Fashion designer and entrepreneur Rachel Roy has teamed up with Fair Winds Trading, an organization that has opened U.S. markets to thousands of female entrepreneurs in Africa & Indonesia. Many of these women have been affected by genocide, abuse and poverty; and also struggle to break free from abusive husbands and fathers. Fair Winds offers these women an opportunity to earn a living to escape. Rachel will be offering handcrafted pieces including clutches and bracelets from these inspiring women in Rwanda and Tanzania as part of the RACHEL Rachel Roy collection and proceeds from each piece will help benefit the lives of these women by giving them an opportunity to earn an income, provide for their families and ultimately independence.

Earlier this week Rachel announced via social networks Facebook and Twitter about her upcoming trip to the motherland in which she’ll be accompanied by U.K. sensation Estelle and her daughter Ava. She writes,

“Next month Estelle & I will travel to Africa to meet women survivors of genocide, abuse & poverty. Through Fairwinds Trading these women are able to earn an income by creating exquisite handmade goods which are sold in the U.S. I am grateful to play a role in helping to change their lives by providing jobs & offering their handcrafted pieces through RRR.”

A plethora of celebrities including the stars of “Obsessed”, Beyonce and Idris Elba attended the screening at  the School of Visual Arts in NYC yesterday. Of course MaMa Knowles was there to support her baby. Other celebs who came through to show some love were fashion designer, Rachel Roy, Kim Kardashian, Uncle Russ and his boo, and Naturi Naughton.

 D. Woods and Mya who’s been M.I.A for a minute, finally came out of hiding and attended “Operation Smiles 2009 Jr. Smile Collection” in NYC yesterday. Top Model, Jaslene Gonzales and R&B newcomer Shontelle were also in attendance. WTF is Jaslene wearing?! Shorty needs a new stylist ’cause she looks horrible!