Earlier this month, HEW attended Urban Zen grand new opening in Americana Manhasset. The elegant evening was hosted by owner and fashion raven Donna Karan. The cocktail reception, and book signing also featured a special preview of esteemed photographer Elizabeth Jordan ‘s thought-provoking artwork.

Urban Zen is located at Americana Manhasset, 2072 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, NY.

A view of exterior at the Urban Zen store opening in Americana Manhasset hosted by Donna Karan on June 1, 2016 in Manhasset, New York. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Donna Karan)

A copy of Donna Karan’s book at the Urban Zen store opening in Americana Manhasset hosted by Donna Karan on June 1, 2016 in Manhasset, New York. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Donna Karan)

Details of a necklace designed by Haitian artisans for Urban Zen, Manhasset, New York. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Donna Karan)

Elizabeth Jordan’s works illuminate how a “woman communicates with herself, versus how the world communicates with her and her culture. Early on Jordan’s photographs were most often taken in difficult settings intended to capture the beauty and dignity of people living in extreme circumstances in underdeveloped regions, such as Africa, Haiti and India. Her work expresses the hardships exaggerated by her subject’s lack of political representation and cultural value, leaving them more vulnerable to financial and medical hardship. Her work has evolved to include light installations using fiber optics and LED as it continues to address gender equality and poverty. Earlier this month, Jordan completed a highly successful show at Scenario Gallery, Miami’s newest contemporary fine arts gallery, making her commercial début following numerous and acclaimed philanthropic shows”.

“Elizabeth Jordan’s works speak to my soul which is buried deep in forgotten underprivileged cultures. Her ability to capture the dignity of the people and illuminate the brilliance of the textures, fabrics, and patterns of so many of these countries is in complete synergy with my designs and mission at Urban Zen. From a larger perspective her work transmits the inner strength, will, compassion, dignity and love they represent for women around the world.” Donna Karan on Elizabeth Jordan

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