Fashion Industry Rallies for Haiti Relief

Posted on 03. Mar, 2010 by Erin Bleakley in Arts and Such, [Inter]national

Almost two months have passed since Haiti’s earthquake, yet it’s devastation is still on the very forefront of all of our minds. The Red Cross estimated about 45,000 to 50,000 kids and adults, people just like you and I, with dreams and hope, have died – and deaths are continuously increasing.

Many people have stepped up in this troubling time: people, doctors, international NGOs, and many governments are helping the victims of Haiti, but there is one other major player that has also stepped up to help: the fashion industry.

With influential fashion leaders such as Anna Wintour (Editor-and-Chief of Vogue US), Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and many others, Fashion for Haiti was born, representing the American fashion industry’s nationwide response to the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th.

A $25 t-shirt that reads, “TO HAITI WITH LOVE. HOPEHELPHEALHAITI” went on sale February 16th on major retailers across the country. Net proceeds of this limited edition t-shirt will be donated by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Foundation, Inc to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is providing immediate high-impact and long-term recovery relief in the affected region.

Ralph Lauren said of the industry’s action, “The total devastation of Haiti is unimaginable. I am always amazed by the strength, talent and compassion of our industry and now more than ever it is essential we come together and help make a difference.”

You can currently buy the shirt under the tag, “Fashion for Haiti” here

Tags: Fashion, Haiti, Relief