Charity by Design
-
Donatella Versace
Versace has been known for decades as a woman who loves to give lavish dinner parties and calls some of the world's biggest celebrities her best friends. Her ultra glam designs feed into the perception of a woman bent on la dolce vita. But you might not know that she's responsible for the Versace One Foundation that she co-founded with Jet Li (yeah, that Jet Li, of Hollywood martial arts fame). Spurred on by the 2007 earthquake in Sichuan, China, Donatella's foundation has opened two centers in the region to support children affected by the disaster.
Image: Bridow/WENN.com
-
Zac Posen
Posen doesn't take his wunderkind success for granted. At just 33, he's one of the most respected and coveted designers in fashion. He's also involved with multiple charities. Through DonorsChoose.org, he gives money to help local classrooms stay in stock with much-needed art supplies. He's also involved with TeachersCount, which works to create a permanent culture of teacher appreciation in the states. He's also a supporter, along with Oscar de la Renta, of New Yorkers For Children, which works to provide positive relationships for foster kids and create stable paths to adulthood.
Image: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
-
Kenneth Cole
Cole's eyebrow-raising ads may have people questioning his ethics from time to time, but he's been one of the most tireless AIDS research advocates. In 1987, he joined amfAR's board and matches donations up to $100,000. He's also on the board of HELP USA, the biggest provider of homes, jobs and services for the U.S. homeless population.
Image: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
-
Bono, Ali Hewson
If you're not familiar with the line EDUN, you've probably been under a rock for the last few seasons. It has serious fashion cred, owing to the creativity of the line and its cool, city vibe. What you might not know is that the entire line is an effort by U2's Bono and his wife to create sustainable fashion with organic materials sourced from Africa. Their hope is to promote similar sourcing throughout the entire fashion industry, and we're pretty sure they're off to an amazing start.
Image: WENN.com
-
Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg didn't start out the entrepreneurial powerhouse she is today. Married young, she was expected to be a lady who lunched. But her drive and creativity told her to be empowered and independent, instead. Now she's spreading that philosophy through her charity Vital Voices, which honors women the world over who are making it happen in politics, business and beyond.
Image: WENN
-
Ozwald Boateng
When it comes to men's bespoke tailoring, this London-based designer is the Leonardo Da Vinci of our time. A true artist, he manages to make his suits feel fresh and new every season. He's also the son of Ghanian parents and through his charity the Made In Africa Foundation, works to build investment and funding in the country to promote economic growth through much-needed infrastructure projects. So not only is this guy gorgeous, talented and one of the best dressed men on the planet, he's also brilliant.
Image: Stuart Castle/WENN.com
-
Donna Karan
Sadly, Karan's husband passed away from cancer in 2001. She realized then that so many medical centers focus only on treating the disease, to the detriment of the human who has it. So, she created the Urban Zen Foundation. Located in New York City's West Village, she's used funds to change the oncology unit at Beth Israel's Medical Center and donated $850,000 in 2009 to bring yoga therapy into the cancer ward.
Image: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com
