Miami Wedding Planner Blog

“WHERE THERE IS CREATIVITY THERE IS HOPE AND HAITI IS THE MOST HOPEFUL PLACE I’VE EXPERIENCED.” Donna Karan

The Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance (HCAA) and the Urban Zen Foundation in collaboration with fashion industry legend, Donna Karan recently presented “Discover Haiti” Urban Zen at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The exhibition showcased a collection of luxury art, accessories, clothing, and home furnishings designed and produced in Haiti. 50 VIP friends of Donna Karan then enjoyed a private dinner in the beautiful studio of renowned Haitian artist Edouard Duval Carrié. Guests were treated to fine fare (I’m talking people asking for seconds) by Thierry’s Catering and a refreshing cocktail called “The Citadel.” The specialty cocktail, courtesy of GREY GOOSE, was made with GREY GOOSE Le Citron, fresh oranges, fresh lemons, lime and cane sugar in homage to the orange trees that grow next to the Citadelle on top of Mt. Laferrière in Haiti.

I was chosen to design and produce the VIP dinner. What an honor to work side by side with Mrs. Karan and her team. I am truly inspired by their work in Haiti. It is where philanthropy meets commerce and the result has the potential to affect REAL change.

I called on my friends at Nuage Designs, Unearthed Vintage and Event Outfitters to help bring my vision of an authentic and warm environment to life. I couldn’t be any prouder to call these vendors my friends. Every vessel used in the design can be purchased from an Urban Zen store. You can see all the amazing photos here. You are forewarned – Gesi Schilling’s photography is addictive and you will look at them over and over again as they radiate pure heart and soul.

Donna Karan believes that if you want to see the soul of a culture, look at its art. You will see traditions passed on generation to generation. You will see their natural resources, their unique hand. Most importantly, you will see the beauty of the culture’s history and the hope of its future. Below, the Raku collection from Marithou Ceramics. I need all of these in my home. I love them.

I am throwing in a photo of a necklace from Marithou Ceramics in case my husband is reading this and would like to get it for me along with the matching wonder woman cuff (special order).

Donna Karan telling my mom that she wants to kidnap me. For real.

My mom Evelyn, me and Donna Karan.

With the fabulous Bernice Steinbaum and Mireille Chancy Gonzalez.

With Sandy Dorsainvil, Executive Director of the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance. Sandy has coordinated and promoted Haitian cultural events for 20 years. She is a phenom.

Donna Karan loves Haiti. Period.

You’ve never had pumpkin soup unless you’ve had this from Thierry’s.