GUESS – the American lifestyle brand famous for its trend-setting denim and unforgettable campaigns – and VANITY FAIR magazine, are excited to announce the launch event for a new line of organic t-shirts designed to make a difference: 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit Invisible Children.
This star-studded event will take place at the GUESS Rodeo Drive flagship store in Beverly Hills on Thursday, October 22, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. The event will be hosted by young Hollywood’s leading ladies, Kristen Bell and Rachel Bilson, with musical guest Peter Wentz accompanied by DJ White Shadow.
Three years ago, Caroline and Olivia Marciano—daughters of Maurice Marciano, Chairman of the Board and Co-founder of GUESS—approached their father about wanting to make a difference by supporting Invisible Children. Caroline, now a freshman in college, and Olivia, a senior in high school, came across Invisible Children while watching an episode of Oprah. The short segment made such an impact on the girls that they went to their father to see how they could get involved. Their father told them, “I will help you, but it has to be your project.” Three years later, GUESS is thrilled to unveil organic men’s T-shirts and women’s tank tops whose entire proceeds will go to benefit Invisible Children. Guests will have the opportunity to get a preview of the men’s and women’s Invisible Children T- shirts prior to their arrival in all U.S. GUESS stores and www.guess.com in early November. The design inspiration for the men’s T-shirt ($29) was drawn from the shape of Africa, which is printed on the front of the shirt. The gradient text, which highlights the daily strife of the children in Uganda, drives home the message of peace, love, and hope reflected in the colors of the Uganda flag. The women’s tank top ($26) features the LOVE logo with the “O” representing the globe. Both shirts will be manufactured by EDUN LIVE out of Uganda from 100% percent certified organic cotton, and will support sustainable socioeconomic development in that country.
“We are excited to celebrate the launch event for the third collaboration between GUESS and Invisible Children,” says Maurice Marciano. “Not only am I thrilled to see the GUESS name aligned with Invisible Children, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for war-affected people in Northern Uganda, but it means so much to me personally that my daughters, Caroline and Olivia, came up with the initial idea to partner with this organization, and have spearheaded the partnership since its inception in 2006.”
Throughout the event, guests will enjoy savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres as well as signature beverages while enjoying the musical stylings of Pete Wentz and DJ White Shadow. Large plasma screens displayed throughout the store will show footage from Invisible Children documenting the bustling streets and dancing children of Uganda, as well as shots of the Lord Resistance Army, and will remind guests how revolutionary this organization has been since its launch in 2003. Guests will receive a 20% discount during event hours with a minimum donation of $5.00 to Invisible Children.
