YUASA TEAMS UP WITH ILLUSTRATOR RICHARD HAINES ON CHARITABLE SWIM COLLECTION

YUASA Menswear, a men’s leisure wear brand created by Michael Yuasa, has joined forces with renowned fashion illustrator Richard Haines to support LGBTQ homeless youth.The collaboration marks YUASA’s second 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 nation’s largest community center for LGBTQ homeless youth.

The merchandise will be on sale throughout the summer online at yuasastudios.com and at the new Nordstrom Men’s New York City store from Thursday, June 21 – Sunday, 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 Michael Yuasa, creative director and founder. “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 organization is on the front lines in the battle to save LGBTQ homeless youth.

“It’s an honor to support the Ali Forney Center’s life changing work,” added Yuasa.

Campaign photographs for the collaboration were taken by Ryker Allen, an up-and-coming queer photographer based in NYC.