Hope for Haiti: The CFDA Presents the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund with $1 million

When the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, world leaders, politicians, philanthropists, executives, celebrities, and, well, fashionistas stepped up to lend a hand. In an effort to raise money for relief efforts, the Council of Fashion Designers of America rallied and designed the “Fashion For Haiti” t-shirt. Proceeds from the $25 shirt were set to benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those affected by this tragic event, and for those in need of immediate assistance.

The response of the fashion industry was astounding, debuting the white tee on February 16 at retailers across the country—Macy’s, Henri Bendel, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Intermix, Barneys, and Burberry were just a handful of the stores that stocked the shirt. New York City taxis ran PSA’s promoting the “Fashion For Haiti” shirt with industry notables such as Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg (president of the CFDA, who is largely credited for this call to action), Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, and Rachel Roy endorsing this initiative. Beyoncé Knowles even signed on as the celebrity ambassador.

Emblazoned with the slogan “To Haiti With Love,” the shirt became an immediate hit among uptown and downtown style makers alike, and last night Bill Clinton was presented with a check for $1 million dollars, proceeds from the sale of the “Fashion For Haiti” shirt. The check was presented by von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, and Andrew Rosen, chief executive of Theory, at an event at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.

Via On The Runway