COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Express, Inc. (NYSE: EXPR) today announced the brand's launch of the Love Unites collection. To pay tribute to nearly five decades of Pride, and the global empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community, Express and non-profit partner GLAAD present Love Unites, a celebratory, gender-fluid collection of 35 pieces that honors unity and individuality. Express has also committed to a minimum $100,000 donation to GLAAD to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community; for every Love Unites item purchased by July 15, Express will donate 25% of the net income.
Rather than producing a traditional photoshoot to showcase the collection, Express partnered with the staff of Out Magazine to present individual stories of perseverance, style and self-acceptance. Documented by photographer Lia Clay and videographer Kelly Teacher, editor in chief Phillip Picardi appears with executive editor Raquel Willis and associate managing editor Coco Romack in a series of collaborative and emotional photos and videos highlighting their singular journeys and personal style. As colleagues, as friends, and as LGBTQ+ advocates, the three are stronger together—and it's this spirit Express hopes to fortify with the Love Unites collection. "My style allows me to make a statement about who I am. My style allows me to own my womanhood," Willis said. "Acceptance isn't just tolerance. Acceptance is being excited about people's differences," added Romack.
"Since our inception in 1980, unity and acceptance have been core values for Express. We also recognize the importance of representation and are delighted to offer a platform for members of the LGBTQ+ community to tell their own stories—and nobody does that better than the editors of Out," said Patrice Croci, Express Vice President of Brand and Performance Marketing. "It's an honor and a privilege to continue to support the important work GLAAD does every day with Love Unites."
"The Express Love Unites collection showcases the talented editors of Out Magazine and the communities they represent, and GLAAD is proud to be a partner alongside them," said Zeke Stokes, GLAAD Chief Programs Officer. "The visibility that this collection will garner in hundreds of Express retail locations will help accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and enable people of all genders to dress with Pride."
Express Love Unites includes 35 all-gender pieces—19 of which are available exclusively online—designed to be mixed and matched in the ultimate celebration of self-expression. Classic pieces like hoodies, tank tops, dresses, and tees are reimagined with the iconic rainbow detail displayed through innovative techniques like tie dye, piping, edging and embossing. Express Love Unites is available online and in all stores. To learn more, visit express.com/LoveUnites.
About Express:
Express is a leading fashion destination and apparel brand for both women and men. Since 1980, Express has provided the latest apparel and accessories for work, casual, jeanswear, and going-out, offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality at an attractive value. The company operates more than 600 retail and factory outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as a best-in-class shopping experience through its website and mobile app. In addition, Express merchandise is available at franchise locations and online in Latin America. For more information, please visit www.express.com.
About GLAAD:
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.
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SOURCE Express, Inc.