To celebrate Auckland Pride Festival 2021, Karen Walker has released a new collection in support of Aotearoa’s RainbowYOUTH charity.
Sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, the line includes three special pieces: an organic cotton t-shirt, sweatshirt and iPhone case.
Each item is emblazoned with the fashion label’s iconic Runaway Girl, who has swapped her trademark bindle for a rainbow flag.
Established in 1989, RainbowYOUTH provides vital support, resources and advocacy for Aotearoa’s queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex youth. Through social events and drop-in centres, the brilliant charity has created safe and inclusive spaces for young people to thrive.
To highlight the admirable work that’s taking place in New Zealand, the Karen Walker Pride collection was modelled by local activists making waves in the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Respected activist Shaneel Lal (photographed at the top of the page) took part in the project.
They co-founded the Conversion Therapy Action Group to work towards a ban on conversion therapy and have also worked alongside the Ministry of Education to design a more inclusive way of learning.
Miss Geena (photographed above) also plays a starring role in the new launch. A transfeminine drag artist and non-binary musician from Tāmaki Makaurau, she’s made it her mission to spread positivity and self-acceptance through Cabaret and pop music.
Other brilliant people involved in the Pride collection include Karen Walker’s head patternmaker and longtime volunteer for Ending HIV and The NZ AIDS Foundation, Kerry Trent Ranginui.
Pooja Subramanian, , communications and engagement manager at RainbowYOUTH also modelled the colourful line.
With every t-shirt and sweatshirt purchase, $10 will be donated to RainbowYOUTH while $5 from iPhone case sales will be given to the charity.
The Karen Walker Pride collection will be available online and in selected boutiques from February 3, 2021.
