DETROIT
JEWISH NEWS
clothing with
a ca
T2T staff photo by Morgan Pomish
Models: Marni Weinstein, 16, Walled Lake Western; Lindsey Schwartz, 17, Birmingham Andover
by Shaye Winer and Lauren Lewis
igh-waisted jeans, oversized sweaters and
jewel tones — these are trends that many
of us recognize and love today, but how
long will they stay?
One trend that might last for a while in the clothing
industry involves giving back to an important cause just
by choosing what you buy. A million and one causes
need our help; now we can support specific ones by pur-
chasing clothing — cute, stylish, trendy clothing — con-
nected to charitable organizations.
Try these on for size:
Product (RED)
Last year, Gap joined forces with Product (RED), which
was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver, chairman of
DATA, an organization that fights to end poverty and
AIDS in Africa. Their vision was to raise awareness by
getting millions of people involved and ready to stand
up and support the cause.
By providing T-shirts with inspiring words and in
such a bold color, people are drawn to the cause. The
color red also represents emergency and the need to
act quickly. DATA reports, for example, that every day
5,800 Africans die of AIDS and that the average life
span of an African is 46 years.
Fifty percent of purchases from Product (RED) go to
the Global Fund to help with Aids in Africa. In addition
to Gap clothing, other products in the campaign include
Hallmark cards, gifts and gift wrap, Motorola phones,
Apple iPods, an Emporio Armani bracelet, Converse
sneakers and an American Express card. (Check out
productred.org)
Breast Cancer Clothing
The popular pink ribbon symbol has spread not only to
clothing, but also into housewares, accessories and other
gifts. Raising awareness about breast cancer is a heart-
felt issue among clothing designers and manufacturers.
It is such an important cause — and one that touches so
many people — that teens today want to help by wear-
ing the clothing or jewelry available at many stores that
support breast cancer research.
American Apparel is one store all teens know and
love. It has become so popular that it's common to see
dozens of peers wearing the basic items that form the
store's signature look. Many don't know that the store
chain has started selling T-shirts and hoodies that dis-
play the well-known logo. On the back of the zip-ups,
it says "Save our Women" and there is a pink bow.
(Check pinkribbonshop.com , komen.org)
Eco-Friendly Clothing
The fashion industry also is headed in a new direction
and clothing is going green. Organic styles are emerg-
ing, including soft fabrics made of organic cotton, hemp
and bamboo. Don't look only for neutral tones because
these environment-friendly styles also come in bold col-
ors and prints.
Several name brands, including Levi's, Nike and the
Gap, have started an additional line made of organic
fabrics that can help save the environment.
"I feel that eco-friendly clothes are a positive and
easy way for kids and adults to do their part in help-
ing our environment," said Hayley Mandell, a junior at
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teen2teen December • 2007 1