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH FUND (OCRF)
Urban Zen Foundation is excited to be participating in Super Saturday 14! On Saturday, July 30 join Urban Zen’s favorite graffiti artist, Andre Charles as we “Paint A Heart For OCRF” – a tent that will house 500 hand-carved hearts from our Million Hearts for Haiti Campaign. Stop by and decorate a heart with us in celebration and support of the vibrant Haitian artisan culture!

ABOUT SUPER SATURDAY 14
Hosted by Donna Karan, Ariel Foxman, InStyle and Kelly Ripa, Super Saturday 14 is a day-long summer fundraising event for the entire family. Activities include a one-of-a-kind designer garage sale with over 200 fabulous designers, a kids’ carnival with rides, games and fun, a fabulous raffle, fortune tellers, manicures and more!

Funds raised will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

For more information please CLICK HERE

RETURN TO HAITI: ART AND SOUL – DAY 2

Last Updated on Monday, 18 April 2011 11:23 Written by Donna Karan Friday, 1 April 2011 04:24

We drive to Leogane, which is the stone-carving community where Urban Zen’s “Million Hearts for Haiti” come from. The people and their work is breathtaking. Raw, simple and expressive. Everyone there is eager to learn and help any way they can. We give them an inspiration and, minutes later, they come back to us with just-carved samples, each better then the next. I am drawn to some truly gorgeous, unfinished stone Buddhas – talk about objects of desire.

We see children carving stone, and I must say, it felt totally natural, watching one generation passing down their artisan tradition to one another, which is beautiful in a place like Haiti.

Day 1
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5-6