“Confidence is a suit of armor”. The dignity and respect you gain when you radiate confidence is palpable. While we all grapple with our confidence at some point in our lives, for women who are struggling with rebuilding their lives (from abuse, chemical addition, or a myriad of life’s challenges), the support network they require to navigate these difficult transitions is often lacking or non-existent. Organizations like Dress for Success serve as a linchpin in their re-entry to the workforce. Dress for Success was founded in 1997 to provide assistance to women seeking and retaining employment.
Originally the organization provided much-needed suiting and clothing required for job interviews and the organization has since expanded into career development, skill training, and mentoring which are all essential components to financial independence. The global organization serves women in 125 cities around the world.
In 2008 I had the honor of hearing Joi Gordon, CEO of Dress for Success, speak at a conference. Her compelling stories of triumph, courage, compassion and resilience inspired our corporation’s involvement in Dress for Success in New Jersey and Los Angeles. I have been proud to participate in local suit drives and fundraising events. The leaders and volunteers from this organization are truly inspiring, driven, stylish and fun women. It’s a fabulous recipe for success! Speaking of stylish women, some of fashion’s glitterati have come together for a unique fundraiser benefitting this amazing organization.
The “Vintage Vanguard” was created by Karen Elson (model) and Liz Goldwyn (film producer), fashion powerhouses with impeccable taste and a keen eye for vintage. They teamed up with an impressive stable of designers to remix vintage items within their own collections. The results are simply stunning. These items are available for sale on the designer trunkshow site Moda Operandi and proceeds go directly to Dress for Success. Each piece is a unique, exquisite piece of art that would not only be a wise style investment but also an even more important investment in the future of a woman determined to make a fresh start.
The symbolism behind Vintage Vanguard was not lost on me. Just as vintage clothing gets some TLC and a design redux which breathes new life into the garment, the women of Dress for Success get a new lease on life after some nurturing, mentoring and style consulting; while maintaining the essence of who they are, they have an opportunity to start anew.
I love everything about this collaboration (especially this Eddie Borgo necklace)! Vintage Vanguard items are on pre-sale via M.O.’s website through January 19th.
http://modaoperandi.com/vintage-vanguard-pgtdfs/proceeds-go-to-dress-for-success/rtw-2385/looks/
For more on Dress for Success
Culture Shock Art 