Clothing Design for a Cause: Fashion Joins the Fight

by Marianne Salina
Fashion School Review Columnist

October 30, 2006

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Fall 2006 has seen a wide range of individual designers and companies rise to the occasion to help support organizations like ALAFA (Apparel Lesotho Alliance to Fight AIDS) or breast cancer research. Companies like the Gap and Nordstrom and designers Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs are all leveraging their position in the marketplace to get consumers interested in buying products with a purpose. Now that's fashion forward!

Charitable T-Shirts: Making the Most of a Career in Fashion Design
Besides what we've observed as trendy for 2006 in fashion weeks all over the world, there is one basic idea that's made its way into department stores and boutiques everywhere: Helping out is fashionable. The Gap recently launched its (product) Red campaign--a collection of clothing and accessories designed for men and women--the proceeds of which help women and children affected by AIDS in Africa. Nordstrom has followed suit this season with their Edun "One" t-shirt, profits also going to Lesotho, Africa.

Join the Forces in Fashion Design College
Many designers have realized the powerful role they play in the marketplace, and consequently are trying their best to make customer buying power a progressive transaction. While there are many good reasons for enrolling in fashion design college including gaining proper technique and knowledge of the industry, there is also considerable latitude as a designer to do something good for others. See how you can impart change in the world through the art of fashion design.

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About the Author
Marianne Salina is a freelance writer in Spokane, Washington. She writes about pursuits in education and degree opportunities.

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