By Fashion Designer and P.S. ARTS Supporter Clare Vivier
Art and fashion have always been a passion of mine. 7 years ago, I attended a trunk show and met Julia Sorkin, a Board Member at P.S. ARTS, and we quickly got to talking about our interest for both subjects. It was clear from the start of our conversation the overwhelming admiration she had for P.S. ARTS. She then invited me to attend a committee meeting for the P.S. ARTS event, “Express Yourself.” From the moment I attended that first meeting, I fell in love with the organization.
Having a two-year-old son at the time, I felt it absolutely necessary to get involved with a charity that provided arts education to public schools in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. I could not imagine my own son going to school and missing out on the opportunity to learn about art and explore his creativity. I grew up attending public school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and can clearly remember how much I appreciated and loved painting class. It was a time to learn but also a time to have fun and be creative — something you can’t always get from the basic curriculum. I strongly believe that every student deserves the right to an arts education; I knew I had to be involved and help give children in our community the same opportunities that I had growing up.
Throughout the years, my career has also become personally intertwined with P.S. ARTS. Many years ago when I was working as a journalist for a French television station, I realized that because of the lack of stylish and functional laptop bags, I would simply have to make my own. And so I began my epynonymous line of handbags, now based out of Los Angeles. Clare Vivier handbags are designed and engineered in the city I call home. I recently opened a flagship boutique in Silverlake and I have been so lucky to donate some of my clutches and bags to the yearly P.S. ARTS Bag Lunch event. I cannot think of a better reason for a woman to be carrying one of my bags than the fact that they supported P.S. ARTS with their purchase!
Which brings me to the exciting news: P.S. ARTS has re-launched their online store! I am thrilled because I always need a good excuse to shop! And I am pleased to inform you that the store has some very fashionable items.
Graphic tees were taking over street style for the Spring 2013 shows this fall. Bloggers to editors noted that graphic casual t-shirts were paired with girly floral skirts, printed pants, and attention grabbing shorts. What better way to embrace this easy trend than by supporting arts education in public schools as well? I love the t-shirt by Junk Food; it is fun and easy and will add a little bit of spunk to any outfit. Its design and use of multiple languages and colors draws your attention and promotes P.S. ARTS at the same time!
How easy would it be to throw on the “We Make Artists” t-shirt with bright pants or leather leggings for a chic and casual look? There are so many other great t-shirts for adults, kids, and babies, along with tote bags, water bottles, and other accessories, that it makes supporting P.S. ARTS incredibly easy and fun!
All prices include shipping but not tax and all proceeds benefit P.S. ARTS’ arts education programs and further their mission of improving children’s lives through arts education.
I hope to run into you all in the near future with your P.S. ARTS gear and a Clare Vivier clutch!
Check Out Clare’s blog for fashion inspiration, insider design scoop, and an all around good time! And a special thank you to Lightray Productions for helping us create our new and improved merchandise page!
