House of D’Marsh has joined forces with top Jamaican models Oraine Barrett and Korey Rowe for the 2017 New York Fashion Week Men’s Collection HOPE by KDO. The collection had its premiere at the midtown offices of Finn Partners, the public relations agency of record for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

This latest collection HOPE is of special significance as the collaboration between the New York based designer and the accomplished Jamaican models is intended to increase awareness about the incidence of childhood cancer.

According to the designer, the brand has always been looking for a charity to be associated with and the American Children’s Cancer Organization (ACCO) was a perfect fit. “When you have a brand, you think of the staff and the people around you and the dreaded cancer disease has impacted not only Board members but many friends and associates and to be able to provide support for kids and their families was a no-brainer,” noted March.

The partnership was a natural one as both Oraine and Korey have been friends of March for years and when the idea of collaborating on a t-shirt collection to benefit kids cancer was discussed, they both were moved to give of their time and talents to the cause. Both Oraine and Korey wanted to use this as an opportunity to encourage young people to serve and get involved in charitable endeavors and this was even more personal for Oraine who lost his mother to cancer.

And why HOPE? “Hope is what we have and it’s something that we need and should have everyday and I remain hopeful for a cure someday,” noted March.

The collection is entitled HOPE by KDO (Korey, D’Marsh, Oraine) and part proceeds from the sale of each t-shirt will go towards ACCO. To donate or purchase your t-shirt go to: www.dmarshcouture.com/store/hope

This year’s collection was made possible with the support of the following sponsors and partners: Coco-Mat, Dream Castle Villa, Finn Partners Jamaica Tourist Board, LaFace Models and LinkUp Media.