Judith Lieber debuting "Don't Forget" Pendant for Haiti's Women

By Michelle Zimmerman, NY Correspondent

Judith Lieber's "Don't Forget" Pendant

Seven months has passed since that horrible earthquake in Haiti; and conditions have not improved that greatly.

Sadly, the citizens are still living in squalor since the world last focused on them back in January.

Defeated but not forgotten, Judith Lieber and actress/activist, Maria Bello, teamed up to create a sweet and simple pendant that packs a lot of meaning, the "Don't Forget" Pendant.

The president of Judith Leiber, Mary Gleason with "The Arriviste" NY Correspondent, Michelle Zimmerman.

Judith Leiber officially debut the pendant this past Tuesday at their flagship store on 680 Madison Avenue at 61St Street then throw a little welcoming party, dishing up Haitian treats such as crabcake balls and spicy little beef skewers with drinks. Yum. Spoonbread Too provided the delish hors d' oeurve.

Maria Bello with Mary Gleason.

For over twenty years, Bello has championed international women's rights. For the past three years, she has been actively engaged in the challenges facing Haitian women. Since the recent earthquake, Bello has returned over eight times to work in a 50,000-person IDP camp and started a womenʼs clinic to support self-sustainment efforts. Similarly, Judith Leiber is a success story that exemplifies womenʼs empowerment.

"Gossip Girl's" Kelly Rutherford in the middle, surrounded by Mary's daughters.

The limited edition Judith Leiber Donʼt Forget pendant features a clear crystal ring, faceted pewter and the Donʼt Forget medallion, which hangs from an adjustable leather cord and will retail for $95. The initial designs were produced in the United States with plans for the subsequent necklaces to be assembled by Haitian women overseen by Bello. Gleason explains, “As an entrepreneur, I have always been a proponent of womenʼs empowerment. We designed the Donʼt Forget pendant with the goal of putting these strong women back on their feet.” She adds, “Mariaʼs passion for Haiti is contagious and it is an honor to work with her.”

Mary goofing around with Wyclef Jean's brother, DJ Sedeck Jean.

Today Gleason, a self-made business leader, is at the companyʼs helm. Bello explains, “The partnership with Judith Leiberwas a natural one. Mary immediately understood my mission to improve the lives of women. The company is helping put these gallant leaders back on their feet so that they can be an integral part of the rebuilding Haiti.”

Only 1,000 pendants were intially made for this campaign and all the of profits will go to Femmes En Democratie, a chapter of Vital Voices Global Partnership based in Haiti.

The pendant is available for purchase at all Judith Leiber stores and at http://www.judithleiber.com/.

Vital Voices is a leading organization that gives women the tools to fulfill their potential in the
areas of economic and entrepreneurial opportunity, political participation, and legal/human rights. Its Haitian chapter, Femmes En Democratie, supports thousands of women who continue to be devastated by the earthquake of January 2010.

At the party, Ms. Zimmerman, the intrepid reporter had picked up some insider scoops.

On Fashion's Night Out in September, Judith Leiber will be selling 100 bags for $100 each with the retail value of $2, 500 each.

Keep your eyes out sooner, there might be a Los Angeles version arriving soon.