Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve for Haiti Relief

Fashion designers want you to look your best while giving back to the victims of last month's devastating earthquake.

Fashion heavyweights like uber-designer Donna Karan ("Haiti Hope Help & Relief") and supermodel Naomi Campbell ("Fashion for Relief") have hosted successful events and fashion shows to fundraise for Haiti. And many designers have designed special pieces to benefit the victims:

 

Polo Ralph Lauren has created men’s and women’s Haiti Relief Polo Shirts. The cotton classics come in red, blue, black and white and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit United Way's Worldwide Disaster Fund and its ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts currently underway in the region. “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,” said Ralph Lauren.The $98 shirts are emblazoned with a "Haiti Relief" crest as well as the classic embroidered polo pony and come in several fits. Check out Ralph Lauren.com for more information.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has created a special "Fashion for Haiti" t-shirt (for men and women). Net proceeds from the sale of the $25 t-shirts will benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. The black and lime green logo features the tagline “Hope Help Heal Haiti” underneath a block design of “To Haiti With Love,” with a map of the nation standing in for the word “Haiti.” They're being sold at retailers across the country including Coach, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks.com, and Gilt.com. “The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, President of the CFDA. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.”

 

Online shopping mecca Gilt Groupe has also organized a Haiti Charitable Sale featuring slip-ons by TOMS shoes ($44-79) and the aforementioned "Fashion for Haiti" t-shirts. The sale runs through Feb. 26.

 

FEED Projects (founded by Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson) has created a limited-edition FEED Haiti tote. The 100 percent organic cotton tote features red and blue lettering to reflect the Haitian national colors and retails for $35. The purchase of just one bag will provide 50 school meals for children in Haiti via the UN World Food Program. Visit FEED's website for more information and to purchase.

 

So if you want something to show for your generosity, might as well get a cool shirt, shoes, or a tote bag out of the deal.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren, courtesy of the CFDA, courtesy of GIlt Groupe, courtesy of FEED Projects.