Mexico Comes to Manhattan with Project Paz

With Snow Storm Sandy headed our way, Project Paz is bringing a welcome piece of Mexico to Manhattan in the form of its third annual Project Art benefit on Monday, November 5th. Hosted by Michelle Harper, Misha Nonoo, and Phoebe & Annette Stephens, among others, the fundraiser will feature an art auction of over sixty unique pieces by an impressive slew of fashion designers and artists, the proceeds of which will go to the organization’s mission of promoting peace in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

As in previous years, Project Paz enlisted the likes of Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Rag & Bone, and many more. However this time, rather than creating a clothing item, each participating designer went behind the lens to produce a one-of-a-kind photograph inspired by the essence of Mexico and of Project Paz. “We wanted to get the designers involved on a more personal level and to use their creativity in an innovative way,” explains Project Paz co-founder, Eugenia Gonzalez Ruiz-Olloqui. “They could show anything – a scent, a memory, a color, an item, etc. I have three personal favorites – Kean Etro’s triptych ‘Opened Doors’, Rafe Totenco’s ‘Abe Drinking from a Coconut’ and Juan Carlos Obando’s ‘Correteando Chuletas’. Each show a different part of Mexico with a different feeling, color and texture. I am sure I will bid on them all!”

Anne Huntington of AMH Industries was enlisted to curate the wide selection of artwork generously donated by more than fifty contemporary artists, including Lola Monte Schnabel, Alex Hank, Andrea Neen, and many other award-winning and internationally exhibited figures. “Of the participating artists over thirty-five are Mexican,” explains Huntington. “The rooted Mexican heart and soul shows through [their work] in subtle and overt ways.” Taking it a step further, the auction will go virtual this year; as of yesterday, each of the works of art, ranging from sculpture, watercolor, and painting, to photography and art objects, is featured in a pre-sale on Paddle8.com.

All sales from Project Art will go towards Ampliando el Desarrollo de los Niños, a targeted program that creates after-school activities for underprivileged children in Ciudad Juarez, providing them with a safe environment in which to expand their academic skills. “The protection and education of children growing up in volatile environments is one of the most important causes,” says Prabal Gurung, whose photograph, “Passion“ will be up for grabs on the big night. “We need to do all we can for the next generation.”