As we all know, the tragic earthquake in Haiti is still causing great suffering; it will take years to re-build the state’s economy and infrastructure. One of the most important matters to prioritize in the re-building is their health care system for women and children, which is exactly what this year’s Fashion for Relief aims to do through raising money for CARE.

CARE is a non-profit specializing in fighting global poverty as it affects women. Their focus is on women because women have the power to “assist their families and communities in escaping poverty.” CARE works to “improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.” The organization also provides aid to victims of conflict and natural disasters.

This year’s show, with host Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), will be Friday, February 12th in the tents at Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The event is open to the public with tickets starting around $100. You can purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to CARE. The donated garments will be auctioned online through NET-A-PORTER starting February 15th.

The first Fashion for Relief event took place in 2005 to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina; it raised over $1M. Way to go!

Naomi Campbell modeling the Spring/Summer 2010 Louis Vuitton bag, $2,789 – a portion of proceeds to benefit the White Ribbon Alliance

Louis Vuitton, the ultra-famous French luxury house, has partnered with supermodel Naomi Campbell to support the White Ribbon Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reducing maternal mortality.

Naomi partnered with Marc Jacobs, the creative director of LV, to design the bag made of khaki metallic monogram canvas stripes, embroidered on colored metallic leather with natural leather trim which retails for $2,789. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Alliance.

The model is a global ambassador for the organization, which has lobbied world leaders since 1999 to support safe motherhood initiatives and empowered women to demand safe and respectful medical services. The Alliance also works to address the effects of poverty, HIV/AIDS, armed conflict, gender inequalities on safe motherhood.

“People say fashion people don’t do anything. We do a lot,” Naomi Campbell said in an interview (she’s also donating the proceeds from her auction of Hermès bags to the charity). I couldn’t agree more but think that fashion and luxury still have a lot more to do. Why? Because they can.