Stars seem to be doing just about everything these days. From launching their own fragrances to writing autobiographies, showbiz has become big-money biz.
The latest trend seems to be designing with a cause.
Some of your favourite stars have joined forces with Designers Against Aids - a project by the non-profit organisation Beauty without Irony to raise awareness about the disease - and everyone's favourite cheap chic retail chain H&M to contribute designs to a range of funky organic cotton T-shirts and jackets for H&M to raise awareness of Aids among young adults.
Celebrity support
The celebrities taking part in Fashion Against Aids are Rihanna, Chicks on Speed, Good Charlotte, Henrik Vibskov, Jade Jagger, Justice, Katharine Hamnett, My Chemical Romance, Rufus Wainwright, Scissor Sisters, The Cardigans, Tiga, Timbaland and Ziggy Marley.
Rihanna, who designed a tank top with a silhouette of a woman emblazoned with the word "Believe" on it, says: "I love fashion and I love that it can be used in such a positive way to fight Aids. I wanted to get involved because it's a scary disease and it affects a lot of young people out there."
The Umbrella singer, who is a first-time designer, also said: "I wanted it to be funky, edgy and casual. Something I would wear. I have a few at home. I wear it to travel, to go out. It's sexy but it's edgy."
If you were to shop overseas, the Believe racer-back tee would cost you about $15 (Dh55).
Rufus Wainwright said his abstract design was inspired by gigs he performed at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
"It has been a big issue in my life since I was a teenager and the danger hasn't subsided. Aids is still a huge issue not just here in the Western world but places like Africa and poorer places where it has been ravaging entire populations."
Free of charge
All the artists contributed their designs free of charge. The garments have a special tag that reads: "This might be the most important piece of clothing you've ever had your hands on."
The collection comprises a variety of prints. While some are low-key and subtle, and whisper that this is important, others raise their voice.
For example, Chicks on Speed force you to confront issues with their "Face It" tees, while Tiga's all-over check print calls for quiet reflection.
Some of the squares have a different colour and represent all those who have the virus.
The idea behind the campaign is summed up by Henrik Vibskov's print: Be aware - it is still happening.
And although the collection isn't available in the UAE, it is in the rest of the world.
When asked why the collection isn't available locally, Peri Hellyer, Account Director for BPG Public Relations, H&M's PR firm in the UAE, simply said: "The stores here will not be carrying the items."
Did you know?
This initiative is highlighting facts about HIV/Aids that deserve attention:
Fifty per cent of new infections are among 15-24 year olds.
Twelve million young people now carry the HIV virus.
Every 15 seconds, a young person is infected.
