Fashion Insiders Unite with an Enormous Tsunami Relief Sale

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French fashion magazine Ever has produced a conceptual video about what would happen if radiation from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor in Japan hit Paris. It involves a sparky body suit and thumping techno music, and it does not make the fashion industry look particularly sensitive. What's notable about the Ever video, though, is that so far it's the only disaster response we've seen from anyone in the fashion industry that's about making an artistic statement rather than about helping out. Instead, brands from Forever 21 to 3.1 Phillip Lim have leaped forward to raise money for victims of this month's earthquake and tsunami, and the trend shows no sign of stopping.

The latest benefit sale comes via an organization called Fashion Girls for Japan run by the president of VPL, the fashion director of womenswear at the Barneys Co-op, and a Phillip Lim employee who was actually in Japan when the earthquake struck. With help from former Barneys VP Julie Gilhart, the ladies have pulled together over sixty racks of clothing from over sixty designers, a range that includes Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, DVF, Thakoon, and Vena Cava. This Saturday and Sunday, they'll be selling the merchandise for at least 50% off at the Bowery Hotel. There's a $5 minimum donation for entry, and 100% of proceeds go to disaster relief efforts.
· Fukushima Disaster as Fashion Fodder [Runnin' Scared]
· Fashion Girls for Japan [Official Site]