Natasha Koifman, Owner and Founder of NKPR, is well known in Toronto (and internationally) as one of the most influential lifestyle public relations professionals in the city. As you may recall, she offered a crowd of young up-and-coming YP ladies insight on the art of networking at a Young Women of Influence event earlier this year. And a master networker she is. She attributes some of the international success of the influential Artists for Peace and Justice, for example, to the blending of her large network with that of Academy Award-winning director Paul Haggis. APJ is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving Haitian communities founded by Haggis in 2009. In addition to her PR powerhouse skills and sense of social responsibility, Koifman is known to always nail it when it comes to her fashion sense; and this season, she shares some of it for a good cause.
For this year’s holiday season, Koifman, sitting on the APJ Canadian Board of Directors, has teamed up with !XAM Diamonds to create an exclusive ring-to-wrist jewellery collection, with a portion of proceeds donated to Artists for Peace and Justice. A gift that gives back for the holidays, the rose gold ring-to-wrist bracelet with treated black diamonds retails for $1300 and the silver ring-to-wrist bracelet with rubies retails for $350 online. Every dollar raised is donated directly to the organization.
The line of ring-to-wrist bracelets has already been a big hit with celebrities and APJ supporters, including Mila Kunis, Olivia Wilde, Moran Atias and Maria Bello. Kunis loved hers so much she wore it to her premiere of Third Person. We caught up with Koifman recently, who was fresh from a trip to Haiti with Haggis and Susan Sarandon to visit the school they’ve helped build from the ground up.
What was the most unforgettable part of your recent trip to Haiti?
For me, the most unforgettable part of my trip to Haiti was seeing all the hope and promise in children’s faces. These kids live with next to nothing in one of the most poor and devastated countries, yet they were so affectionate and loving – always wanting to hug us, hold our hands and talk with us. APJ built the first-ever free high school in Haiti, the Academy for Peace and Justice, which now provides free education to over 2,000 students. It was eye opening; some students at ages 15 or 16 were attending school for the first time ever. I left feeling grateful for what I have, and inspired to continue to provide that hope and promise to as many Haitian children as possible.
What’s your greatest hope for Artists for Peace and Justice in the coming years?
My greatest hope is to provide the children with the tools and knowledge so that Haitians can help Haitians. I really believe that education can open doors and possibilities for the children of Haiti to change the country they live in… and a chance to create their own futures.
What, in your opinion, makes these bracelets such a great gift for any fashion-loving female on your list?
There’s something really special about a gift that gives back. This ring-to-wrist bracelet is about the connection to ourselves and to others; it helps us see beyond our four walls. The rose gold version with black treated diamonds from South Africa retails for $1,300, and provides a child in Haiti with tuition to the Academy of Peace and Justice, a school uniform, a warm meal and school supplies. The silver ring-to-wrist bracelets retail for $350 with ethically-sourced rubies from Thailand and offers a child at the school a uniform, meal and school supplies. The profits from both versions go directly back to Artists for Peace and Justice.
Aside from the ring-to-wrist bracelets, what are three other staples in your wardrobe this winter?
I travel a lot, so one of my new must-haves for a getaway is Mulberry’s Piccadilly bag – perfect for my regular quick trips to New York. While I love heels, one of my favourite stores in New York, Jeffrey’s, recently did a collaboration with Sperry Top-Sider and I’m loving them – perfect for long walks. Finally, I recently purchased a J.Mendel 3-in-1 coat. I was never a fan of coats, but this one is perfect for adapting to all different temperatures and for creating three different stylish looks!
Many celebrities have been spotted wearing the bracelets; which celebrity/influential figure would you most like to see wearing your bracelets and why?
I would love to see Victoria Beckham wearing one. Not only do I love her aesthetic and design sensibility, but also that she makes her family her priority. It’s something that I can relate to, and that I really respect. Katy Perry would be amazing because she’s sweet and fun, but takes fashion risks. These bracelets are edgy, so they have to be worn by somebody with confidence. Finally, I’d have to pick Alicia Keys… I just love her music!
The perfect gift for the fashion-loving female on your list (or yourself), the jewellery can be ordered online here.
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Cover Photo by: Norman Wong