GMHC's Fashion Forward Commercial Goes Live!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

What: In August at the renowned Milk Studios, the fashion and style industries' finest lent their time and over $400,000 of in-kind resources to shoot an extraordinary commercial to support Gay Men's Health Crisis and their annual fall event, Fashion Forward presented by Bank of America. The 60 second, gender-bending video features 11 of the most quintessential faces known to the modeling world. The diversity of the casting was done with the intent to showcase social complexities and fluidity of sexuality and gender identity.

The video started airing on ABC-7 during the week of September 19 and will run for several weeks. The commercial will promote Fashion Forward which will be held on November 17 at the Metropolitan Pavilion.  ABC-7 has served as Fashion Forward's official TV sponsor for the past two years. 

The commercial delivers a true potpourri of talent and features standout cameos from: Andrej Pejic, who graced the cover of New York Magazine's Fall Fashion Issue, as "The Prettiest Boy in the World;" notable Brazilian transgender model and Givenchy muse, Lea T; industry leader, Jenny Shimizu; Crystal Renn, the face of the "Oh My Lord & Taylor" campaign; as well as Travis Cannato, who is currently featured in Thierry Mugler's controversial campaign video, "Brothers of Arcadia." The commercial electrifies Fashion Forward's founding mission of saluting the industry's longstanding commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Who: Models - Crystal Renn, Ford Models; Andrej Pejic, DNA Models; Janeil Williams, New York Models; Zeb Ringle, Soul Artist Management; Lea T, Women Model Management Italy; Hannelore, Ford Models; Hanne Gabby, Ford Models; Sky Ferreira, IMG Models, Travis Cannato, Ford Models; Armando Cabral, Wilhelmina; Jenny Shimizu, Women Model Management. Stylist & Co-Director - Jason Farrer, Director - Jonathan Turner, Casting - Andrew Weir, Producer - Sabine Manas, Hair - Jimmy Paul, Bumble & Bumble, Make Up - James Kaliardos.

Why: GMHC has been at the forefront in the fight against AIDS since the very beginning.  In the summer of 1981, a group of six gay men gathered in a New York apartment to address the "gay cancer" and raise money for research.  Over the next 30 years, GMHC has continued to lead the fight through its activism, nationally recognized AIDS Walks, innovative HIV prevention and testing programs, and comprehensive care services including legal services, mental health support and nutritious meals — all offered free of charge to 11,000+ people living with HIV/AIDS.

The fashion industry has been part of the fight to end the AIDS epidemic since the beginning. Their commitment to continue this fight is clearly exemplified through Fashion Forward.

To learn more about GMHC or Fashion Forward, please call 212.367.1389.

To view the commercial, click here.

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About GMHC:  GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to men, women, and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.  Our mission:  GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.