LONDON, September 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
As New York and London Fashion Weeks kick off the start to a very stylish season of design shows, leading illustrators and artists have teamed up with Cruelty Free International to create an eye-catching range of T-shirt prints to raise awareness of animals still used in cosmetics testing.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140904/705125 )
While London and New York will be celebrating beauty and fashion on the catwalk, many may not be aware that over 80% of the world still allows cruel cosmetics tests on animals, including America.
Seven leading UK artists have taken part in the collection to raise awareness, including award winning author and illustrator Alex T Smith, Helen Lang, whose previous work is instantly recognisable for her beautiful bespoke lettering for the Tesco's finest range, and Paper Panda, a best-selling paper-cut artist whose signature animal characters are soaring in popularity.
Cruelty Free International's Head of Campaigns, Carla Owen, said: "The new range of T-shirts for fashion conscious animal-lovers will keep any follower of fashion ahead of the pack in the style stakes. The creative collection offers something for everyone as the designs are so diverse. All designs stem back to the reason behind this style-setting initiative: cruel cosmetics are outdated and the public wants a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics."
Most people are completely unaware that 80% of the world still allows cruel tests for make-up, shampoo, toothpaste and other cosmetics and toiletries, even though humane non-animal tests are available. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats are still routinely injected, gassed, force-fed and killed for many personal care products sold around the world.
The T-shirts will be on sale here and will be available throughout the fashion show season. All profits will go towards the global campaign against cosmetics testing on animals.
Alex T Smith said: "I was delighted to be asked by Cruelty Free International to take part in this project. I jumped at the chance to be able to use my skills to help animals and join the campaign for a global end to animal testing for cosmetics."
Helen Lang said: "I stand with Cruelty Free international to call for an end to cruel and unnecessary cosmetics testing on animals. There are plenty of viable alternatives accepted worldwide and so it shouldn't be happening anywhere."
About the artists
Alex T Smith is an author and illustrator of several chart-smashing children's books including the Claude series and was the official illustrator for World Book Day 2014.
Paper Panda's T-shirt design is 'The Many Faces of Bunny' - one of her signature characters from her best-selling craft cut range.
Wetpaint is Helen Lang, an illustrator & designer who specialises in hand-lettering and decorative and character based illustrations. She boasts some very impressive clients including Tesco, John Lewis and Harper Collins Publishers.
Amanda Bradley is an illustrator and designer whose work is inspired by people, places and culture. Amanda uses illustration as a form of message and information sharing and was recently selected by George Home for a bespoke new Homeware collection.
Famed for her unique style, artist Sam Cannon lives in picturesque Dorset, UK and this is reflected in her beautiful pictures of wildlife and landscapes. Her work is highly commissioned and she exhibits regularly.
Katie Edwards uses traditional photographic techniques to produce screen prints which are often combined with collage or drawn imagery. Katie's work is largely influenced by the animal world and her illustrations focus on photographic representation, what images symbolise and their use metaphorically.
Antonella Canavese is a vegan illustrator with a love for animals and a talent for art. Her beautiful work often includes themes of nature and animals as this is where her passion lies.
Photograph: The individual designs from the seven artists.
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