Mara Hoffman may not be staging a runway show this season, but that doesn’t mean she’s not supporting our Fashion for ACLU fashion week campaign. We talked to the designer about the urgency to support this organization and what she personally hopes to accomplish with it.

Why is it so important to you to participate in Fashion for ACLU?

The ACLU is such a crucial and inclusive organization in the fight for human rights. They stand for the people that have been targeted or ignored, and that hits home for me.

What personal message do you hope to convey by taking part in the initiative?

We’re going to keep making noise and showing up to defend love, community, humanity, and respect for every human being. We’re not going anywhere.

How do you plan to use/wear the ribbon?

We aren’t showing this year, but I’ll be wearing it during NYFW.