Fashion & Beauty

Look good and fight the forgotten fight with H&M’s Fashion Against AIDS

29 April 2012

Ian Michael Turner

29 April 2012

Every generation needs to be secure in the knowledge of the need for the practice of safe sex. H&M’s Fashion Against AIDS initiative ‘unites fashion’s global tribes’ to raise funds and awareness about AIDS among the young. It is younger generations, those who did not grow up during the original pandemic, that are especially at risk from ignorance and lack of knowledge to the danger still out there.

This year sees the arrival in stores and online of the fifth Fashion Against Aids collection which brings together ethnic influences from the different continents, poignantly demonstrating that AIDs is a worldwide issue, and one that still very much affects us.

Using specially commissioned prints from artists and illustrators across the globe, H&M have created a vibrant, eye-catching collection full of bold patterns and colours.

The FAA Aztec-style print bomber jacket would look well on the back of Nicki Minaj or rapper M.I.A. and the green wedge sandals are perfect for making a statement on the beach this summer. The collection also comprises denim cut-offs, T-shirts, swimwear, beach dresses and funky accessories for those Ibizan nights. The boys are not left out either; for guys there are some seriously grungy hip tees and louche sweat shorts, chino shorts and retro vintage-look sneakers. With this FAA collection you will not only be showing your support for a worthy cause and educating yourself and those around you, but looking pretty damn fresh too!

The advertising campaign, which has in the past garnered support from famous faces such as the Scissor Sisters, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry, Estelle, N*E*R*D and Robyn, features fun and sexy images of real life model couples locking lips.

25% of sales from the FAA Collection goes to charity, benefiting the following international organisations who all promote safe sex:

Designers Against AIDS (DAA): an organisation which trains and educates young people in HIV/AIDS-awareness, so they can spread the message within their own communities;

MTV Staying Alive Foundation: MTV’s global campaign to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Their Staying Alive Award offers grants to young people focused on preventing the spread of HIV;

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): the task of UNFPA is to support each individual’s right to good health and equal rights;

YouthAIDS: A HIV/AIDS prevention initiative of Population Services International (PSI), which reaches more than 600 million young people in more than 60 countries.