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Anonymous: “I´m sure he will do a great job leading UCOF, into a whole new venue of tweets, tweets, tweets. Oh, and how can we forget the world´s second largest country (if it really were one) FACEBOOK!”

Michael Narain joins UCOF as the new Social Media Manager weaving together two passions: a love of aesthetics and a love of mankind. These two qualities are very crucial for any leader but particularly for one who seeks to bring to UCOF a new and wider audience through the growth of social media. Michael’s love for mankind will connect and redevelop relationships across the globe that will help UCOF continue the process of growing towards a wider, more developed audience.

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By JERTHER GEORGE

Artistic Director is defined as executive of an arts organization, particularly in a theatre company, that handles the organization’s artistic direction.  This is exactly what United Colors of Fashion has discovered in the talents of Ms. Claire Livingstone.  Her talents and dedication to dance will be a tremendous factor in the organization´s Annual Gala.  However, before we can pick up our dancing shoes, let´s look at Ms. Livingstone´s history.

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By CIANO CLERJUSTE

African Fashion International (AFI) made history in South Africa this year, with its first edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg, which took place at Hyde Park in the historic metropolitan city.

When United Colors Of Fashion was planning its 2012 charity trip to South Africa, we thought it was fitting to plan the trip around Joburg Fashion Week- we use Fashion For Humanitarian Causes and our pursuit to bring hope and a sense of well- being to about forty-five HIV-infected children at Mapetla Day Care in Soweto, the time with AFI was ideal.

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By PHATHUTSHEDZO LUVHENGO

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Indeed United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) is a non-profit organization like no other; it stands adamant on its ideas. This not-for-profit organization goes beyond donation to “real help”.

Who can genuinely relate fashion with charity work, or who might have thought that a not-for-profit organization can use fashion for humanitarian aid?

Surely relating fashion with Charity may seem as a myth to many, but to UCOF it´s just a reality that comes with lots of ecstatic activities. Yes, fashion can be used for humanitarian aid here. Charity donations, it´s not always about donating money but doing what you do best and what you enjoy most to help those in need. Inspired by their family calamities, Ciano Clerjuste, the president and chairman of the board, Veronica Rovegno, Vice President – and a lot of other fashionistas, Wall Street bankers, socialites and philanthropisted listed on their website use fashion for humanitarian causes.

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By Lewis Ndlovu – South Africa

Johannesburg – Glamour, lights, models and designers are all words synonymous with fashion shows. And when you add fashion week to it, you tend to think of a high profile fashion event with packed nights of bubbly champagne, caviar and stunning models on the runway wearing but the best of designer gear. True. But how many times have you associated a top fashion event with a charitable cause? Probably not. Charity work doesn’t have to be always behind closed doors, because in some ways, when celebrities and designers extend their hand to help someone in need, it attracts many people, thereby helping it to gain more attention from millions around the world.

United Colours Of Fashion, a New York based non-profit organisation that has supported many noble causes was recently in Johannesburg for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week which was held in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

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New York, NY – United Colors Of Fashion, which uses fashion for humanitarian is due to travel to South Africa on March 6th to do charity work at the Soweto Hospice. Prior to departure, the organization is having a stylish “Bon Voyage Affair” on March 3, 2012.

Presented by PRANNA, the organization is expecting an audience full of fashionistas, fashion gurus, celebrities, Wall Street bankers and the fashion and lifestyle media.

A talented fashion designer, who has built a name with private celebrity clients in New York, Mariam Conde, is set to present her current collection, “Femme Progressive.” Ms. Conde has trained in high-end evening wear in the Ateliers of OSCAR DE LA RENTA, During her tenure with Mr. Oscar , she has collaborated with renowned designers to produce some of the world´s most coveted garments and accessories. She further enhanced her high-end style and quality construction skills at Carolina Herrera.

“I dress for a cause, a progressive cause. In her story and spirit, I find my inspiration,” says Conde.

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BY: Laura Eustache
Reported BY: Alisha Frederick

NEW YORK – On Tuesday, February 14, 2012, while some may have been out at Valentine´s Day dinner, the UCOF team was hard at work making sure South African designer David Tlale´s show was going off without a hitch.
And without a hitch it went!

Presented before dignitaries, socialites and fashion fanatics alike, Tlale´s collection was displayed in a showcase; instead of having models walk a typical runway, Tlale´s setup gave on-lookers an opportunity to browse his collection up-close and personal.

This approach fit very well with the sounds of mellow African drumming beats serving as the soundtrack to the event. Guests were treated to a variety of appetizers which included cocktail shrimp, choice fruits, nuts, and a bacon-lettuce arrangement. For drinks, there was an array of South African red and white wines.

Although there can be nothing more satisfying than a great selection of food and drink, guests were more amazed by Tlale´s Fall/Winter 2012 collection; many an “ooh, aah” could be heard by observers who appeared more than satisfied by what had been presented.

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By LAURA EUSTACHE

Only hours left before people get a taste of the fashion they’ve been waiting for! New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 is set to begin today and is currently the talk of the town. For many this means bright lights, new fashion, new colors and endless parties! Let’s not forget at least four outfit changes a day or street-side yellow-cab wars!

You just have to love New York even more during Fashion Week!

But for designers, this means much more than what we all anticipate; it’s putting forth the vision they´ve been working hard on for the upcoming season. A lot of hard work and chaos goes on behind- the- scenes during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. For this year, the action begins on February 9th lasting until the 16th. Top designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein will be unveiling collections for the Fall/Winter Season. Part of this year´s fashion is the campaign slogan: “You Can´t Fake Fashion” which is geared towards bringing awareness to counterfeit garments and accessories and their detriment to the fashion industry in general. Bringing awareness to this hot-button issue is not only brilliant but so crucial.

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One of Our Advisors, Mrs. Bokoko Makes The Cover of Zen Magazine

Story by: Zen Magazine

Our generation is truly blessed with prominent & confident women who are not only strong leaders but are also positive role models to the millions of women searching for inspiration worldwide. Their ideas, insights & innovative approach towards situations & issues tells you that leadership isn’t just a role for men only, but also a role where women have succeeded in tremendously. From the way they dress, to the manner in which they interact and lead, these women have won our hearts & inspired us on several occasions – Bisila Bokoko is one of such women. Born in Spain from Equatorial Guinea parents, Bisila has created a name & built a formidable brand for herself over the past decade.

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By LAURA EUSTACHE

Having established new goals for 2012, the team at United Colors of Fashion has made plans to begin tackling some of those endeavors. First on the list: gathering goods to bring on an anticipated trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. The date has been set for this coming March 6th -12th.

Traveling to the hospice was a decision made by the UCOF professionals to help them connect directly with the people they´ve been fundraising for annually. In preparation for this journey, the organization is asking people to gather no longer needed clothes, shoes, and even handbags to donate to the people of the hospice. The women of the hospice shops can then use these goods to resell and make a profit.

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