...and we're kind of loving it, particularly as it features his loveable pooch AND is for a good cause.
Words by Rosie Benson
For the first time in his career, renowned British photographer Rankin has designed an exclusive fashion range. Why? To encourage us all to be a little bit funny for money.
Inspired by his love for animals, Rankin has designed an exclusive T-shirt range for this year's Comic Relief, some of which even feature Rankin's own pup Doris. Rankin told Marie Claire: 'I designed this range especially for Comic Relief with my love for animals in mind. I wanted to be able to put a fun and creative spin on classic images for this specific campaign to put a smile on people’s faces for Red Nose Day and encourage everyone to make their laugh matter.'
Rankin already has an impressive portfolio having shot the likes of The Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Kate Moss, but this is the first time he's partnered with Comic Relief. Actress Maisie Williams and comedian Jack Whitehall are fronting the campaign for Red Nose Day 2017 which takes place on on 24th March, alongside a host of other celebs including Joanna Lumley, Heidi Klum, Winnie Harlow and Billie Piper.
The T-shirts, designed in collaboration with TK Maxx, are wholly manufactured in Africa and are made from Fairtrade cotton which is sourced from certified co-operatives in Uganda, ensuring a fair price for farmers. At least 50% of the proceeds of each T-shirt sold will go direct to the cause.
'We are incredibly excited' Emma Freud, Director of Red Nose Day says. ' The money raised from each t-shirt will make a real difference to the lives of people living in poverty across Africa and the UK. We’re very much in love with the designs that Rankin has produced and plan on deifying him quite soon. We love the look of our animals on the chests of Jack Whitehall and Maisie Williams - the modelling dream team. Please join us by making your laugh matter this year.'
The T-shirt collection is available online at TK Maxx and rednoseday.com from 1st February, and exclusively in TK Maxx stores nationwide from 13th February.