Selita Ebanks shines light on Costa Verde International School, Sierra Leone, & holiday giving, supermodel-style!

Selita Ebanks poses with artwork up for auction to benefit Sayulita, Mexico's Costa Verde International School.

She’s graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, strutted her stuff in some pretty fantastic lingerie, and she ran away with Kanye’s video—the girl even makes getting fired look good! But Selita Ebanks is more than just a supermodel—she’s also a superstar philanthropist.

Thursday night in the West Village, Ebanks was out to support the Costa Verde International School, a “green school” in Sayulita, Mexico, co-founded by Ebanks’s friend, photographer Anne Menke. CVIS aims to provide the Sayulita community with progressive education focused on environmental sustainability and responsibility in Mexico—a lofty goal to achieve with limited resources. Ebanks—looking cozy in a wooly DVF vest over her Rebecca Taylor frock—hosted the 401 Green Photography & Fashion Auction, where everything from Menke’s photos to a Mexican getaway were up for bid, with proceeds benefitting CVIS.

 Having collaborated with Menke throughout her modeling career, Ebanks was happy to shine some light—and funding—on CVIS. “[Menke’s] children go there, and it’s free admission for all the local kids. It’s such an amazing thing, to bring children from all walks of life together,” the Caymanian beauty told Videofashion. “I just had to help her.”

The curriculum at CVIS stresses community involvement—something instilled in Ebanks and her seven brothers (s-e-v-e-n!) since childhood. “It was really important to my Mom to allow us to see the world and reality. We didn’t wear rose-colored shades,” Selita told Videofashion. “We knew where our Thanksgiving turkey was coming from, so we would volunteer for Thanksgiving for the homeless, we would wrap presents for other kids.” Ebanks continues to make giving back a priority. “Community work and being aware of your surroundings is very important,” she added.

While guests sipped Gran Centenario Tequila cocktails and enjoyed music by Lovely Liar, Ebanks filled us in on another charity dear to her heart. “Shine on Sierra Leone is an organization I started working with three years ago,” Ebanks told Videofashion. The group, dedicated to lowering child mortality in the tiny, war-torn West African nation, is finally ready to open Sierra Leone’s very first maternity hospital! Ebanks couldn’t be more proud. “The team is going down on November 20, and there’s going to be a big ceremony. We are really humbled by it,” said Ebanks. “It’s just our first hospital, and I’m going to continue to work hard!” she added.

When Selita isn’t working, she still keeps busy doing good. This year for Thanksgiving, the supermodel is headed to Georgia, where she’ll be whipping up some southern hospitality in mom’s kitchen. “I’m cooking!” she emphasized. “It’s like a six-course meal she’s requested! She’s gonna put her feet up and be Mommy.” (awww …)

As for Christmas, Ebanks is sans wish list. “I’ve had a really successful year, especially with my philanthropy, so I’m happy,” she shared. Her holiday shopping list is also short and sweet. “I don’t really give gifts; I make donations to UNICEF in people’s names,” said the benevolent beauty. A supermodel-approved time-saving and life-saving present? That’s a gift that really keeps on giving!

Spring awakening: Rebecca Taylor brings sunshine, new store, to Meatpacking District

Gossip Girl's Tika Sumpter shopping at the new Rebecca Taylor store Wednesday night

Belated winter weather was not on the guest list last night at Rebecca Taylor’s new Meatpacking District store. While freezing rain lingered outside on the silver carpet, spring was in full bloom inside the pristine flagship. The dainty designer played host to a packed house, all out to celebrate the opening of Taylor’s second NYC outpost.

 

When planning the 34 Gansevoort Street location, Taylor kept the neighborhood in mind. “The awning, the wood floors, the tin ceilings—we’ve even got the fridge downstairs. The big meat hanger!” Taylor told Videofashion. “I wanted to keep as much of what is essential to the Meatpacking District as possible, while also putting our own feminine touches on it,” she explained.

 

Those girlish accents include fresh flowers, comfy chairs, and candy from Taylor’s native New Zealand.

 

“It’s really welcoming,” Taylor added. “I want you to feel like you can walk in here and you’re getting the designer experience, but you’re going to be able to afford to buy something!”

 

Guests including Michelle Trachtenberg, Katrina Bowden, Tika Sumpter and Selita Ebanks sipped Kim Crawford wine and SVEDKA cocktails, nibbled decadent Jacques Torres chocolates and undeniable Baked by Melissa cupcakes (we dare you to “just have one” …), and shopped the new collection, while Taylor’s Spring/Summer 2011 runway show played. In addition to the python-print trench we’ve been eyeing since New York Fashion Week, the Porselli for Rebecca Taylor ballet flats we spotted last night were particularly covetable, and the sweet swimwear displays triggered dreams of sunning on the nearby High Line this summer.

30 Rock's Katrina Bowden with Rebecca Taylor at the new Meatpacking District flagship store

 

In addition to her retail expansion, Taylor was also celebrating a major milestone—her label’s 15^th anniversary.

 

“The recession hit a lot of our peers very hard, and I feel so grateful that we weathered that,” Taylor told Videofashion. As her flagship officially opens for business today, the designer predicts sunshine for the seasons ahead. “I have amazing people who work with me, and we have a really great time. I think that’s a successful life—going to work every day and enjoying what you do.”

 

Watch Rebecca Taylor’s latest runway show below on Videofashion!