US fashion brand Marc Jacobs and the Rubric Initiative, which works to change the fashion industry, are launching a mentoring program for up-and-coming talent.
Rubric works with industry leaders to develop educational resources and mentorship programs, organize outreach initiatives and paid internships, and encourage transparent dialogue about race, class and gender in creative fields.
In this first partnership, Marc Jacobs has brought together industry leaders with emerging creatives from across the fashion industry, including photographers, stylists, art directors, producers, set designers, casting, nail artists, hairstylists and make-up artists. Successful applicants from the Rubric community were each paired with a mentor.
The first partnership resulted in an upcycled garment designed by Marley Marc, a design mentee, with input from Marc Jacobs and the in-house design team. The program gave the mentee access to Marc Jacobs’ studio, scraps of fabric and other materials that were no longer needed.
In addition, the participants in the program realized a photo shoot in which the upcycled garment was staged by photographer Alasdair McClellan, stylist Sydney Rose Thomas, hairstylist Virginie Moreira and nail artist Mei Kawajiri.
Marc Jacobs has also announced a long-sleeve t-shirt in partnership with the Rubric Initiative, with 50 percent of proceeds going to the organization.
This translated post originally appeared on FashionUnited.com