Just after Memorial Day, Donna Karan and Cheri Kaufman, co-founder of Veteran Services USA, announced the first “Style for Strength: Celebrating Our Heroes” event.
The legendary American designer has gathered 18 top designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Thom Browne and Kenneth Cole to help her raise money for veterans.
A special live auction event will take place in New York City on June 5.
Donna Karan and Cheri Kaufman, Co-Founder of Veteran Services USA, Launched Style for Strength to Support American Veterans
Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors (pictured with Donna), Thom Browne and Kenneth Cole are all involved in the card initiative
Each of the 19 designers has been given access to vintage military clothing to reuse and redesign with their own looks.
The final creations will be auctioned to support Veteran Services USA’s pioneering post-traumatic stress (PTS) treatment for people suffering from the debilitating effects of trauma.
Donna is joined by Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Thom Browne, Michael Kors, Epperson, Erin Beatty, Emily Bode and Hillary (Collina Strada).
Creations by Rio Uribe, Bonnie Young, Rebecca Moses, Jonathan Cohen, Kobi, Vanessa Noel, Peter Dundas, Frederick Anderson, Terry Singh and Banna. VSUSA co-founders Cheri Kaufman, Eddie Dovner and Charles Everhardt will also be up for auction.
“I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate, create and connect with so many amazing designers to help veterans access therapy for post-traumatic stress,” said Donna Karan.
Each designer has been given access to vintage military clothing to reuse and redesign with their own looks that will be auctioned to raise money and support Veteran Services USA’s pioneering post-traumatic stress treatment (PTS) for those suffering from its debilitating effects of trauma
Iconic American designer Tommy Hilfiger devoted his time to the case
Epperson is one of 19 talents involved in the charity project
Emily Bode designed a piece that is available at auction
“The Veterans Services USA initiative is important to our veterans and their families because it affects everyone.”
The nonprofit organization is committed to supporting returning and senior veterans by providing programs that ensure successful life transitions.
For recently discharged veterans, it offers transition sponsorship and career support programs, with an emphasis on mental health and suicide reduction.
Donna first joined forces with the nonprofit in November, timed for Veterans Day.
Hillary (Collina Strada), as well as Bonnie Young, Rebecca Moses, Vanessa Noel and Banna have all created looks to be auctioned
“I knew I wanted to be involved in the initiative as soon as Cheri Kaufman and the Veteran Services USA team presented it to me,” she said.
“I am honored to work with her as these programs close the gap in programs available to veterans.
“At Urban Zen, dressing clients has always been as important as addressing what they’re going through and this project has allowed us to do both: dress and engage.”
Visit www.styleforstrength.com for more information
Veteran Services USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting returning and senior veterans by providing programs that ensure successful life transitions
“My involvement with Veteran Services USA is my way of doing what I can to support our veterans and military personnel,” said Cheri Kaufman.
“We celebrate our service, men and women leaving their homes to protect our freedom, but there is so much more that can be done when they return.
VSUSA is at the forefront of supporting our veterans with a drug-free protocol that has been proven to help those suffering from PTS, in addition to services such as housing, education and jobs as they return to civilian life.
“There are 7,300 veteran suicides each year – these are heroes who fought to preserve our freedom, now VSUSA is helping to preserve theirs.”
Donna and her creative team have designed a theatrical set that will showcase the designers’ looks
“My involvement with Veteran Services USA is my way of doing what I can to support our veterans and military personnel,” said Cheri Kaufman
Donna and her creative team designed a theater set at the Intrepid Museum to showcase the designers’ looks.
Lydia Fenet will host a live auction of selected pieces on the night of the event.
The silent auction of all 19 designers’ looks will go live on 5/31 at: www.styleforstrength.com
The auction closes on 6/6 at 12:00 PM.