WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY. SAVING JAPAN ONE SHOPPER AT A TIME

Stunned by the tremendous amount of devastation to their country, the Japanese are showing true signs of desperation.  With more than 8,199 deaths recorded, the toll is rising as more than 13,000 people are listed as missing persons. After being hit by a 9.0 Earthquake, Japan was shocked by a Tsunami shortly after on March 11, 2011.  While there are search and rescue efforts that have been reoccuring since the date of this natural disaster, there is still much need for help.  

While this seems to be a world away from the United States, and half a world away from some of us, there are still many ways in which we can help.  Of course, leave it to the big hearted souls of the Fashion industry to think of charitable ways to offer Japan signs of compassion; the fashionable way. 

In the wake of disaster in Japan, these designers have found a way to contribute both in charity, and to your closet in a way that can be philanthropic and fashionable. 

A few names you might recognize that are helping out are: Kate Spade who created a special edition tote bagREBECCA MINKOFF FOR THE RED CROSS available for $18, and will be available for purchase on KateSpade.com this Friday, March 25.  $100 from Rebecca Minkoff's red purse sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross, purse price range starting at $295-CAROL LIM, RINKU KIKUCHI, JENNY SHIMIZU & HUMBERTO LEON; $30 EA. RED CROSS$495. Natori and Josie by Josie Natori is donating 10% of all sales made from now through the end of April, to the Red Cross as well. Alexis Bittar will donate 100% of all sales made on his website next week to Catholic Relief Services For Japan.  One of the most impressive acts of charity is by Brooks Brothers who "formed a Customer Giving Campaign where 100% of donations will go to the recover and relief efforts." (Petreycik, Instyle) 

It is wonderful to see the industry taking such an active approach in helping a country that is devastated in such a way that it cannot help itself.  The resources in which all of us are able to provide are necessary.  For more ways to help with the disaster relief going on in Japan via Fashionable philanthropy, or if you have any questions regarding this article please contact me at MelissaAnn@INSPIRER.nu & be sure to check out my blog.