Modeling the new swimwear | Photo: Provided/Ryker Allen
YUASA Menswear unveiled a new line of men’s swimwear — inspired by summer in New York City — to help LGBTQ youth.
Michael Yuasa’s leisurewear brand teamed up with Richard Haines on the line, creating three brand new and original pieces.
The partnership launched the pieces today with YUASA’s 2nd Annual LGBTQ Pride Fundraiser. Proceeds from the swimwear go to the Ali Forney Center, an organization helping homeless LGBTQ youth in the city.
Two pairs of the swimwear feature ocean imagery, such as fish and jellyfish, on either a blue or pink background. The third pair is a black and white piece showcasing male divers.
The new swimwear | Photo: Provided
Previously, YUASA worked with Ben Fredrickson to support Visual AIDS.
Lifting up the ‘most vulnerable’
‘We are thrilled to be working with Richard Haines, a giant in the fashion industry, on this artistic partnership that aims to lift up our most vulnerable LGBTQ youth,’ Yuasa said.
‘Each year YUASA Menswear works with a LGBTQ artist to raise money for a select NYC LGBTQ-focused non-profit that helps to serve our community.’
The photoshoot | Photo: Provided
Ryker Allen (standing center) is a gender nonconforming photographer currently based in New York City. He did the shoot for the new line. His work focuses on young queer masculinity.
Yuasa continued: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Richard for donating his time and talents to create these uniquely printed swimwear for men to benefit youth. We’re equally thankful to Nordstrom for bolstering our efforts.’
Ali Forney helps nearly 1,4000 youths every year. They have a 24-hour drop-in center, where they offer 70,000 meals annually, as well as medical and mental health services. The group also has emergency housing and transitional living. All of these elements help ‘protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently’.
The trunks are availabe on the YUASA website until Labor Day and at the Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City from 21-24 June.
