Beyonce announces Balmain collaboration where all proceeds will go to charity
100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the United Negro College Fund
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Your support makes all the difference.Beyoncé’s Coachella set in April will go down in history as one of the most epic performances the festival has ever seen.
Not only was she the first black woman to headline the Californian music festival, but she also used the opportunity to celebrate the culture of black colleges, feminism, activism and her family.
And now, the artist has announced the launch of a new collaboration, which will see her Balmain Cochella outfits recreated by the design house, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated to charity.
While Beyoncé did release some merchandise on her website, including windbreakers and crewneck T-shirts, it was not based on the actual costumes she performed in, nor were they designed by Balmain, who created all of her outfits for the festival.
Now though, fans can finally relive Beychella in all its glory by sporting the exact college-themed garb the singer donned during her epic two-hour set.
The new collection, launching at the Paris flagship store on July 13 and worldwide July 14, features three T-shirts and three sweatshirts offered in black, hot pink and bright yellow.
But, that’s not all. While Beyoncé already made a $100,000 (£75,681) donation to four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) after her performance, the singer has revealed that 100 per cent of the proceeds from this collaboration will go to the UNCF (United Negro College Fund).
The United States’ largest minority education organisation, UNCF was founded by Frederick D Patterson and Mary McLeod Bethune in 1944 and works to ensure that American children of all races and backgrounds are able to attend college by providing scholarships, advocacy and financial support.
In a statement, Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing explained: “What we all saw on those successive Coachella weekends was nothing less than iconic.
“Her performance, message and music - along with the looks that we created together - made for one of those rare, indelible images that I believe will long remain in my generation’s collective memory.
“After experiencing that beautiful partnership, we weren’t ready to just walk away without adding one final, perfecting touch.
“This collection of hoodies and tees, based on key designs from our Coachella efforts, responds to our need to repay an obvious debt for the inspiration we received from the signature spirit and legacy of America's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“Which is why we are so very pleased to announce that proceeds from this collection will help fund the impressive work of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) — helping to guarantee that tomorrow's leaders will be able to attend college, thrive and graduate.”
Shop the Balmain x Beyoncé collection at the Paris flagship store on July 13 and at Balmain’s London store, Balmain.com, Beyonce.com, Net-a-Porter, Harrods and MyTheresa from July 14th. Prices start at £220.
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