Carlos Campos has made a point to give back to the community he grew up in. The Honduras native provides for his hometown by donating school uniforms to local schools. Doing so has inspired him to go back to his roots and retrieve creativity by looking within. We caught up with Campos to learn more about “1 Camisa Blanca Para Honduras”.
What does philanthropy mean to you as a fashion designer?
It’s a way of saying thank you for the blessing of being able to do what I love. It’s also a way of sharing my passion through my work.
Which causes or charities are you most passionate about?
I started a program called “1 Camisa Blanca Para Honduras” or “1 White Shirt For Honduras” one year ago with the idea of giving one white Guayabera—the typical school uniform for Honduran children – for every shirt that a consumer purchases. This year we have donated over 3,700 shirts to children in several small towns in Honduras. Currently we are working on the next delivery of over 2,000 shirts.
If you could volunteer full-time, what would you do?
The incredibly rewarding feeling after the experience of personally giving these children their new shirts is something that has had a tremendous impact on me. If I could, I would dedicate myself to the education and empowerment of these children.
Who or what has inspired you to give back?
I have met many successful individuals who have taught me the importance of giving back—one of them being my mentor, Tommy Hilfiger.
How, if at all, has your ongoing involvement in philanthropy changed your approach to design?
It hasn’t changed the way I approach design, but it has inspired me to be more creative by looking within, and going back to my roots. It brings me back to myself, where I come from and where I want to go.
What is your most memorable philanthropic experience?
Traveling to Honduras and personally delivering shirts to all of the schools that we work with, especially the one I attended. Seeing the children smile was a memory I will never forget.
Editor’s Note: Creatives Care is a new interview series on the importance of philanthropy for fashion designers.
