Last week, the ICE rounded up 680 undocumented workers at a Mississippi food-processing plant on the first day of school. Three days prior, a 21-year-old man armed with an assault rifle opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas killing 22 individuals, marking the 251st mass shooting this country has seen in 2019 alone. In the days following, Stephen Ross, the Miami Dolphins owner and chairman of the Related Companies (whose assets include household fitness brands Equinox and SoulCycle, amongst many others) announced he is to hold a fundraiser set in the Hamptons for President Trump’s 2020 reelection, with tickets to attend starting at $100,000. The global temperature is rising. Officers continue to assault people of color with no real consequence. And, to say that our prison system is flawed would be yet another grave understatement. We don’t say this to scare you, or to make any sort of political statement. We say it because it is our reality.
Typically, we like to keep things light on Bleu. After all, we aim to be that therapy-esque break in your day when boredom strikes or you are in need of an escape for a moment, and everything in between. Often times, however, it can be tough to talk about what’s trending on the runways or the latest fad in wellness without experiencing the palpable weight of the issues in the world around us. And, it can be even more difficult to know where to begin when it comes to attempting to evoke change or resolve. Do you post on social media? Is that enough? Is there a way to do more, and if so, how and where do you start? While these are questions with answers we simply cannot give you, we thought we’d start in the way that we know best, by switching things up today and keeping this All Eyes On installment’s focus on products that benefit important causes. So, whether you’re passionate ending gun violence, fighting for human rights, practicing sustainability, or all of the above, you have one additional outlet to show your support. We’re not saying that shopping is the solution. It’s definitely not and is undoubtedly going to take much more speaking up and reform and hard conversations with friends and family members. However, we are saying that it’s a small way to start. Please do let us know if there are standout items / brands / causes we’ve missed, as well as podcasts, books, and other resources to get educated. We’d love to add them to our list and get this conversation started.
Show Your Support
Awake x Chroma Protect People Not Borders Tee
Popular New York-based streetwear brand Awake has teamed up with Chroma to create this 100% cotton tee to draw attention to the current conditions at the U.S.-Mexican border. The tee is offered in both Spanish and English, and provides guidelines on what to do if detained by ICE. It retails at $50 with 100% of the proceeds going to Al Otro Lado and Casa Arcoiris. Both provide services and resources for immigrants. It's currently sold out, but expecting a restock in the coming weeks.
Awake x Chroma , $50
STATE Lorimer Backpack
For every STATE bag purchased, the brand supports children and families in need through donating fully packed backpacks. More than that, each season the brand chooses a different partner to take their give-back component even further. Partners have included Time's Up, Seeds Of Peace, Global Citizen, and more.
STATE , $90
Sisters Gentle Body Wash
Sisters, a nontoxic line of hair and body products, was indeed founded by three sisters who sought to sustain the overall well-being of others. Safe for the entire family, 40% of the brand's proceeds go to organizations that support women's health.
Sisters , $22
Everlane 100% Human Fleece Crew
Everlane's always been a company that is transparent about their practices. Their 100% Human collection launched in 2017 and donates $5 to the ACLU, who defends the civil liberties of every person in the U.S. They've raised over $225,000 to date.
Everlane , $55
Levi's Wedgie Icon Fit Jeans
In September of 2018, Levi's announced that it was taking major strides in gun violence prevention. Since then, the brand has established the Safer Tomorrow Fund, which supports nonprofits and activists working to end gun violence in America and have aligned with Everytown for Gun Safety. While no one specific product contributes a portion to the cause, a purchase from Levi's is direct support for ending gun violence.
Levi's , $98
Warby Parker Haskell Sunglasses
Since its fruition, Warby Parker has donated a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold. Not only that, but they partner with various organizations to train men and women alike to perform eye exams and provide vision care for people around the world.
Warby Parker , $95
The Wing A Woman’s Work Notebook
The Wing isn't simply a co-working space. A purchase from their shop is directly supporting a company dedicated scholarships, volunteer opportunities, civic engagement, and the advancement of women worldwide. Some of their partners include Girls Inc., Black Girls Code, and Year Up.
The Wing , $22
Balenciaga x WFP WFP Logo T-Shirt
While not the most effective way to do good in the world, Balenciaga's t-shirt collaboration with the World Food Programme is yet another way to support a cause you may care deeply about, especially if you're a fan of designer clothing. Ten percent of each tee sold is donated to WFP, whose mission is to end world hunger by 2030. Does it promote true change? We'll let you be the judge.
Balenciaga x WFP , $395
The Innocence Project Innocence Project Tote
When you purchase any product from The Innocence Project, proceeds benefit the organization's continued work freeing the innocent and promoting criminal justice reform in the United States.
The Innocence Project , $22
Wildist Soothinger Natural Toothpaste
Like Levi's, Wildist doesn't necessarily donate a portion of their proceeds to a specific cause, but are more focused on infusing tangible action and intention into their brand. The all-natural brand values inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability, and believes that it's not enough just to care about something; you have to fight for it. They write letters to those in power to better the conditions of their industry, hold marches, and so much more.
Wildist , $8
Phenomenal I’m Gonna Win T-Shirt
Phenomenal, whose entire mission was inspired by Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal Woman" poem, supports women everywhere. Proceeds from their "I'm Gonna Win" tee, which was inspired by the iconic image of Diana Ross, are donated to Higher Heights who helps build black women's political power. The company has garnered support from everyone from Ava DuVernay to Alicia Keys to Jane Fonda.
Phenomenal , $35
Noto Botanics Agender Oil
When you purchase Noto Botanics' hair and body oil, the brand donates a portion of the proceeds to their group of rotating partners including Planned Parenthood, LGBT Youth Center, and more. More than that, the company is natural, gender-fluid, and multi-use.
Noto Botanics , $40
Clare V. Émigré Original Fit Tee
Clare V. has been known to partner with brands for causes the company is passionate about, including Everytown for Gun Safety, Every Mother Counts, and so many more. For this particular collaboration, a portion of the proceeds is donated to This Is About Humanity, a movement that raises awareness about separated and reunited families.
Clare V. , $99
Chantecaille Philanthropy Cheek Shade
Chantecaille has been dedicated to giving back to the environment for 20+ years. This particular product's proceeds directly benefit The Marine Conservation Institute, who tirelessly aims to protect the world's oceans. Past campaigns have supported everything from slowing the effects of climate change to protecting various endangered species.
Chantecaille , $40
Causebox Causebox Subscription
Can't think of just one movement you're passionate about? Causebox is a great way to shop consciously from all sorts of brands doing good for our people and planet. From items that are fair-trade and sustainably produced to those that give back and are eco-friendly, this subscription service is a great way to familiarize yourself with socially conscious brands around the globe.
Causebox , $50
