For This Pride Month, Fashion Finally Figured Out the Rainbow
No matter the intention, some rainbow-emblazoned apparel is often tragic.
(Bloomberg) -- Over the years since the first pride march in New York in June 1970—then called Christopher Street Liberation Day—people began celebrating their pride by wearing the colors of flags that represent different LGBTQ communities, with the most famous being the rainbow gay pride flag. This year, for the the WorldPride celebration in New York at the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, more and more brands are trying to play a part by releasing themed clothing capsules.
“We’re seeing quite a bit more pride-focused product in the market and bigger collections,” says Justin Berkowitz, fashion director at Bloomingdales. “Some companies are evolving past simply putting a rainbow flag on their products … by using a slightly more subtle or interesting design.”
No matter the intention, some rainbow-emblazoned apparel is often tragic. But here are the best items from this year’s collections—many of which benefit different charitable LGBTQ organizations.
Todd Snyder + Champion Pride Arc Logo Sweatshirt
As part of a longstanding collaboration between American designer Todd Snyder and althleisure brand Champion, this sweatshirt is rendered in soft terry cotton with a colorful message across the chest. As an altruistic bonus, 20% of sales will benefit the Stonewall National Monument.
Price: $148
Polo Ralph Lauren Pride Tote
From one of Berkowitz’s favorite collections, this graphic Polo tote is a preppy way to sport the rainbow this month. The brand, which will donate 50 percent of the purchase price to the Stonewall Community Foundation, took a considered approach to its advertising campaign, featuring a wide array of the LGBTQ+ community.
Price: $150
Converse Chuck 70 Pride High Top
If glitter-covered high-tops haven’t been appearing often enough in your shoe rotation, you’re in luck. This stylish, glitzy pair is rendered in the colors of the transgender flag, including a pink lightning bolt on the outside. This pair benefits the It Gets Better Project and OUT MetroWest.
Price: $100
Stutterheim Vladimir Rainbow Raincoat
Perhaps no other piece represents the popular pride phrase “loud and proud” as does this color-blocked, rubberized, cotton-blend raincoat in the colors of the rainbow flag—made by Swedish brand Stutterheim. As if looking great isn’t enough, 10% of the price will be donated to an international LGBTQ organization.
Price: $350
Harry’s Shave With Pride Set
Fashion brands aren’t the only ones supporting pride this year. Shave industry disruptor Harry’s has collaborated with artist José Roda to create a colorful, pride-themed shave set, complete with a limited-edition rainbow handle. One hundred percent of profits will be donated to the Trevor Project.
Price: $25
Scosha Pride Rainbow Beaded Bracelet
If “low key” is more your style, this thin, beaded bracelet is a great way to support the LGBT community. It has a sterling silver button and slider to adjust the fit, and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to New York's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center.
Price: $68
Fossil Limited Edition Pride Watch
There’s no better time than now to show your support with this 38-millimeter, rainbow-colored watch and strap from Fossil. They’re sold separately, so you can mix and match them with the pieces you already have—the perfect pride accessory for the watch-obsessed.
Price: $95
Soludos Pride Smoking Slippers
Your support of #loveislove will last all summer long with these chic, unisex espadrilles with an embroidered rainbow that comes with a bit of colorful fringe. Not only are they comfortable out of the gate, but they’re made from eco-conscious material that will stretch and conform to your foot over time.
Price: $85
Levi’s Pride Trucker Jacket
It will take a second glance to realize that this white jean jacket is accented with rainbows in every corner. Want some extra flair? Flip up the collar for a pop of color. Bonus: 100% of net proceeds will go to OutRight Action International.
Price: $128
Opening Ceremony X Bloomingdales Paradise Garage Graphic Tee
As an homage to famous LGBTQ spaces, this shirt commemorates Paradise Garage—a popular New York discotheque in the 1970s and ’80s. Other shirts feature spaces such as the Saint, Uncle Charlie’s, and Meow Mix. The collaboration benefits HousingWorks, which helps people who are living with HIV/AIDS.
Price: $58
Original Penguin Pride Rainbow Print Shirt
If you haven’t picked a shirt to wear to your local parade, this summer-ready short-sleeve shirt is an excellent pick. An understated navy base with a miniature rainbow print is a fun, yet understated way to look great all summer—while supporting the global LGBT nonprofit All Out. https://allout.org/en
Price: $79
Adidas Originals Ozweego Pride Shoes
Channel your inner ’90s club kid with these reimagined kicks that feature a mesh and suede upper and a lightweight, rainbow-colored midsole. They’re a cool way to add an unmissable dash of color to any pride month look.
Price: $110
J.Crew X Human Rights Campaign "Love first" Graphic T-Shirt
Send a loud and clear message of support with this graphic tee that features the inclusive slogan “Love First” with a colorful period at the end. It’s made in collaboration with, and benefits, the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest civil rights organization that ensures the rights of LGBTQ people.
Price: $34.50
Bombas Pride Calf Sock
There’s no wrong way to wear a rainbow, and these space-dyed socks—each with its own, unique design—are no exception. Bombas will give 40% of all proceeds from socks purchased through the end of June to the U.S. Ally Coalition, which benefits homeless LGBTQ youth.
Price: $12
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Rovzar at crovzar@bloomberg.net
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