Though pretty much everyone on our year-end Web Words has concluded that 2014 is the year of no resolutions, we can’t help but think that this year, there’s nothing wrong with resolving to do a little more for others. Aligned with our thought process is Moda Operandi and a throng of American designers who are starting off the year with the launch of a charitable collection.
American fashion designers, including the likes of Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Rodarte, Suno, Jason Wu, and Marchesa, have come together to create an exclusive collection for Vintage Vanguard—the brainchild of Liz Goldwyn and Karen Elson for the benefit of the non-profit organization Dress for Success. The designers have individually reworked vintage pieces from personal wardrobes for the collection, which has now launched exclusively on Moda Operandi—with the support of Swarovski—and is available for purchase from now through January 12. Any items not purchased will go to a silent auction at a private charity event hosted by Goldwyn, Elson, and American Vogue’s Tonne Goodman on January 13.
Dress for Success is an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, as well as a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work. Thus far, the organization has helped over 700,000 women around the world—from Canada to New Zealand.
“I have been involved with Dress for Success since I was a 19 year-old art student living in New York. As a vintage clothing collector, I often donated items to the program and after moving to Los Angeles, I worked with the local Dress for Success chapter and volunteered to style women for job interviews,” said Liz Goldwyn, Vintage Vanguard co-creator. “I saw first-hand how Dress for Success empowers women to gain professional and financial control over their lives. As someone who feels empowered by clothing in my professional life, I want to encourage other women to get to know and support Dress for Success. ”
All the proceeds from the sale on Moda Operandi and the January 13th event will go to Dress for Success.
—Caterina Minthe
