Long an avid supporter of Haiti’s own resources and the potential they hold for not only the country but also for designers who want to make fabulous products, Donna’s Urban Zen studio was filled with decorations, art and artefacts, all sourced from Haiti itself. Lucky enough to be one of the first to arrive, we were able to take in the full raw drama of the papier mâché lights hanging from the ceiling, the Haitian art adorning the walls, the pottery and candles scattered across every surface. One to put her money where her mouth is, Karan has already started producing items in the country, making jewellery on show on the night. As she puts it, the aim is “to help Haiti help itself by utilizing and organizing its artisans, natural resources and production potential to create business models that can be properly marketed and distributed throughout the US and Europe.” As we stood surrounded by the dramatic scenes that such natural resources can create, it seemed a mission that should be entirely possible.

One Million Hearts: Fashion for Haiti

One Million Hearts is a collaboration between Urban Zen, the CFDA and eBay, involving nearly 150 designers including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch and Kotur. Each of us has customised a locally crafted papier mâché heart to make for beautiful, one off decorations full of meaning and purpose. All the Hearts for Haiti will be available to buy at auction on eBay between April 22 and May 2, 2013.

Please visit www.ebay.com/fashionforhaiti for more information.

1. KOTUR for Operation Smile

This year, we teamed up with Gillian and Lydia Hearst to support Operation Smile, a charity that they are ambassadors for and I’m of the board of in Hong Kong, and that provides free surgeries to repair cleft palates, cleft lips and facial deformities for children around the globe. Our own ‘Smile’ minaudiere comes gold plated with a faceted crystal clasp and our signature brocade lining. 100% of the net proceeds for it go directly to Operation Smile. This is fashion that definitely feels good.

Kotur Smile bag, $395 from www.koturltd.com

2. Warby Parker Glasses

“Buy a pair, give a pair”

Set up by four friends, named after Jack Kerouac characters and founded on the simple ‘buy a pair, give a pair,’ principle, Warby Parker’s collection of retro inspired, effortlessly cool eyewear is where to place your smart sunglass money. Both regular eyewear and sunglasses come in easy shapes, logo free, and with the added benefit of knowing that, when you purchase your pair, someone else out there in the world who probably needs them more gets the bonus of a pair of glasses, too.

www.warbyparker.com

3. CFDA & VOGUE online auction for Sandy Relief

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, forces all over the world have mobilized to help support the relief effort. Should you wish to contribute, Vogue and the CFDA have come up with a pretty enticing way to do so. In an online auction just launched at charitybuzz.com, they have called on their friends to offer amazing prizes, all of which of you can bid on in the knowledge that the total proceeds will to go Hurricane Sandy’s relief efforts. Tickets to the 2013 Met Gala, shopping sprees with Tory Burch and Michael Kors, a year’s supply of bags from Net-a-porter, a Bruce Weber print and a week in Tommy Hilfiger’s villa in Mustique barely scratch the surface of what’s on offer here in one of the most compelling arguments we’ve ever seen to get involved and get giving.

www.charitybuzz.com

As a designer, style icon, mother and fashion mogul, Rachel truly understands the demands of her customers’ diverse lifestyles. Even Michelle Obama is frequently dressed in Rachel Roy, and who, if not our First Lady, better epitomizes the modern working mother?

Rachel is genuinely lovely, modest and supportive; she is a generous mentor, and champions the success of others. It is this spirit, together with her clear creative vision, that made our KOTUR for Rachel Roy collaboration for Fall 2012 such an inspiring experience for me, and which also proves that qualities such as hers just never go out of style…

KOTUR: What is your most recent purchase?
Rachel: Jacquie Aiche body chain

KOTUR: What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
Rachel: Hermes cashmere trench

KOTUR: What’s in your make-up bag?
Rachel: Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener, Nars Crayon in Red Square and Cynde Watson lip pencils with both a stain and a tint

KOTUR: Do you have a favorite purse or bag?
Rachel: My oversize Celine clutch for it’s sleek design and smart, hidden compartments

KOTUR: Name your desert island essentials?
Rachel: Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick & Kevin Murphy Powder Puff which lets me go days without washing my hair and gives my hair the perfect wave

KOTUR: Do you have a beauty secret?
Rachel: The best thing I do for my face, skin and body is drink as much water as I can and yoga at least twice a week

KOTUR: What do you wear on a fat day?
Rachel: There’s more to looking thin than wearing a lot of black. I often wear a thin A-line trench coat as a dress – they make you instantly lose 5lbs…

KOTUR: How would your female friends describe your style?
Rachel: Effortlessly exotic chic

KOTUR: What do you never leave home without?
Rachel: I always have organic almonds or cashews in my purse, for a quick snack. They give me just the right energy to go from work to an event. I also carry a seashell to remind me of my favorite times with my girls

KOTUR: What quality do you most admire in a person?
Rachel: Honesty and humor

KOTUR: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Rachel: Stick to your point of view

KOTUR: What’s your favorite smell?
Rachel: I love Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne spray- it’s so fresh and clean and Chanel No.5 lotion because it last longer then the perfume

KOTUR: What’s your idea of a great holiday?
Rachel: For me it’s all about my girls – always has been – the day after Christmas I take them to the sea, it is our holiday tradition that bonds and relaxes us

KOTUR: What are you most proud of?
Rachel: Besides raising my two daughters, taking a monumental risk by naming my collection Rachel Roy. It was a huge leap of faith in myself and a huge lesson in my life to follow my instinct

KOTUR: What’s your pure bliss?
Rachel: I love the Caudalie at the Plaza Hotel. The Caudalie Grand Facial treatment makes my skin feel amazing! The massage they do really gets my circulation going and puts the vibrancy back into my skin

KOTUR: Which of the various Kotur bags you have is your favorite?
Rachel: Kotur for Rachel Roy Garnet Multi Graphic Tweed Clutch with Tassel and Gold Rock