Proud to be Woman

The Fashion Statement: International Women's Day

Big names in fashion and music are hoping to bring more attention to International Women's Day that- although a United Nations-supported holiday-gets less PR than Columbus Day. IWD falls on Monday, March 8, which is a designated time to celebrate the social economic and political achievements of women.

Diane von Furstenberg, fashion designer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is putting out Proud to be Woman, a compilation CD to benefit Vital Voices, an organization dedicated to empowering women worldwide. The CD features female artists such as Joss Stone, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Bebel Gilberto, Christina Aguilera, Angelique Kidjo, Mozella and Annie Lenox, among others. The CD goes for $15.99 (proceeds will benefit Vital Voices) and will be sold at DVF boutiques worldwide, dvf.com and on iTunes at itunes.com/dvf.

DVF boutiques will also host two events: Estelle is expected to attend the March 8 party in New York. Another event will be held on March 16 in Los Angeles with Mozella slated to appear. There will also be a Proud to be Woman tote bag, for $35. From March 8 to March 15, some10 percent of the sales will go to Vital Voices.

What's better than shopping and doing some good along the way?

Tags: CFDA, Diane von Furstenberg, DianeVonFurstenberg, International Womens Day, InternationalWomensDay, Mary J. Blige, MaryJ.Blige, Proud to be Woman, ProudToBeWoman