Top fashion designers donate merch and 'dream' experiences to Earth Day auction

Charitybuzz.com, an auction site specializing in philanthropic campaigns, is hosting an auction that includes merchandise and experiences courtesy of some of the fashion industry's most illustrious players.

The auction, which kicked off on Thursday and ends May 6, is a companion event to biggie art auctioneer Christie's "Earth Day -- Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth."

The collection of more than 200 items, many of which are "dream" experiences, includes a personal fitting for "his and hers" bespoke suits made of sustainable fabric by eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney; a chance to dine with Vera Wang and a $10,000 credit at her flagship store; two front-row tickets to a Missoni fashion show, plus lunch and a fitting with designer Angela Missoni; and -- perhaps the mother of all fashion offers -- an outfit chosen and styled personally by Giorgio Armani to attend the Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party in 2011.

The auction also includes experiences and merchandise from Nina Ricci, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Harry Winston, Irene Neuwirth and Sharon Khazzam.

The funds raised will benefit the campaign’s partners: Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Central Park Conservancy and Conservation International.

-- Emili Vesilind

Follow All the Rage on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: A customized Bottega Veneta handbag, up for auction as part of the Earth Day lot on Charitybuzz.com (estimated value: $20,000). Credit: Charitybuzz.com

Q&A: Evan Lysacek talks about 'Dancing With the Stars,' Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and training in Rick Owens cashmeres

Ralph Lauren celebrated Evan Lysacek's Olympic gold medal win at the brand’s Robertson flagship Tuesday, following the figure skater’s debut on “Dancing With the Stars” the night before. "Dancing" castmates Buzz Aldrin, Niecy Nash and Bruno Tonioli came to toast Lysacek -- the first American man to win a gold in figure skating in 22 years. 

Lysacek, one of the Olympic athletes who partnered with Polo Ralph Lauren in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, wore a Team USA polo shirt and also autographed customers' Team USA shirts.

Lysacek chatted with All the Rage enthusiastically about "Dancing With the Stars" and fashion.

You're a big fan of Ralph Lauren?

I’ve always loved Polo since I was little. I’ve worn Ralph’s clothes always.

Team USA was extremely honored to wear his designs in Vancouver. Without a doubt the best outfit there, so props to him and his entire company for coming up with an incredible look.
It truly has been an honor to be aligned with this brand for the past year. I hope I can continue to work with them. Ralph Lauren is an American icon as far as fashion is concerned.

New York Fashion Week: Vera Wang's understated comfort

Vera Wang, like so many designers this season, is making a case for understatement, using the theme of "film noir" as a starting point for her darkly romantic collection of soft, sculptural, day to night pieces.

Highlights included a black twill jacket with an organza corsage, a white linen voile blouse with a sculptural twist at the shoulder, and a genius charcoal knit jumpsuit with tuxedo stripes.

Bejeweling was at a minimum, which was a change for Wang, reflecting a new, sportier attitude. (Models wore ropes of distressed pearls instead of the bibs of jewels they have had in seasons past, exuding a less polished, more distressed glamour.)

Wang seemed to be attuned to the fact that comfort is the priority for women now when getting dressed. How else do you explain all the magazine editors wearing pants or jeans and sensible boots this week? And no, it's not just the snowy weather.

-- Booth Moore in New York

More photos from Vera Wang's fall 2010 runway

PHOTOS: Celeb sightings at fall 2010 New York Fashion Week

More from New York Fashion Week

Follow All the Rage on Facebook and Twitter

Photos: Vera Wang's fall 2010 show in New York. Credit: Peter Stigter and Jonas Gustavsson / For The Times