Shop for Japan

After being rocked by both a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and a massive tsunami on March 11, Japan is now preparing itself for a possible meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor. To make matters worse, hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens are still in need of humanitarian aid. Because of this, organizations and companies around the world have begun to donate large sums to various charity organizations, and the fashion community is no exception. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) will be holding an online auction on April 5; all proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Japan Society. H&M and Coach have donated over 100,000 garments and $5 million to the Japanese Red Cross, respectively.

If you want to donate to the relief effort and make a statement of support at the same time, then designers like Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Anna Sui  know just how to  help: Shop! Polo Ralph Lauren partnered with the United Way to create a “Japan Hope Polo.” The polos, which are available for both men and women, are only $98, and a full 100% of the proceeds from the sales of this product will go directly to the Central Community Chest of Japan. Even couture designers have joined the cause: Diane von Furstenberg will be donating 10% of all purchases from U.S. online retailers to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund until April 8.