DESIGN FOR HUMANITY: Billabong Combines Charity And Fashion To Make Fun

Money is tight these days. Our economy is floundering, gas prices are through the roof, and budgets are being cut right and left. Who has the disposable income to cut a big, fat check to charity?

But what if you could go out in L.A., watch a flock of models strut a catwalk in high-fashion bikinis, peruse the paintings and photos of top artists, and listen to live music by MGMT, all while supporting a charity whose specific objective is saving the surf we love so much?

That’s where the Billabong Design for Humanity event comes in. For the second year in a row, Billabong is bringing fashion, music, art, and charity under one roof on Wednesday June 4th at the Avalon/Spider Club in Hollywood.

The success of last year’s event has paved the way for an even greater event this year, with 1,500 people expected to be in attendance. “The cool thing about this event is that by simply attending you’ve already made a difference,” Harris explained. “One hundred percent of the ticket sales are donated to our selected beneficiary each year and you can’t help but become a fan of their mission once you’re exposed to what they’re all about.” This year, all proceeds from ticket sales will support Surfrider Foundation, an organization close to the heart of the surf industry and a powerful agent of positive change. In addition to their own custom swim line, Billabong collaborated with celebrity guest designers Amber Valletta, Joy Bryant, Charlotte Ronson, Cory Kennedy and others. Each collaboration will debut on the runway and will then Be sold post-event on eBay, with all proceeds going to Surfrider.

Last year’s inaugural event brought in thousands of dollars to support SurfAid International, and started what they hope to be an annual occurance. “Last year we sold out in less than two weeks and were able to donate over $25,000 to SurfAid International,” says Billabong Girls brand director Candy Harris. “This year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, and we hope that it results in an increased donation and even more awareness of the good work that Surfrider is doing.”

The event will definitely sell out this week, so if you possess even an inkling of desire to gyrate to electro-pop and mingle among the fashionistas of the surf industry, then you better snag yourself a ticket before it’s too late.