By now I think that everyone is aware of the Fashionñ Against AIDS motif that is swirling around. H&M had a huge collaboration with artists like Robyn, Dita von Teese, and Cyndi Lauper (plus a bajillion more) to design 'Be Safe' and 'Think First (or something)' tees with condoms making heart shapes and other eyebrow raising attire. Thanks to Designers Against AIDS (DAA not ADD {thats for the dyslexic}) fighting this global disease has now become everyone's responsibility...and livelihood. What is Designers Against AIDS you ask? Well, it is a program which was started in Belgium in 2004 as an extension of the non-profit organization Beauty Without Irony (founded by Ninette Murk). The program's main purpose is to bring awareness back to the world of the disease because it has truly been forgotten and overlooked, especially in the western hemisphere. Collaborations with music, fashion, and art icons help DAA bring the epidemic to the eyes of the young generation, teaching that the only cure for AIDS is prevention (by wearing a condom, duh!) and knowing your HIV status. So get tested! All t-shirts and body's are made of organic cotton and 25% of the sales price will be donated to HIV/AIDS prevention projects of DAA, UNFPA, MTV's Staying Alive Foundation and YouthAIDS.
There is also a program which started in January 2008 called Models Against AIDS, bringing AIDS awareness to young model starlets and teaching them the joys and benefits of safe sex. 1% of each models booking goes to DAA.
Each year, AIDS walks are held in major cities across the country. And you better believe that San Francisco is at the top of the charts when it comes to participation and fund raising, raising more than $4.5 million last year alone! It's important to remember that every little bit of support helps the cause of this global epidemic.
You can visit www.aidswalk.net to find out more information and to see if there is a walk in your area or if you want to donate or volunteer your time. You can also go to www.designersagainstaids.com to purchase some of the artist collaboration fashions just discussed and you can even pay a visit to my own personal fundraising page here.
