LAUNCH OF THE FONDATION VILEBREQUIN
Vilebrequin started life 50 years ago on the Mediterranean coast. Ever since, the House has dedicated its energy to bringing a light and optimistic brand of elegance to vacationers from across the world’s oceans.The oceans feel like home, and with good reason: A source of wonderment and nourishment, they account for 99% of the Earth’s living space and 97% of all water. Today, our home is at risk. The biggest threat to the planet’s oceans is human activity, and more specifically marine pollution: every minute of every day, the equivalent of one truckload of plastic waste ends up in the sea. A strong advocate for clean oceans, G-III Apparel Group Ltd. Chairman and CEO Morris Goldfarb knew he had to take action. At the helm of Vilebrequin since acquiring the company in 2012, he chose to mark the House’s 50th anniversary by creating the Fondation Vilebrequin, with the first donation coming from the Morris & Arlene Goldfarb Family Foundation.
As he explains:
"Vilebrequin has been working hard to protect the oceans for 10 years now. As the House enters its landmark 50th year, strengthening that commitment felt like a way to celebrate with purpose. Through the Fondation Vilebrequin, we’ll be able to take things a step further, making a lasting positive impact on both the fashion industry and the environment while empowering our clients, teams, and partners from private or public sectors to join us in effecting real change. The Fondation aims to be recognized as a public-interest organization under Swiss law."
IT ALL COMES BACK TO THE OCEANS
"The Fondation Vilebrequin wants to give back to the oceans for a very simple reason: it’s born from them. The House has had salt water in its blood since 1971, when Vilebrequin swim trunks first hit the coast in Saint-Tropez. The art of living in the sun has been the fabric of the House’s identity since day one. After pioneering father-son collections 25 summers ago—now a year-round staple for all the family—heritage became a motor for the brand. Like a love for the ocean, Vilebrequin is a legacy you inherit and pass on."
THE OCEAN’S FUTURE IS OUR CALL
"Ensuring tomorrow’s generations stand in awe of our oceans: it’s with this firmly anchored commitment that the Fondation Vilebrequin is ready to get to work. Today. We believe no actions are too inconsequential—or too ambitious to warrant consideration. The Fondation will publish an annual activity report outlining plans for the road ahead. There won’t be any empty words or promises, just concrete measures from our partners around the world. As Vilebrequin CEO Roland Herlory sums up: An alternative future is possible. It’s up to us to decide."
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The Fondation has chosen to focus on three key areas of action we consider to be vital in driving short-term and long-term change: protecting marine biodiversity, educating our children on their environmental legacy, and advocating for a more conscious fashion industry. Combined, these efforts can make a genuine difference.
Protecting Marine Biodiversity
"Knowledge is power. Through supporting targeted scientific research and conservation initiatives, we can better understand how to protect our oceans. Their secrets remain largely unknown to us, with a mere 9% of marine life having been studied so far. The Fondation will help finance projects focused on protecting and surveying marine biodiversity, while enabling the next generation of researchers to put their heads together through the Vilebrequin Research Fund. Biodiversity isn’t just an issue for scientists, though; it concerns each and every one of us. Open to Vilebrequin clients, staff, and the public at large, beach clean-ups and community projects will also be eligible for grants."
Educating Our Children On Their Environmental Legacy
"For younger generations to inherit our passion for the ocean and want to protect it, they need to be provided with the right tools. Education and awareness programs are the only way to ensure they understand exactly what’s at stake, and the part they have to play in turning the tide. Individually or collectively, it’s never too early to get involved. With this in mind, the Fondation offers funding for grassroots projects for schools and associations."
Advocating For A More Conscious Fashion Industry
" The future of our oceans heavily depends on how we decide to produce and consume clothing. It’s down to the textile industry to lead the charge on sustainability: by minimizing waste, investing in renewable resources, accelerating the circular fashion economy, and making biodegradability the rule, not the exception. The Fondation intends to be part of the solution, providing funding for innovative design initiatives for the development of ocean-friendly fabrics and manufacturing processes. As a brand, Vilebrequin is committed to doing better. It is hoped the Fondation will help move the conversation forward at an industry-wide level."
We promise
To leave no stone unturned. Our comitment combines financial support, education, and sustainability innovation to ensure that we are doing everything we can to achieve our goal.
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