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For the second season in a row the New York Fashion Week industry is coming together to stand up for what’s right. Yesterday, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced that it will be launching an initiative during fashion week to support the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Titled “Fashion for ACLU,” the CFDA is hoping it will encourage its members to speak out against racism, bigotry, and hatred.

“We want to be on the front line, not the sidelines, to boldly fight to protect our precious rights and freedoms, which has taken on a renewed urgency after the heart-wrenching events of Charlottesville,” Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA, said in a statement. “Our goal is to actively support concrete work that will move our country meaningfully forward. The ACLU is doing that critical work.”

Designers are being asked to feature the “Fashion for ACLU” tagline at their events, and to pass out a special edition of the ACLU’s blue lapel ribbon. Meanwhile, attendees are being asked to use #StandWithACLU and #FashionforACLU when posting on social media. Over 50 designers (including Adam Selman, Diane von Furstenberg, Monse, Opening Ceremony, Prabal Gurung, and Public School, among others) have already pledged to help promote the initiative.

The CFDA’s Steven Kolb and Diane von Furstenberg

Additionally, the ride-share service Lyft will run a special promotion during NYFW where it will donate $5 from rides to and from fashion week events to the ACLU, when riders use the promo code “FASHIONSTANDS.”

This will mark the second season in a row in which the CFDA has put its weight behind a worthy cause. Last season it partnered with Planned Parenthood, creating pink badges that were worn by many all week long. It goes to show that not only does New York fashion have a heart, but that it is also fearless in the face of adversity.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK