For the past few weeks, people all over the world have been protesting police brutality and racial injustice. In response, we’ve seen individuals and companies using their platforms for good. Here, we’re highlighting initiatives by artists and brands like Helmut Lang, Tom Sachs, Koio, and more.
Through the end of June, the artist Tom Sachs will be donating the proceeds of all online sales to The Legal Aid Society. Sales from items like notepads, chairs, and clothing will help provide legal services and take part in removing systemic barriers for individuals residing in New York City.
Bisa Butler’s “I Am Not Your Negro,” part of the “Art Is for Everyone” series; courtesy of the artist and Claire Oliver Gallery.
The CFDA and Vogue’s fashion fund, A Common Thread, has launched a second round of grants following its initial launch at the start of COVID-19. Focused on aiding those in the fashion industry most affected by the pandemic, this round of funding will include $1M to Fashion Row’s ICON 360 Fund in Harlem (a new nonprofit providing relief to designers of color) and another sizeable donation to be distributed to 36 companies and brands.
In celebration of Juneteenth, fashion brand DONNI will be donating all proceeds of sales made online to The Bail Project. Taking place all day today, June 19, the donation encompasses the entire web store—including clothing handbags, jewelry, and accessories.
Courtesy of Helmut Lang and Willie Norris.
Jewelry brand Nancy Newberg promoted a sale on its custom tobacco vanilla scented candle, which has already sold out. All proceeds will be donated to the South Central Los Angeles-based organization A Place Called Home, which offers empowerment through art, education, and wellness programs.
Helmut Lang joined forces with activist designer Willie Norris to create a pre-fall 2020 capsule collection. Informed by the idea “HELMUT LANGUAGE,” the collection includes a selection of clothing featuring bolded phrases like “THE WORDS ARE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU” and “WITH PRACTICE YOU CAN LEARN ANYTHING.” Coinciding with the release, the brand is donating to the ACLU. Additionally, Norris has redirected his design fee to be donated to a number of Brooklyn grassroots organizations supporting Black trans women, and to queer families in need of financial support.
Koio’s collaboration with Young Chicago Authors, courtesy of Koio.
Claire Oliver Gallery has debuted an online sales room featuring a limited-edition series of posters called “Art is for Everyone.” Launching with a 500-piece edition of Bisa Butler’s I Am Not Your Negro, the prints are priced at $50 and will donate proceeds to Harlem Grown’s Harlem Helping Harlem initiative, which partners with local restaurants to provide meals for hungry Harlem residents.
Jewelry designer Erin Sachse’s brand Eriness will be donating 100 percent of proceeds from its “RESIST” collection to Black Lives Matter. The five-piece collection makes a courageous and elegant statement that includes three color variations of a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a ring that bear the word “RESIST” in bold letters.
Courtesy of Little House Confections and The Haas Brothers.
Little House Confections released a special edition of its olive oil cake featuring a container designed by The Haas Brothers. The bakery’s fan-favorite cake just got even better, as it comes in a reusable tin (with a heartwarming pair of hugging foxes on the top) and will donate all profits to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Koio introduced its latest collaboration with Young Chicago Authors (YCA). Featuring a special iteration of the Capri Triple White sneaker, the new shoe shows the words of Taisaun Levi’s award-winning poem from the 2019 Louder Than a Bomb spoken word contest. All proceeds from the sale of the shoe will be donated to YCA, GoodKids MadCity, and Black Lives Matter.
Courtesy of Nancy Newberg.
