Sales of a jacket designed to hit back at Melania Trump’s controversial coat choice, have raised $250,000 (£188,525) to support child migrants.
On June 21, the US First Lady wore a khaki green Zara jacket on a visit to meet children who are being held at a migrant detention centre.
Printed on the back of the jacket were the words, “I really don’t care, do u?,” which has led to a backlash against the FLOTUS, by many who considered it an insensitive slogan to wear on such a visit.
US President Donald Trump responded to the criticism on Twitter saying the jacket referred to the fake news media, but people on social media have questioned whether the slogan was intended to be directed at the POTUS himself or the migrant children.
Whatever the reason behind the sartorial decision, it was not received well and feminist fashion brand Wildfang decided to respond by launching its own merchandise with the words “I really care, don’t u?” written on the back.
Wildfang has been donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from sales of their jackets to the non-profit organisation, RAICES that provides free legal services to immigrants and refugees.
Just one hour after launching the first 100 jackets online, Wildfang announced on Twitter that they had completely sold out.
Now, just three days later, the brand has revealed that it has raised around $250,000 (£188,525) for the organisation and has plans to continue to raise more.
“Last week was a really hard week to watch the news. It felt like we sunk to a new low,” Wildfang's CEO Emma McIlroy told Teen Vogue.
“I’m an immigrant, there are other immigrants on the team and it touched our team in a deeply profound way. When the image of Melania came out it felt like an insult to injury.
“When you have a position and a platform and a reach like FLOTUS it’s a really naive to suggest that your fashion doesn’t matter. Fashion has been historically a very political way to express our views.
Wildfang insist that they will continue to sell the jackets as long as customers want them so that they can continue to raise money for RAICES.
You can purchase Wildfang's “I really care, don't u” range, which includes T-shirts, hoodies and bomber jackets, here.
