International Design: Spotlight Haiti

This year marks the final Fashion Week at Bryant Park. Our Lisa Mateo visits one designer with a true international appeal.

Nolcha: Fashion Business Services returns for its eighth season during New York Fashion Week to host ‘Nolcha Presents’; an exhibition of sixteen independent apparel and accessory designers from around the world.

A notable independent designer participating in this year’s event with a special cause is Haitian Designer Catherine Charlot, owner of Himane (www.himane.com), producers of innovative, one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories made from hand-picked, locally-sourced, recycled materials such as broken umbrellas.

As a graduate of Haiti’s Verona Alta Costura School of Fashion and Accessories Design, leveled in last week’s earthquake, Charlot will donate all of the proceeds of her collection to build another design school in Haiti. Additionally, she will lead a group of twelve women in a mission to bring needed supplies and food to underserved parts of her country.

Other exhibiting independent designers include: Alberto Parada, Andean Collection, Beata B, Bessi by Carlos Zuniga, Boutique Ethique, Carlotta Gherzi for Sado, Chak Chel, Dora Abodi, Elena Garcia, Jess Rizzuti New York, Joolz, Maleku Jewelry, Sarka Siskova and TaTa Reef. Generous sponsor support provided by Bo Concept, Saaga Vodka and Marcel Hotel.

For more info on Nolcha and its designers, go to www.nolcha.com.