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Donate Your Way into New York Fashion Week (and many more events)

Check out CharityBuzz.com Heal Haiti Auction for your chance to donate your way into New York Fashion Week.  Shows up for bid include, Marc Jacobs, Adam, Manchesa, DKNY, Nicole Miller, and Ports 1961.

They are also auctioning everything from tickets to movie premieres, to designer dresses.  There’s even an opportunity to chat with Orlando Bloom on Valentine’s Day (just don’t tell Miranda Kerr). Proceeds from the auction will benefit relief efforts in Haiti.

For the complete listings of auction items and form more information visit www.charitybuzz.com

The Ultimate Spin Experience: FLYWHEEL

Flywheel Sports, the new indoor cycling studio founded by former New York Giant’s running back and TV personality, Tiki Barber, and legendary spin instructor Ruth Zuckerman, opens it’s doors next week.  Flywheel will also feature a yoga and exercise studio.

Spin-enthusiasts, cyclists, bicyclists, triathletes, (or anyone interested in trying indoor cycling or just looking to get in shape) get excited! Flywheel offers state of the art equipment and technology.  Each bike features a monitor that tracks riders rpm/cadence, resistance, and energy.  Your individual performance data is then stored and available after every ride under the ‘my performance’ page at www.flywheelsports.com.  This is a great feature for anyone in training or looking to monitor progress.

I was lucky to get a sneak preview of the facilities, and the opportunity to take Ruth Zuckerman’s Fly 45 class for what I can only describe as the ultimate spin experience.   It’s no wonder Ruth has been credited for being part of the force behind the NYC indoor cycling craze; she is amazing.  Zuckerman knows when to motivate you when you’re tired, inspire you when you don’t think you can do another second, and push you to propel your biking to the next level.  Plus, they understand the importance of

Lauren Conrad and mark. Take Action Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence comes in many forms –physical, verbal, emotional, and financial.  According to mark., ‘studies show that 1 in 4 woman will be abused by a partner in their lifetime’ and ‘currently 1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship reports being physically abused by a partner’.

mark., the beauty and fashion brand, that is all about empowering young women in both their careers and social lives, decided to take action.  In September of 2008, mark. launched their m.powerment campaign to help raise awareness and break the cycle of dating abuse and relationship violence.  The m.powerment collection, which donates all the net proceeds to the cause, consisted of the Have a Heart Necklace ($22), and Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Glosses in m.powerment shades ($6) has since raised over $400,000.

Last night, Claudia Poccia, Global President, mark. and Lauren Conrad, mark. Spokesperson and Honorary Co-Chair of m.powerment by mark. launched their latest m.powerment campaign; the Have a Heart Bracelet ($12), and a Public Service Announcement, featuring Lauren Conrad.

The two, alongside Peer Educator, Kristen DeFur from the Healthy Relationship Training Academy of New York City sat on a panel for a Q&A Session to answer questions and stress that help is available.  Since domestic violence comes in multiple forms it’s important to trust your instincts and seek help immediately if you feel you’re a victim of abuse.  The most important thing is to get out of the relationship safely, and although that may seem impossible for many, counselors are

An Afternoon with WesFeld

I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day with Daniel Feld and Wesley Nault of WesFeld, their new fashion label, in their Williamsburg studio.  The two former Project Runway alums, and now design partners, are the winners of the Plastics Make it Possible fashion competition sponsored by the American Chemistry Council and Gen Art.

As winners, Daniel and Wesley received $10,000 to create and showcase their collection on February 10th, during New York Fashion Week for the Gen Art New Garde Show, hosted by Molly Sims.

When I first read about the win, it came as no surprise.  If anyone can handle plastic, it’s Daniel Feld.  Who can forget that memorable dress he made out of blue plastic cups on the premiere of Project Runway, Season 5?  I’m still blown away by it.  And with Wesley Nault on his team — oh the places they will go.

Here’s what these two lovely designers had to say:

Pretty Connected (PC): How did you hear about the Plastics Make it Possible design competition?

WESFELD (WF): Gen Art contacted us and we thought it would be a great opportunity.

PC: Tell me about the collection and the parameters given to you by Gen Art.

WF: Our major sponsor was The American Chemistry Council and Plastic makes it possible. We had to use all plastic-based materials for this collection.

PC: What was your inspiration for the two dresses you entered into the competition?

WF: The pale, pink dress was inspired by the lines of a conch shell, and the other was inspired by the skeleton of a trilobite.

PC: What was the first thing you did when you found out you won?

WF: We were very excited and started to

Rachel Roy’s Birthday Wish Comes True!

This year, designer Rachel Roy decided to skip her birthday on January 15th and start a birthday campaign through Charity Water instead.  Having witnessed first hand the effects and hardships created by lack of unsafe drinking water, Rachel’s goal was to raise $15,000 by March 15th.  If successful, she would help 750 people, 150 families and 3 communities receive clean water.

It’s pretty amazing Rachel was able to give up a birthday in exchange for helping so many.  What’s even better is today is January 30th, and she’s already exceeded her goal!  She’s currently at $15,839, and there is still well over a month of donating to be done.   No donation is too small (or big), the more money she raises the higher the count of people helped.  Currently, she’s served 791 people!

We donated. Thank you Rachel for letting us be apart of your birthday! Even if it is technically skipped.

To learn more about Rachel’s birthday campaign and to donate visit http://mycharitywater.org/rachelsbirthday

All in a Days Work: $18K for Haiti

Congratulations to SPiN New York and Modelinia for a job well done!  The two partnered last week to host a fundraiser to support Haiti, raising over $18K in donations in just one night.  Auction items are still available online until Wednesday, so please visit www.charityfolks.com/helphaiti to make your bid.

The benefit, hosted by Susan Sarandon, Veronica Webb, Rachel Roy, Robert Verdi, Georgina Chapman, Judah Friedlander, and many more, made for a social evening filled with ping pong, dancing, and fun. James Lipton gave a memorable speech, keeping the evening in perspective and encouraging guests to donate.

Here’s a taste of the evening for anyone who was unable to join.


See more videos on modelinia.com

Thank you to all the Pretty Connected readers who made it to the event!

Marion Cotillard Joins Franz Ferdinand to Sing Lead Vocals for Dior

According to the Daily Express, Nine actress, Marion Cotillard is teaming up with rocker Franz Ferdinand to sing lead vocals in the new Dior commercial.  As the face of the brand, Cotillard will also star in the commercial.  The song? Franz Ferdinand’s Eyes of Mars.

Someone posted it on youtube!  Check it out HERE. Well that was fast!

Aloha!! Taking a Two-Week Hiatus


Aloha Four Seasons Kona aka Paradise

RIP Yves Rocher (1930-2009)

Yves Rocher, French entrepreneur who founded the global natural cosmetic and beauty company passed away Saturday from a stroke at age 79.

French President, Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Rocher, pronouncing him  a “great French industrialist, inventor of plant-based cosmetics and pioneer of catalogue sales.”

Currently, Groupe Yves Rocher, has a diversified holding but the family still owns 75% of the company.  Yves  grandson, Bris Rocher who has served as Vice President since 2003 is set to become President.

Yves Rocher leaves behind a very strong legacy with his namesake, that achieves annual revenues of over 2 billion (euros).  The firms distribution channels include, online, catalogues,  retail stores, as well as door-to-door selling, generating 40 million clients worldwide.

For more on the products visit yvesrocherusa.com