Fashion does its part for World AIDS Day

Following on from the fashion-infused launch of World AIDS Day, which saw model Cheyenne Tozzi and designer Henry Roth do their part, Australian fashionista Chris Cheng will be devoting 30 percent of the proceeds from a specially designed T-shirt to the AIDS Trust this year.

Cheng, who formerly worked as a buyer for Christian Dior and now runs his own label LAB (Local Art Base) decided to design a special range of shirts to raise money for World AIDS Day.

Carrying the slogan See the Light, Cheng said the aim is to encourage people to recognise their own power to make a difference.

I basically wanted to change the concept of giving. I don’t think you need to be really well-off to give to charities or organisations in need, Cheng said of his switch from high-end corporate wear to more community-minded enterprises.

I’ve taken inspiration from the Belgian designer Martin Margiela, who did these fantastic T-shirts which donated proceeds to AIDS charities across the world, and localised the idea, with my own take on it, -˜See the Light’.

We are going to launch See the Light on World AIDS Day this year, but then the shirts will be sold at selected outlets all year and renewed in different colour schemes each year. For the 08/09 debut we have tone on tone grey semi-gloss printed over a fine grey marle tee, in reference to my preferred styling being subtle and referencing art.

The T-shirts will be available from the LAB stall at the Bondi markets, as well as at That Store in Paddington from December 1 onwards, and will be on sale next year at various ACON and AIDS Trust events.

info: For more information or to buy online go to www.localartbase.com