Guest Post:Fashion Philanthropy

I am drawn to ambition. As far back as I can remember I have always sought out ways to gain exposure to the industry I love so much. After learning the different niches in fashion, I fell in love with the emerging and independent creative crowd. Those doing something different, with  a powerful passion driving them. Individuals like Morgan Gray of Gray and Gabanna. After reaching out to do a guest post I was  impressed with her interest of fashion  philanthropy. With that being said, I'm turning the post over to her! :)  

It might seem that fashion-conscious people are completely self-absorbed. When I head to work every day dressed in the latest trends and looking great, I doubt people who see me stop and think, “What a selfless, caring person she must be.” Well, I don’t do my good works for everyone to see, so that doesn’t particularly bother me. I do, however, care about the world in which I live. I want to do good and give back. Since I have a passion for fashion, I often combine my interests by supporting players in the fashion industry who do philanthropic work.

Philanthropy

Any fashionista finds it easy to get behind the work of the always-elegant Eva Longoria. I enjoy donating to her organization, The Eva Longoria Foundation. This organization benefits Latinas by providing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. To accomplish this goal, the foundation supports programs that assist Latinas in school and college opportunities. The foundation also provides career training and mentorship to Latinas.

Philanthropy Fashion

Many times I am able to give back to the world by carefully choosing the companies from which I purchase my fashionable clothing and accessories. Two of my favorite companies to support are 31 Bits and Warby Parker.

31 Bits empowers women in Uganda by training them and helping them establish a consistent, livable income. These women handcraft beautiful jewelry from 100-percent recycled paper. Each woman in the program is fairly compensated for her work and will graduate from the program with a way to earn a living within her own community. 

WarbyParker sells some of the most fashionable designer eyeglasses available today at prices much lower than their competitors. The best thing about the company, however, is that for every pair of prescription lenses they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need. This is accomplished through partnerships with non-profit organizations. Additionally, the company partners with other non-profits to help low-income entrepreneurs learn to sell affordable eyewear.

There are many ways in which to give back today. Whatever your personal interests are, it is likely you too can find a company or organization that shares your interests and actively participates in philanthropic activities. Whether you simply give donations or choose to support socially conscious companies through your purchases, joining forces with others will make the good you do go farther.