There’s no question that in a word association game, “fashion” would not be followed by “Al Gore,” but in real life, a lasting connection between the two is forming.
Many designer labels, including Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg, Jade Jagger, Lutz & Patmos and Costume Nationale, have signed up to create custom designs for Limited Edition, a three-day sale that will benefit Gore’s Climate Project, a nonprofit organization that encourages people and governments to take action against global warming.
Under the slogan “Design for a cause and save the planet,” buyers will present their one-of-a-kind creations to select retailers attending the invitation-only event, which will be held at Industria Superstudios in New York Feb. 6 to 8. Some designers will create one item; others are creating 10 styles. Each item will have a hangtag highlighting the cause and will be numbered (i.e., 18/250) to show its exclusivity. At least 10 percent of the sales generated by each designer will be donated to the Climate Project.
Limited Edition is the brainchild of Mariel Gamboa, who wants to mobilize the fashion community for a charitable cause during 7th on Sixth’s February shows. Making the most of the popularity of limited-edition designs provided the hook for an issue that gained interest after last summer’s release of the Gore-backed film “An Inconvenient Truth,” she said.
“Al Gore’s movie did make everyone concerned about how the environment is in deep trouble. In this day and time, we have to do something. It is true that fashion voices carry far and wide. If designers are willing to put out this message and get a little something back in return, that’s great,” she said.
Gamboa, who started the Tranoi trade fair in Paris in 1989 and managed it until 2003, knows a thing or two about wrangling with designers and is lining up some more. Her “U.S. ambassador,” Tina Lutz, co-founder of Lutz & Patmos, is helping with recruitment.
Another element of Limited Edition will be an installation of one-of-a-kind Buddhist Punk T-shirts designed by celebrities Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jagger and Christy Turlington. They will be auctioned, and the proceeds will go to the former vice president’s favorite cause. On another front, shoppers will get the first glimpse of the clothing Jagger plans to introduce under her Jezebel label.