Fashion For A Cause

It seems we're not the only ones going back to basics. Australian brand Sosume, headed by managing director Alex Trimmer, is right there with us. Airy tees, t-shirt dresses, cotton harems, and layered tanks are what it's serving up for Spring. As for the color palette, black, white, and soft grays all ensure a fashion-forward feel. All Sosume garments are made with organic and natural fabrics in Australia; you'll definitely feel that once you put the clothes on. What's more, three percent of proceeds from each piece is donated to various charities that aid sustainable practices.

To see more from Sosume's Spring '10, read more

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) is always here to help. And Haiti needs it now more than ever. Along with jewelry designer Alexis Bittar and various celebrities, the effort to help Haiti earthquake relief continues with a $25 "Fashion for Haiti" T-shirt. The CFDA and its member designers have organized this initiative to benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

"The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, president of the CFDA. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.”

Theory is manufacturing the Haiti t-shirt, and it will be available in both men’s and women’s styles. Look out for the tee at retailers Feb. 12 and online at cfda.com. Buy up, help away.

Rachel Bilson recently used her fashion designing skills to help out the nonprofit Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF). Touched by a visit to Botswana and South Africa to learn more about the diamond mining industry, the actress designed this sweet Leather Bracelet ($100) to help purchase student housing for the CIDA City Campus in Johannesburg (Africa's first free university). This bracelet is a far cry from the per usual charity tee. It's simple and chic — the leather cords are ideal for everyday wear, and the diminutive diamond adds a smart, conscious touch. Faboo.

Photo courtesy of the InStyle

I don't normally need a reason to shop Alexis Bittar. His unique jewels have always spoken to me. But now, I must. Through Jan. 22, 100 percent of sales from AlexisBittar.com will go toward helping earthquake recovery in Haiti. 100 percent! These Alexis Bittar long gold garnet, turquoise, and lucite pearl cluster earrings ($113, originally $225) are Winter exotic, and every time I wear them I'll know that I helped Haiti.

While she was also serving as Burberry's beloved muse, Emma Watson hooked up with People Tree to design a 100 percent organic and fair trade cotton capsule collection. Two looks have been released and they look promising! But beyond the fashion, Emma wants to hear your questions about fair trade. Curious why she's so passionate about it? Why she chose People Tree? What fair trade fashion even means? All you have to do is film yourself asking her your question, then email the MPEG to askemma@peopletree.co.uk. Get more info here.

Bono and his wife Ali Hewson are revamping their philanthropic fashion brand, Edun. "We were so keen on our mission [to develop regions in Africa] that we made compromises that maybe we shouldn’t have . . . Without great clothes, we don’t have a business, so it’s important to get that end right," Hewson said.

Thanks to this new goal, and with the help of its backer LVMH, Edun's Pre-Fall collection is already looking better. It will most likely hold a fashion show in New York to unveil the line. What's more, Edun plans to hire a creative director to take the brand to a higher level. Though nothing is for sure, there are rumors that Alexander Wang is among the designers approached for the job. Only time will tell, but no matter who fills the position, I'm confident the brand will soar.

See a few more Edun looks.

Richie is quickly becoming one of the most busy celebrity designers. She has partnered up with Bebe on a new line of jewelry sold exclusively under her House of Harlow by Nicole Richie brand. They also conjured up a one-of-a-kind keepsake bracelet that will be sold through December with 25 percent of sales donated to the Richie-Madden
Children’s Foundation. The jewelry line, including the keepsake bracelet, will be available on bebe.com and in stores starting mid-November It's a win-win, and you know the baubles will be cute.

To see the keepsake bracelet, read more