Street Stitch: Charity Performance
Homelessness in America is a serious issue that leaves our city streets covered year after year. There are shelters in most major cities but even those shelters have a maximum occupancy that still leaves people to fend for themselves on the cold concrete and park benches. With winter quickly approaching, staying warm is a battle for those that will be stranded but we want to help. In order for people to stay warm, they need clothing that will withstand the temperature. Something thin enough to allow for easy movement but warm enough to keep cold out. The Japanese kimono.
Kimonos were originally created by the Chinese in the 5th Century but made popular by the Japanese as their sole form of outerwear clothing in 8th Century. The Japanese loved the kimono because not only was it easy and inexpensive to make but it was also suitable for all weather conditions. In warm weather men and women would use more breathable fabrics to remain comfortable, while in winter they would add layers underneath to keep out the cold winter air.
It is this reason that we chose to use the kimono to give away on the streets in major cities during this time of need. We want people to remain comfortable, warm but also have the ability to remain stylish while doing so. The kimono is a timeless style that stands the test of time.
The idea is based around the concept of street performances. As many have seen, street performers find ways to make their musical skills known by performing on street corners, in subway hallways & on actual trains. This concept is very similar. Jazmine will be sewing kimonos on the streets of major cities and giving them out on the spot. The entire process will be able to be seen by the person receiving the kimono as each piece will be unique to each individual. Each person will select their fabric, get basic measurements taken & receive their kimono to take with them shortly after. This is to add a personal touch while also being able to actually interact with the recipients making the experience more real.
We know that the issue of homelessness won't go away overnight, nor will it be fixed with a simple kimono but we hope this will at least jumpstart the conversation again. Charity is an occurrence that widely takes place only a few times throughout the year and those days are the holidays where giving is expected. We hope that we can help make charity an anytime thing. By using our creative skills, we hope that we can make charity a creative thing as well. Finding new ways to help and improve the world is the ultimate goal. "It is our duty that as long as we are standing to help someone that has fallen".
We are asking for people to donate (preferably fabric but money helps as well) so that we can deliver as many kimonos to as many people in need as possible. This will help us not only complete our intended goal of delivering 30 to people in both DC & NY but also help us to extend our project beyond just those 2 cities. Your help will be greatly appreciated and you will receive something in return for your donations.