For the third year, Limitless La Vie is proud to be a sponsor of the High School of Art and Design Student Design Competition Fashion Show. This annual show showcases the creative talents of the fashion design students, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to win scholarships and get the attention of potential mentors. Previous years’ winners and finalists have gone on to study at prestigious design schools such as the Pratt Institute, Parson’s School of Design and LIM College.

 

The Winning Limitless La Vie Dress

The Winning Limitless La Vie Dress

This year’s theme was Mélange: Live It, Walk It, Culture It.  “Mélange”, which translates to “a mixture or medley,” vividly describes this year’s fashion show inspiration, the multicultural nature of New York City. We sponsored the career-wear category, where students were given the challenge of creating a sustainable career-wear look for Michelle Obama. Three finalists were selected from all the entries.

An important component of the assignment for these students was sustainability, starting with the use of fabric from ethical sources. Limitless La Vie pre-selected a 100% cotton yarn dye jacquard that all the contestants were required to use in their designs. This beautiful fabric from Piece & Co. was woven in India by a women-owned business.

The Winning Dress

Each student completed their vision using textiles donated by FabScrap, a non-profit enterprise which saves fabric remnants from high-end designers such as Marc Jacobs, Eileen Fisher, Oscar de la Renta, and Mara Hoffman from ending up in landfills.  Pratt’s Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator (BF+DA) constructed the finalist’s designs, following sustainable best practices. The winner’s dress was shipped to Michelle Obama using custom eco-friendly packaging donated by EcoEnclose and imprinted with the story-line “Journey of a Sustainable Dress”.

 

Eco- friendly custom dress box “Journey of a Dress”

Journey of a Sustainable Dress Packaging

 

The finalists in this competition reflected the diverse population of New York City.  Alivia Matthews is half-Dominican and half-African American, born and raised in the Bronx. Diane Salahaldin is a Palestinian-American, and Usury Sacramento is Mexican. They used inspiration from their own backgrounds, the dynamic creativity of New York, and their own personal vision to come up with three very different looks for Michelle Obama.

In the end, one winner had to be selected, and the judges chose Alivia Matthews. She was awarded a $5000 scholarship from Limitless La Vie, and her winning outfit was sent to Mrs. Obama.  Alivia will be continuing her study of design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Diane Salahaldin finished in second place, and Usury Sacramento was third place. They both received a token of appreciation. Congratulations to all three finalists!

Help Limitless La Vie encourage up-and-coming designers working with sustainability in mind! You can offer your support either by purchasing Limitless La Vie clothing- 100% of our profits go towards philanthropic causes such as this scholarship- or by donating directly to the scholarship fund. 

 

Michelle Obama on International Women’s Day on the First Anniversary of Let Girls Learn

 

In step with our commitment to support education, and in recognition of Michelle Obama’s outstanding service in support of education for young women and girls and in the facilitation of educational opportunities for adolescent girls in developing countries, Limitless La Vie is pleased to acknowledge its donations totaling $10,000.00 to support the Peace Corps Let Girls Learn Initiative.

Since its launch in 2015, during the Obama Administration, the Let Girls Learn Initiative introduced by then First Lady Michelle Obama has been an essential and effective means of advancing girls’ education all over the world.

As a role model, First Lady, Michelle Obama became known for her advocacy for such issues as poverty awareness, nutrition, healthy eating and physical activity and promoting international education for women. At Limitless La Vie, we believe that education has the power to unlock the fullest of potential and transform lives through opportunities. To that end we are pleased to announce our list detailing the programs we have funded in 2017.

Let Girls Learn programs that have been funded by Limitless La Vie Corp:
1. Fabric Weaving and Design Center (Ghana)
2. The Rise2Raise Mentoring Program (Liberia)
3. For the Love of Basketball (Indonesia)
4. Improving the Girls Dormitories (Uganda)
5. College Improvements (Guinea)
6. Girls and Boys Clubs (South Africa)
7. Camp Respect (Jamaica)
8. Young Women’s Leadership Camp (Senegal)
9. Youth Theater Festival (Thailand)
10. Student Athletic Race Weekend (Benin)
11. Let Girls Learn Work Initiative (Rwanda)

 

 

Philanthropy Driving the Fashion Industry

(Illustration by Iman Geddy)

Here at Limitless La Vie, we have been inspired by the great examples of philanthropy demonstrated by the businessmen, sports players, and actors who have used their fame and money to make the lives of others better. Warren Buffet, Denzel Washington, Paul Newman, Mark Zuckerberg, Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, and Bill Gates may have taken different career paths, but in the end their success has not just enriched their lives, but the lives of the many that they have reached out to help.

Warren Buffet

The Button Down Oxford offers classic value without being flashy, making it a perfect choice for the investor and philanthropist Warren Buffet, whose business savvy delivers not just dividends but diversified support of a plethora of causes. In 2006 he pledged to give away more than 99% of his massive fortune to charity, and since then has been living up to that goal by donating 4% of his Berkshire Hathaway stocks every year. In 2017 alone, he gave away $3.17 billion dollars, following the simple principle that “If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%”.

Denzel Washington

The men’s Button Blazer is a perfect fit for the award-winning actor Denzel Washington, whose philanthropic actions off-screen are just as noteworthy. He’s been an active supporter of the Fisher House Foundation, which provides welcoming homes near army base hospitals for the families of injured soldiers to stay in while their loved ones undergo treatment. As well, he is a founding member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and in 2018 donated one million dollars to the Wiley College debate team after starring in a film about the early days of the team. Perhaps his most notable philanthropic endeavor has been his long-standing relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). He credits the organization that he joined when he was 6 years old with being a powerful influence during his formative years, and he has striven to pay that helping hand forward, serving as the national spokesperson for the BGCA since 1992. He shares this life-long connection to the BGCA with the co-founders of Limitless La Vie, who also joined the organization as children!  Whether it’s support for injured soldiers, education, or children around the world, Denzel lives by the philosophy “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even about what you’ve accomplished…It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.”

Paul Newman

Relaxed but elegant, our men’s Chino pants match the timeless appeal of the late, great actor Paul Newman, whose legendary philanthropy lives on in Newman’s Own, inspiring companies like Limitless La Vie to make a lasting difference. From the very beginning, Newman was committed to using 100% of the profits from his company to help others, including the establishment of many children’s camps where more than 350,000 children suffering from serious medical conditions have been able to, as he put it, “Raise a little hell.” By 2015, the Newman’s Own Foundation had donated $450 million dollars to a variety of organizations helping people to improve their lives. Similarly, Limitless La Vie uses all its profits to help others also, reflecting his philosophy: “I respect generosity in people, and I respect it in companies too, I don’t see it as philanthropy; I see it as an investment in the community.”

Mark Zuckerburg

Our men’s Zipper Pullover is easy to wear but also stylish, perfect for a busy computer programmer and Internet entrepreneur like Mark Zuckerberg, who also dedicates a large share of his time and money to helping others. He and his wife Priscilla Chan have formed the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to use technology to work to solve problems in health, education and social inequality across the globe, pledging to devote 99% of their Facebook shares to that goal. Zuckerberg believes that “Our society has an obligation to invest now to improve the lives of all those coming into this world, not just those already here.”

Carmelo Anthony

The men’s Ikat Trim Long-sleeve Polo Shirt is a sporty fit for NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who has proven himself both a leader in basketball and off the court in his philanthropic endeavors. In 2005 he founded the Carmelo Anthony Foundation, which provides funds for disadvantaged children to improve their lives and futures through both education and recreation. He feels that he is just paying it forward, saying: “I am a product of people’s giving and sacrificing… It’s important for people around the world to recognize that we all have something we can give.”

Lebron James

The comfortable and flexible men’s Ikat Trim Polo Shirt is a perfect casual look for the off-court style exhibited by NBA star Lebron James, whose philanthropic endeavors are built on the promise to never forget where he came from. While he donates money to a variety of worthwhile children’s causes across the country, his home town of Akron, Ohio holds a special place in his heart and philanthropy. Especially notable is the huge commitment he’s made with his “I Promise” program, which will pay four years of college tuition for up to two thousand disadvantaged students from Akron. Lebron and his mother had a hard life while he was growing up, and now says: “Mom and I wanted to create a foundation that, regardless of where I was playing, would be dedicated to giving back to the community by enriching the support system that helped us along our journey.”

Bill Gates

The versatility of the V-Neck Sweater gets right to the point, pulling together a comfortable fit for a business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist like Bill Gates. He’s applied the same skills that made him the richest man in the world to giving away much of his wealth to try to solve some of the biggest problems facing people today. While still working on the global goal of eradicating polio by 2020, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also started a campaign to fight against malaria, a major killer in many third-world countries. Meanwhile, they have decided to redirect their efforts to improve education in the United States and focus instead on the pervasive problem of poverty. He’s proven that he can succeed in both making and donating wealth, saying

“Effective philanthropy requires a lot of time and creativity—the same kind of focus and skills that building a business requires.” 

Our menswear capsule collection lets you select comfortable, classic clothes which are both relaxed and elegant, and manufactured in an ethical fashion from high-quality textiles. Long-lasting and versatile, they take the worry out of clothing selection, letting you focus on the things that really matter- much as these remarkable men have done with their philanthropic efforts!

 

Philanthropy Driving the Fashion Industry

(Illustration above by Iman Geddy)

In today’s world quantity seems to drive people to purchase as many garments as they can for the least amount of money as possible, but we have to ask ourselves, is that really fashion? What happened to creativity or design on a dime, quality over quantity. The biggest loophole in the fashion industry today is the productivity. The world simply cannot keep up with the habitual fast lifestyle of most consumers. Everyone screams they want change, but as cliché as it sounds, we must be the change we want to see in the world. As people question if the fashion industry will ever be sustainable, Limitless La Vie brings to you our very own fashion forward sustainable clothing collection!

In creating our Career Capsule Collection, Limitless La Vie has been inspired by strong, successful women who have used their wealth, power, and influence to make a difference in the world. Angelina Jolie, Melinda French Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Donna Karan and Amal Clooney have all taken different paths to their positions of influence, but are all using them for the greater good. These philanthropists have sought to not just enrich themselves, but create a better life for all, and for that reason we have named the pieces in our collection after them, as a tribute to their contributions to a better world!

ANGELINA JOLIE

Angelina – Classic Fit Tie-Front Silk Shirt

This beautiful, classic, chic, minimalist-styled Classic Fit Tie-Front Silk Shirt is a perfect fit for a busy, humanitarian activist and philanthropist like Angelina Jolie. Not content to be just a movie star, she has used her fame to draw attention to the needs of third-world children, acting as a special envoy to UNICEF. Why? She says, “I have so much in my life. I want to be of value to the world.” The fashion industry suffers from the mistreatment of women and children in these countries where they are to work long hours in unsafe conditions with unfair wages. What better way to bring awareness to the industry while captilzing on an influencer who is just as passionate about the needs of women and children in third-world countries. How will you rock your Classic Fit Tie-Front Silk Shirt?

MELINDA FRENCH GATES

Melinda – Oxford Button Down Shirt

The tailored, classic Oxford Button Down shirt was designed with a business leader and philanthropist like Melinda French Gates in mind. Working with her husband in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she has spearheaded campaigns to improve the opportunities for health services, education, and economic independence to those in need around the world, as well as at home in the United States. Limitless La Vie seeks to improve the lives of at-risk youth through education, sports, fashion, art and programming. This capsule is more than just fashion, it’s a statement. She says, “Philanthropy is not about the money. It’s about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and apply them to improving the world.”

OPRAH WINFREY

Oprah – Asymmetrical Button Down Blazer

Our boldly designed, form-fitting Asymmetrical Button Down Blazer is the perfect match for a trailblazer like media giant and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. Starting out with nothing, and experiencing a troubled childhood, she has risen to become not only one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the United States, but has shared her good fortune by supporting career opportunities and education for young women. She has even built a school! No person left behind, everyone can win. Her philosophy is “Many things in life inspire philanthropy, such as your faith in humanity and your belief in the human spirit to overcome.”

MICHELLE OBAMA

Michelle – Fitted Midi Dress (Sheath)

The sheath dress is a style often associated with the former First Lady of the United States. For eight years, Michelle Obama graced the White House with her warm, welcoming personality and enthusiasm, raising funds and awareness for Let’s Move and then she showed the world that it’s okay to Let Girls Learn! Her energy encourages others to get involved, saying “There are stillmany causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made!”

DONNA KARAN

Donna – Asymmetrical Border Skirt

Our sophisticated, sleek Asymmetrical Border Skirt offers exceptional design, much like that of designer Donna Karan, who has inspired fashion throughout the world. However, she has moved beyond the world of fashion to philanthropic efforts through her Urban Zen Foundation, which focuses on health care, education and preservation of cultures, with a special concern for the needs of children. Her philosophy of sharing is “Whatever you’ve been given, it’s to give back.”

AMAL CLOONEY

Amal – High Waist Flair Pants

These High Waist Flair Pants are perfect for a high-powered lawyer like Amal Clooney, who worked as an international human rights lawyer well before she married George Clooney. Partnering with her husband, she has continued to work to make lives better for people in need around the world. Recently she instituted the Amal Clooney Scholarship to help Lebanese young women receive post-secondary education. The fashion industry longs for purpose. She herself has said about her new fame, “I think it’s wonderful celebrities would choose to spend their time or energy or the spotlight that they have to raise awareness about these causes. I don’t really see myself in the same way because I’m still doing the same job that I used to do before. So if there’s more attention paid, for whatever reason, to that, then I think that’s good.”

We have pursued the development of our Career Capsule Collection pieces with the same principles that these strong women have modeled. From the ethically sourced fabrics, through the construction of the garments by workers paid fairly for their labor, through to the use of the profits to help improve the lives of those in need, we have worked to create a capsule collection that will not only be beautiful, but help to create a more beautiful world for everyone. Ethically, set, GO!