GILT PARTNERS WITH ASHLEY BIDEN TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION

Online shopping destination Gilt launched a new partnership with Livelihood Inc., a new socially and ethically conscious apparel company founded by Ashley Biden, last night at an event at Spring Studios in Manhattan. Livelihood is now selling a collection of premium unisex hoodies on Gilt.com, with 100 percent of net proceeds donated to Livelihood’s community development initiatives.

Fashioned from soft, double-napped cotton, the hoodies are completely sourced and manufactured in the USA, including the zippers. Signature details include a reflector stripe on the right cuff, extended sleeves with thumb holes, heavy gauge draw cords and the inspirational motto, “Keep Your Hood Up,” printed on the exterior neckline.

Available in a range of colors, including black, slate grey, winter white, navy, emerald and blush, the hoodie styles retail for $79-$99. In addition to being sold on Gilt.com, the collection will also be available at the Gilt Shop on 57th Street in New York City.

“Gilt is excited to partner with Ashley for this worthy cause, which is meaningful way to unite Gilt’s expertise in design, production and e-commerce with Ashley’s dedication to communities in need,” said Jonathan Greller, president of Gilt and Saks Off 5th. “Gilt has a history of partnering with innovative charities and we are thrilled to help bring Ashley’s vision of a new, socially-conscious apparel brand to life with the Gilt x Livelihood collection.”

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked as a social worker and learned first-hand that civic participation is an essential component of community development,” added Biden. “My goal with Livelihood is to celebrate the ethos with creative and innovative programs that directly impact local neighborhoods. I’m excited to launch this initiative with a hoodie design, created and sold in partnership with Gilt. I chose a hoodie because it is universal, was once ubiquitous with the Labor Movement and is currently symbolic of important social justice movements.”

Founded by Ashley Biden, daughter of former Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Livelihood is focused on grassroots initiatives to help fund schools, vocational training programs and job placement services. As part of its local community focus, Livelihood targets specific zip codes and will initially dedicate resources to Wilmington, Delaware, where Biden grew up, and Anacostia, District of Columbia, where Biden first worked as a social worker.