Alternative Apparel, the industry-leading fashion basics company known for its unparalleled comfort and quality craftsmanship, today announced the launch of the limited-edition ―Message Bag, a creative collaboration with stylish leading actress and activist Olivia Wilde and her friend/partner-in-good Barbara Burchfield. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Academy for Peace and Justice, a secondary school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti funded by Oscar-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis’s charity, Artists for Peace and Justice. "This is not just a bag, it’s an opportunity for an education."
"I’ve been trying to figure out how to combine conscious commerce with my love for fashion," explains Wilde, who chose to work with Alternative Apparel, the label committed to ethically and environmentally responsible production practices, because ―"I wear their sweatshirts every day and live in their maxi dresses. And they’re good people!."
After frequent visits to Haiti, Wilde worked closely with Mollie Culligan, Alternative’s Accessories Director, and Burchfield to design a trusty and rugged-chic army canvas messenger bag. The convertible backpack/cross-body style is unisex, features pebbled leather trim, antique brass hardware and every purchase of the bag is an opportunity for an underprivileged child’s education. Alternative seeks to empower positive change in the community and provides products that are hand-crafted, with signature vintage softness and authenticity. Additionally, Alternative is committed to donate more bags, backpacks and supplies to the Academy for Peace and Justice throughout the year.
Olivia’s latest film “People Like Us” opens in theaters this Friday, June 29th. She also has 9 other film projects coming out in the next year – she’s best known for starring on the hit TV show “House” and in movie roles such as In Time, The Change-Up, Tron, Alpha Dog, etc.
To purchase the bag, click here.
