The heiress and (eldest grandchild) of the family-run luxury Italian brand Missoni, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, came to Toronto’s Holt Renfrew’s flagship store this past Thursday, sporting a newly cropped hair-do, to discuss the recent collaboration the fashion house has done with the Canadian luxury retailer in efforts to help raise funds for OrphanAid Africa.

It is no secret that the Italian stunner has had a long love affair with Africa and after her summer nuptials to Eugenio Amos, the pair enjoyed an African safari on their honeymoon, but the future Missoni Creative Director has had the continent close to her heart for almost a decade with her role as Italian ambassador for OrphanAid Africa. The organization helps children and their families through education, health care, family support and basic infrastructure. The charity is so important to Missoni, the newlyweds generated over $80,000 in donations, which they accepted in lieu of traditional wedding gifts.

OrphanAid Africa, founded in 2002 by former Vogue editor and author, Lisa Lovatt-Smith, goal has been to strengthen Ghanian communities so that families can take care of their own children. Taking involvement in the organization even further, Missoni created M Missoni, which is an affordable capsule collection in addition to this month’s Missoni x Holt Renfrew limited edition pair of stuffed toys, just in time for the holiday.

I lined up with other bloggers and fashionistas to have my newly adopted Missoni elephant autographed by Margherita, who was extremely gracious and patient – she made time for EVERYONE! Although she was told NOT to pose with individuals during the signing, she broke the rule for me, which had me blushing like a tween at a Bieber concert. Congratulating her on her recent nuptials and commending her on all her philanthropic efforts, I also took a second to inquire about the ridiculously sexy backless shirt she was wearing, which wasn’t Missoni…her response, “Do you really love it?! It’s Margiela!!!!” I mean, are you kidding me…I can’t deal. And just when I thought this chick couldn’t be any sweeter, I left the event tweeting a pic I took and she retweeted it within the hour to her 35,000 cult followers. I DIED!

My adorable Missoni x Holt Renfrew limited edition elephant

Post signing and interviews, a private dinner was hosted by Holt’s Cafe, with the most stunning Missoni inspired table scape.

Buy your limited edition Missoni elephant or bear and help Holt Renfrew reach it’s goal of raising $100,000 for the organization. Available now in stores and online ($50 HoltRenfrew.com)

Check out Margherita’s interview with Holt Renfrew discussing her passion for the organization and how she got involved…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7STVP8avCc

XO,

S