As Japan continues to reel from the devastation wrought by last month’s massive earthquake and tsunami, and the ongoing nuclear crisis, the fashion world is flexing its creative and financial muscle to help.
Through April 28, the Council of Fashion Designers of America will hold an online charity auction to raise money for the earthquake relief fund of the Japan Society, an American nonprofit dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and Japan.
Called Fashion and Friends For Japan, the auction will offer “one-of-a-kind experiences and over-the-top fashions,” its brochure says, including a made-to-measure Tom Ford suit, seats at Vera Wang’s fashion show plus a backstage meeting with her and a shopping spree, and a stay at Diane von Furstenberg’s Paris apartment. (charitybuzz.com/auctions/fashionandfriendsforjapan)
The fashion industry is known to dig into its pockets after humanitarian disasters, and many designers and retailers have already stepped up to help.
Among the retailers that made contributions to Japan relief efforts were Gap, which donated $200,000 cash plus $1.1 million in winter clothing; Coach, which pledged $5 million; Crocs, which sent 100,000 pairs of shoes; Nike, which pledged $1 million plus $250,000 worth of footwear; and UNIQLO, which donated $16.8 million in cash and $8.6 million in clothing.
In addition to the CFDA’s charity auction, here are some ways you can partake in fashion philanthropy:
*Anna Sui is selling T-shirts that read, “We’re all in this together.” All profits go to Japan relief. $20 at annasui.com. While supplies last.
*Kate Spade is selling a “Spade Loves Japan” tote bag that features a black spade, a pink heart and a red circle. 100 percent of profits go to Japanese Red Cross Society. $18, call 800-519-3778 to locate a store that has the tote. While supplies last.
*Tory Burch is selling T-shirts with a pattern of red hearts and red suns. 100 percent of profits go to American Red Cross. $29 at toryburch.com. Through Sept. 15.
*Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 from the sale of each red handbag to the American Red Cross. There are six designs, with prices starting at $295, at rebeccaminkoff.com. Through April 8.
*Ralph Lauren is selling Japan Relief polo shirts in white, black and navy blue. 100 percent of proceeds go to Central Community Chest of Japan, part of the United Way network. $98 at ralphlauren.com. While supplies last.
*Opening Ceremony is selling a white cotton T-shirt with a screen-printed red sun at the chest. 100 percent of proceeds go to the American Red Cross. $30 at openingceremony.us. While supplies last.
*Diane von Furstenberg is donating more than 10 percent of sales from U.S. online stores to the Japan Society’s earthquake relief fund. At dvf.com. Through April 8.
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*Lady Gaga is selling white “We Pray for Japan” bracelets. She reportedly has donated $1.5 million from the profits to Save the Children and American Red Cross. $5 at ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com. While supplies last.