By Jessica Abercrombie
Couture charity may seem like an oxymoron, but for many designers, fashionable contributions to society are occasionally leading themes behind their stylish collections. One of the only trends to withstand the changing times, giving back to those less fortunate adds beauty to the work of renowned designers like Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg and a variety of others.
Setting up foundations for causes like cancer, aids and underprivileged children, high-fashion designers find philanthropy as fashionable as their fab designs and have influenced retailers to do the same. Recently, Marni and H&M teamed up to create a charity tee to benefit Japan, which continues to struggle coping with the disastrous aftermath of this past year’s tsunami. Set to launch March 8, the duo’s collection features a unisex T-shirt, featuring a hand-drawn picture of a person on the front. With 25 percent of the tee’s proceeds going directly to the Red Cross in Japan, Marni and H&M’s collaboration falls in line with the trend of creating change with couture.
Setting up a foundation and creating philanthropy-based collections aren’t the only ways to illustrate generosity. Simply taking the time, regardless of how much of a busy-bee fashionista you may be, to support those actively engaged in charitable efforts, like shopping for a Marni and H&M tee, which would most certainly be considered an act of benevolence. Even selecting a few of your last-season items and donating them to charity would be an honorable contribution. While grooming your sense of fashion, remember to make room in your mental wardrobe for those less fortunate – giving back will never be out of style!
Calling all charitable fashionistas! Take part in Style Cabana’s Cabana Cares “Spring Collection” Challenge" and join the chic cause by cleaning out your closet and donating your garments - including husband’s and children’s - to help support a local charitable organization!
