Hot New Trends In The Entertainment World: JUDITH LEIBER + MARIA BELLO Host “Don’t Forget” Haiti Launch on July 13th. 2010 in NYC

Maria Bello and President of Judith Leiber Mary Gleason

At the Judith Leiber flagship NYC store event on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, Actress and Philanthropist Maria Bello and Judith Leiber Brand President Mary Gleason unveiled the “Don’t Forget” pendant, a limited edition Judith Leiber design.
Judith Leiber Website

This pendant will be sold with 100 percent of the profits benefiting Femmes En Democratie, a chapter of Vital Voices Global Partnership based in Haiti. Its Haitian chapter, Femmes En Democratie, supports thousands of women who continue to be devastated by the earthquake of January 2010.

The “Don’t Forget” limited edition pendant features a clear crystal ring, faceted pewter and the Don’t Forget medallion, which hangs from an adjustable leather cord and will retail for $95.

For over 20 years, Maria Bello has been an international champion of women’s rights. Over the last three years, Bello has focused on improving the quality of life of Haitian women and helping them overcome the challenges of their living situation. When the January earthquake devastated Haiti and shocked the world, Bello returned to the country over eight times to work in a 50,000-person IDP camp and started a women’s clinic to aid self-sustainable efforts.
The name Judith Leiber says a lot in the world of women’s empowerment. Leiber, the brand’s founder and namesake, survived World War II and immigrated to the United States where she built her iconic brand. Judith Leiber has been an American luxury brand since 1963. The timeless designs, distinct heritage, and overall quality have been an international staple for decades. Celebrities and First Ladies have carried these custom made bags on red carpets and Presidential Inaugurations all over the world. As an integral piece of history, Judith Leiber accessories can be found in museums around the world including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

On Tuesday night, Judith Leiber’s flagship store in New York City was filled with the sounds of hip-hop and the smells of creole chicken and rice. All eyes may have been on the dazzling stars, such as Kelly Rutherford of “Gossip Girl” and designer Lucy Sykes, but it was the Haitian women working with Vital Voices who stole the show.

Despite the devastating reality in Haiti, spirits were kept high with the delicious Carribean flavor that permeated every detail of the night—from the delicious spicy chicken and rice and crispy crabcakes, to D.J. Sedeck Jean (Wyclef Jean’s brother), who was spinning soulful hip-hop. By the end of the night, the dance floor was packed with partygoers already wearing their newly purchased pendants.