To mark Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, CFDA member Phillip Lim and the brand 3.1 Phillip Lim are part of a particularly meaningful initiative.
Chinese food chain Panda Express has joined forces with Lim and his brand for “Eat More, Share More, Love More,” a limited edition apparel collection to bring awareness to food insecurity in the AAPI community and benefit those organizations whose mission is to fight it. The goal, per the press statement, is to “and uplift those in need by providing access to safe and nutritious food.”
Centered around an Asian-style plate as inspiration, the collection features three pieces: a T -shirt, a crewneck sweatshirt, and a cap.
Food is an important component in Asian cultures, bringing together generations, and, according to the release, “the act of eating and sharing a meal together is a multi-generational way to express love to one another; a plate of delicious food can bring down walls and promote understanding to inspire compassion.”
“As we continue to combat hate and fight for representation, we must also balance this out with nourishment and love. Food is the best way to bring people together,” Lim said. “Bring bread to a table and you can create an instant community. Across cultures and throughout history, food is the universal love language. Through the simple act of sharing a meal, we give each other the space to experience humanity in its quintessence.”
Additionally, Panda Express and 3.1 Phillip Lim launched the “Eat More, Share More, Love More” Fund in partnership with GoFundMe.org for people to contribute to this entire month with Panda Express having donated $20,000 for the kickoff.
“We are proud to be spotlighting our community partners and collaborating with Phillip Lim, a powerhouse for AAPI advocacy, on an initiative that’s anchored in the power of food and its ability to bring healing and togetherness,” Panda Express Chief Brand Officer Andrea Cherng. “The beauty of what we get to do every day at Panda is bridging cultures and providing care through food, and this collaboration is an extension of that mission as well as an invitation for all to come to the table, to see past labels, and to hear and help those in need.”