Fashion Forward for Japan

When a powerful earthquake and a subsequent tsunami hit Japan three weeks ago, the world sprang into action to help provide relief for the country. The fashion industry was no exception. Several designers and clothing companies have put their talents to good use, designing unique products in an effort to raise both awareness and aid for Japan.
 
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Lady Gaga designed red and white wristbands that read “We Pray for Japan” in both English and Japanese. The wristbands, which can be purchased for $5 on her website, have raised over $1.5 million in support.
 
·      LA-based clothing company Multeepurpose has designed a series of “Love.Care.Japan” shirts in a variety of styles, colors and designs. Many feature a seismograph pattern from Japan’s earthquake, which registered at a magnitude of 9.0 (one of the largest in the world). All of the proceeds from the shirts will be donated to the Red Cross.
 
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Fashion designer Tory Burch has created a simple white tee for Japan relief, featuring a minimalistic design of red circles and hearts. At $29, it’s an affordable piece from this high-end designer, and 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.
 
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Ralph Lauren has introduced a limited edition “Japan Hope” polo, available in both navy and white. This classic piece is a splurge at $98, but all the proceeds go to a good cause: the Central Community Chest of Japan, part of the United Way worldwide network.
 
·      This Alabama-based Etsy shop, {love for japan}. This is a fun collection of cute hats, scarves, earrings, bags and other accessories and gifts. All items are either handmade or vintage, and the proceeds of all sales go directly to the Red Cross to benefit the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
 
·      Just as with other causes in the past, Threadless, a popular T-shirt design company, has released a “Rebuild Japan” shirt. The innovative design features a Japanese city, created to look like the country’s red and white flag. All proceeds from the shirt will go to the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.
 
Other fashion designers and brands showed their support by making contributions to the relief efforts in Japan. Coach has pledged to make a donation of 400 million yen (approximately $5 million) to the Japanese Red Cross, while Gap contributed $200,000 to Global Giving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Fashion retail store H&M donated nearly 100,000 garments to the Japanese Red Cross. In addition, Forever 21 donated 100 percent of their online clothing sales on March 18 to the cause, raising a total of $2,012,112 for Japan.
 
You can also donate directly to these causes by visiting Google Crisis Response, where you can find links to the Red Cross, International Medical Corps, Unicef, Save the Children and other organizations. Living on a college budget is tough, but remember – no matter the size, any effort, time or contribution, you can make a huge impact.