Mikhael Kale and Sylvia Mantella Team Up on Limited Edition Tee for COVID-19 Relief

Today, Canadian fashion designer Mikhael Kale and philanthropist Sylvia Mantella are releasing a limited edition tee to help raise funds to support women escaping domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The T-shirt features one of Kale’s F/W20 lookbook images, accompanied by text that reads, “Ensemble, nous sommes plus forts” which means “Because we are all stronger together.” The image was shot in Paris back in March, before the COVID-19 pandemic fully took hold. Kale himself contracted COVID during this time, though has since fully recovered.

100 per cent of the sales from the shirts will be donated to Yellow Brick House Women’s and Children’s Emergency Shelters in Toronto. Since the pandemic began, the Yellow Brick House has seen a sharp increase in domestic violence and subsequently, its services. Kale tells us, “Yellow Brick House is one of the largest providers in Ontario of services to women and children escaping domestic violence and abuse. In 2020, domestic violence affects one in four women, and a woman is killed once every six days by her intimate partner in Canada. Yellow Brick House provides the lifesaving support services and prevention programs to individuals and families impacted by violence. There are so many women experiencing increased hardships because of COVID-19 isolation. The Yellow Brick House is currently incurring a cost of $20,000 per week to ensure the health and safety of women and children.”

There are only 150 pieces available – and the shirts will go on sale today at 3pm exclusively via mikhaelkale.com. Plus, an anonymous donor will match the funds raised dollar for dollar.

Speaking with FASHION about the initiative, Kale said, “I believe it’s important for every single person to contribute regardless of how big or small.  We all have the resources to help change someone’s life and circumstance.  Its our responsibility. As a Canadian fashion designer I’m utilizing my skills and platform to help Canadian women in the little way I can.”

Hear more from Mikhael today on the initiative as he joins Editor in Chief Bernadette Morra for #FASHIONFridays at 4pm on Instagram Live.