Proenza Schouler calls attention to gun violence with new shirt design

The women's wear and accessories brand Proenza Schouler is highlighting the issue of gun violence with its latest campaign.

The label has unveiled an exclusive t-shirt design in which proceeds will go towards for organization Everytown for Gun Safety. The piece features graphic encouraging voters to select candidates that serve to reform pressing matters such a gun violence.

The shirt retails for 90 dollars and is available in both black and white and long and short sleeves. It comes as the November 6 midterm elections approach in the U.S.

“We are nothing without our voices, and there is no better way to be heard than casting your vote in an effort to affect meaningful and impactful change,” the brand’s designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez said in a statement to Vogue. “In today’s day and age, when there are a myriad of forces trying to silence the people, who like us, believe in a world where one should be free to express and live their innermost truth, and be exactly who they want to be, the importance of galvanizing like-minded individuals into being heard through the act of voting is of infinite importance. Causes such as women’s rights, gun safety, LGBTQ rights, climate change, and immigration are all close to our hearts, and we are nothing if not impassioned to use whatever influence we might have in support of the kind of progressive legislation that can make this country a truer and freer place to live.” They continued: “That is the United States we believe in, and the United States that can hopefully be our future . . . if we act now.”

Earlier this year, Proenza Schouler joined forces with the advocacy group to release a shirt condemning gun violence. The graphic on the piece features a gun crossed out with a red line.

"Proenza Schouler is proud to stand in solidarity and support those advocating for gun violence prevention in the United States," a statement on the brand’s official website reads. "In an effort to raise awareness for those using their voices and the grassroots organizations that are taking action, 100 percent of net proceeds... will be donated to Everytown."

Everytown for Gun Safety was founded in 2014 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and works to enforce tougher gun laws as a means of preventing firearms from falling into the hands of criminals.

The item is available on the brand’s official site and New York City store.

The American retailer’s decision to use fashion to highlight the hot-button issue comes following a wave of public support of gun reform within the fashion industry.

Cynthia Rowley and Christian Siriano have also partnered with Everytown for Gun Control to help raise funds for the cause. While earlier this year, during his Fall 2018 Moschino show, Jeremy Scott sported a T-shirt that read “Demand Gun Control Now."

In February, Gucci donated 500,000 to the March For Our Lives protest in Washington, D.C. The event was organized following a mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead.

Photo courtesy of the brand