H Mystique Inc. : Shala Monroque

Donna Karan, founder of The Urban Zen Foundation, along with Haitian designer Paula Coles, and the New School’s Parsons School of Design, were in Haiti for the launch of The DOT center (Design, Organization and Training), a new artisan vocational training center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

“This has been my dream ever since I first went to Haiti four years ago. Just as Haitian artisans have inspired me, I hope they are inspired and empowered as this journey begins.”Donna Karan

The DOT center will be a hub for the Haitian artisan community, providing resources and materials.

The concept will be similar to a co-op system, where becoming a member, artisans will have access to hands-on training by designers and educators, modern machinery and tools, network of contacts and buyers, as well as access to an interest free loan developed by the Clinton Foundation to provide artisans with start up capital for orders.

Under the tutelage of designers and educators, including Karan and Parsons faculty members, artisans will receive hands-on instruction in material fabrication, including horn, metal, textile, ceramics, natural dying, beading, leather and recycled materials, as well as instruction in the use of new tools and materials to complete their designs.

Local designers, artists, and artisans were invited to the program launch to showcase their works for the review of Karan and her team, and to learn more about the program.

Recipients of the Parsons Design Fellowship program grant, will remain in Haiti, and have the opportunity to work at the DOT center for six to eight weeks. The students will propose and develop product explorations for design development and production, research local practices and local materials and expanding the range of locally produced products. They will also develop and lead workshops for local artisans in the areas of jewelry, textile development, leather, pottery, hand dying, printing and beading.

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Angela Simmons artist Navino Chris Brown Donna Karan Edlyne Garcon Haiti Haitian Blogger Jamaician Lil Wayne Mission of Grace reggae Shala Monroque Tracey Saintil

Shoe designer, and reality TV hottie, Angela Simmons made a return trip to Haiti recently.

Simmons and friends took the opportunity to do some sightseeing, hiking, and enjoyed some serious beach time at local favorite Wahoo Bay Beach.

The 31-year-old actress also spent some time giving back to the local community, by spending time with the children of the Mission Of Grace organization, a Christian non profit organization located in Carries, Haiti