Style Saves is a Miami-based non-profit organization that raises funds for underprivileged students globally. It is the passion project of former stylist and current Fashion Director of Miansai, Rachael Russell.
With a mission to unite fashion with philanthropy, the foundation held their 8th annual Style Saves Swim show during Miami Swim Week this past weekend. Money raised will benefit their back-to-school initiative.
More than 500 guests attended the sold-out affair at The Setai Miami Beach, hosted by model Jenny Lopez.
Do good look good: Style Saves is a Miami-based non-profit organization that raises funds for underprivileged students globally. It is the passion project of former stylist and current Fashion Director of Miansai, Rachael Russell (pictured)
The show debuted the latest collections from Miami-based brands Eberjey and Onia, with accessories by Miansai and Artesano.
Guests listened to music by DJ YSL while enjoying the open bar featuring Health-Ade Kombucha cocktails with Tito’s Vodka and rosé from The Palm by Whispering Angel.
‘Our goal is to raise $80,000,’ said Rachael. This year Style Saves plans to send over 5,000 students in Miami-Dade back to school with necessities including new uniforms, accessories, and school supplies.
Today (July 16), marks the launch of the organization’s international online auction presented by Charitystars.com.
Items up for grabs include a wellness package and a staycation at the newly renovated Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; a stay at the 1Hotel South Beach, and a 3.1 Phillip Lim handbag.
Additionally, supporters may bid on shopping sprees, luxury goods, event tickets, gift cards, as well as memberships and vacations at premier destinations.
With a mission to unite fashion with philanthropy, the organization held their 8th annual Style Saves Swim show during Miami Swim Week this past weekend
Hostess with the mostess: More than 500 guests attended the sold-out affair at The Setai Miami Beach, hosted by model Jenny Lopez
The show debuted the latest collections from Miami’s favorite brands Eberjey and Onia, with accessories by Miansai and Artesano
The idea for Style Saves came to Rachael at the young age of 21.
‘I was taking my brother back-to-school shopping. My dad had given me money and I told my brother he could pick out an outfit. I saw how good it made him feel and that’s when I thought that this would be a good charity.’
At 23 she made the idea a reality.
‘I just wanted to give back through my resources. I was a stylist and I had relationships with brands; I had access to samples and dead stock, and I knew people in the service and hospitality industry.
‘I was able to use my network to do some philanthropic initiatives and give back through something I cared about and liked to do.’
Making a difference: ‘Our goal is to raise $80,000,’ said Rachael. This year Style Saves plans to send over 5,000 students in Miami-Dade back to school with necessities including new uniforms, accessories, and school supplies
Today (July 16), marks the launch of the organization’s international online auction presented by Charitystars.com
Style Saves is the largest supplier of back-to-school supplies in all of Florida.
‘For prom we’re servicing about 500+kids and these are all graduating seniors that come from homeless shelters, are children of inmates, etc….
‘In order to graduate and go to prom you have to have at least a C+ average, so these are kids that against all odds have made it to the point where they have excelled enough academically to attend the prom.’
But going to the semi-formal event can be expensive.
Fortunately, Style Saves has the inventory (dresses, tuxes, shoes, jewelry, handbags, etc..) at their Miami headquarters to dress students from head-to-toe. They also have the resources to have the teens’ hair and makeup professionally done.
Community first: Style Saves is the largest supplier of back to school supplies in all of Florida. ‘For prom we’re servicing about 500+kids and these are all graduating seniors that come from homeless shelters, are children of inmates, etc….’
Dreaming big: At the age of 23, Rachael launched Style Saves. ‘I just wanted to give back through my resources,
‘We try to make it the nicest experience possible,’ said Rachael. ‘Stylists are on hand to help pick out outfits, clothes still have the tags on them and students leave with garment bags, dust bags, shoe boxes, etc..’ It’s like a regular shopping experience without buying anything.
The Style Saves headquarters is open year round. ‘Kids can come in if they need an outfit to wear for a job interview or an event like a gala.’
‘And while our main anchors are back to school and prom, we’re always working on different projects because we just can’t say no.
‘Recently we’ve been working with a lot of organizations that are servicing migrant families – kids being separated from their parents at the border. We send supplies and volunteers.’
To help raise funds on a continual basis, the non-profit just launched the Community Collection, a clothing line by Isabela Grutman and Style Saves, featuring impactful words and slogans to inspire others to get involved in their communities.
One hundred perfect of proceeds raised from the line directly benefit underprivileged children locally and globally, and to support their international mission trips and disaster relief efforts.
Child sponsorships (as low as $100) are also available to help provide essential education supplies for boys and girls embarking on a new school year.
Good style really can save!
SHOP THE COMMUNITY COLLECTION:
Tax deductible: Sponsor two children for Back-to-School for $100
Charitable act: Sponsor 20 kids for $1,000 or 100 kids for $5,000