Once again, Pakistan is drowning from natural disaster. They haven’t recovered from their earthquake and now, flood has taken their collective breath away. These war-torn, desperately impoverished yet strikingly resilient people are suffering from their own “Hurricane Katrina.” And once again, Americans are called upon to dig deep into their hearts and pockets and help them. And we will. Americans are among the most generous of nations and our citizens can’t help themselves. They will help.
Of course, CARE was already on the ground and able to help in a hurry. That’s because Pakistan is one of the countries they have development projects in. What’s frustrating is that while the need never abates, resources do so when the call goes out for help, fewer people are moved to donate. It’s like we suffer from crisis fatigue and still, we’ll help.
So, in order to lighten the mood from so many disasters, let’s talk about humanitarianism from a different angle: Saving the World – A Fashion Story
Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE, is a powerhouse doctor, who runs the most effective humanitarian organization in the world (I’m sure that’s a fact). More Magazine ran a profile of Dr. Gayle in their July issue (Gayle Force by Jan Goodwin) describing her schedule, stamina and surgical focus as she swept through Africa, hosting a learning tour for American politicians. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Gayle so I wasn’t surprised by her brilliant education, resume and skill-set, which are dazzling. I read the article looking for one thing – what was Dr. Gayle wearing. I’ve dubbed her “Helene of the fabulous dresses” because every time I see her at CARE events, she’s wearing a brightly colored, perfectly fitted dress, understated accessories and gorgeous shoes that accentuate her crisp and stunning presence.
Yes, she’s the CEO and President of CARE. Yes, she’s headlined on some of the world’s most important stages from the Centers for Disease Control to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Yes, she keeps a grueling schedule. But she’s also really fashionable and kind of girly. I love that about her. She wears black pants and a print button-down in the photo that fronts the article but read all the way through and … there it is: “Gayle showed up for the event looking fabulous in a vivid orange linen two-piece with a wide cinch belt.” Thank you, Dr. Gayle, for adding fashion to your list of fabulosities.
Fashion’s an important part of saving the world – Tom’s
shoes and Gap’s Red jeans provide important revenue to help children in poor countries and people
with AIDS. They mean you can do good just by getting dressed in the morning. Nothing’s more
functional for people providing direct aid than a uniform of Chaco sandals and
a pair of cargo pants. And then
there are accessories produced by women in developing countries who’ve received
microloans. Scarves, jewelry, bags and other beautiful handmade garments are
creating an important personal and financial link between women around the
world. Fashion changes lives.
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