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In a world full of possibilities and reinventions why be a one-trick pony? A charity and a fashion house, Stefano Pilati's Veryta demonstrates the importance of being schizophrenic. With a refreshing touch of superficiality and painted dresses.

Fashion being charitable is no novelty but as far as charity being fashionable... Veryta however is just that. Masterminded by fashion genius Stefano Pilati and his silk master friend Filippo Binaghi, Veryta is a hybrid: a charitable foundation whose approach to fundraising is to behave like a fashion house. It has a creative director and designer, Tanya Ling, and has taken part in London Fashion Week last September with a S/S 2010 collection.

One would say they were the perfect trio: Plati needs no further introduction, ever the quiet but strong presence at French fashion empire Yves Saint Laurent; Filippo Binaghi is based in Como where he produces some of the fine silks that have become of the Veryta collection's trademarks (one of these would be the origami silk used for its sculptural quality and utter comfort) Tanya Ling is a noted fashion illustrator whose years of working for prestigious brands and magazines alike may juat have convinced her to give it a shot herself... and wasn't she right to do so! Her design aesthetic is as beautifully understated as her illustrative work and the palette pleasantly soft and pretty.

Then earlier this year during London Fashion Week came the painted dresses: pretty little silk shifts adorned by Tanya Ling's inspired brushstrokes, displayed at the Mayor art gallery for a few days at the end of February. 10 dresses and as many wearable works of art whose entirety can be seen on Ling's pretty little gallery of a website.

 

Let us not get too distracted by the pretty dresses, the purpose isn't so much to make us look good as to do what a charity does best ; the mission statement is clear: The Veryta Foundation aims to support projects concerned with Health, Education, Training and the Environment. 50% of the profits generated by Veryta will be donated to the foundation and 10% of all sales will be donated to projects that help alleviate poverty in India through the education of destitute children. Further details and other ways to help the cause on School for Children.

 

Source and credits: Veryta 

TAGS: stefano pilati tanya ling filippo binaghi veryta charity foundation collection fashion house illustrator school for children