YUASA Menswear, a men’s leisurewear brand created by Michael Yuasa, is joining forces with renowned fashion illustrator Richard Haines to support LGBTQ homeless youth.
The collaboration marks YUASA’s 2nd Annual LGBTQ Pride Fundraiser. Previously YUASA Menswear collaborated with Ben Fredrickson in support of Visual AIDS.
The duo has created three custom swim short prints inspired by summer in New York City. Sales of the swimwear will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the U.S largest community centre for LGBTQ homeless youth.
The merchandise will be on sale throughout the summer online at www.yuasastudios.com/swim and at the Nordstrom Men’s NYC store from June 21 – June 24 with proceeds continuing to benefit the Ali Forney Center. The campaign begins with a launch event today, June 21, at Nordstrom Men’s Store in NYC.
«We are thrilled to be working with Richard Haines, a giant in the fashion industry, on this artistic partnership that aims to lift up our most vulnerable LGBTQ youth», said YUASA Creator Director, Michael Yuasa. «Each year YUASA Menswear works with a LGBTQ artist to raise money for a select NYC LGBTQ-focused non-profit that helps to serve our community. We’re extremely grateful to Richard for donating his time and talents to create these uniquely printed swimwear for men to benefit youth. We’re equally thankful to Nordstrom for bolstering our efforts».
The Ali Forney Center helps nearly 1,000 LGBTQ youth (ages 16 to 24) avoid homelessness each year in and around the New York City Area. The organisation is on the front lines in the battle to save LGBTQ homeless youth.
«It’s an honour to support the Ali Forney Center’s life changing work», said Yuasa.
Campaign photographs for the collaboration were taken by Ryker Allen, an up-and-coming queer photographer based in NYC.
Photo by Ryker Allen
