Supporting Haitian Artisans: Donna Karan and the Urban Zen Foundation
By helping Haitian artisans increase production and connecting them to new international buyers, the Clinton Foundation is revitalizing the Haitian artisan sector and strengthening Haiti’s economy. The Foundation has expanded market opportunity for Haitian artisans and entrepreneurs — including metal, papier mâché, and horn artisans as well as jewelry designers and beadmakers — by working closely with Donna Karan and Urban Zen to facilitate orders from international retailers including ABC Home, West Elm, Macy’s, and Breuningers. These retailers’ commitments to purchasing Haitian arts and handicrafts have provided artisans with sustainable employment opportunities and helped raise awareness of Haiti’s unique cultural and artistic traditions. Haitian artisan products have been featured in Vogue and Departures Magazine and on Oprah’s Next Chapter as well as in Urban Zen pop up stores across New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin and with high-end retailers. Donna Karan and the Urban Zen Foundation’s collection that features Haitian artisan work and other pieces inspired by the Haitian culture is currently on exhibit at the Stephan Weiss Studio at the Urban Zen Center in New York City through May 11, 2012. To learn more about the exhibit, visit Urban Zen.