Jeans for Genes Day

You’ll no doubt have heard of Jeans for Genes. I mean I have and that’s saying something, but do you actually know what it’s all about? And why should you care?

The scheme is a one-day fundraising event during which people can pay £2 to charity to wear their jeans for a day – presumably instead of their generic suit/shirt/overly tight nylon skirt work attire. Kind of same old, same old if you work from home like me (though, let’s be honest my work attire is more PJs than Miss Sixty’s finest); but it’s a nice idea. This year the big day is today, Friday 2 October.

Where the ‘genes’ part comes in – and the feel good factor – is where the money goes. Ten different charities who work with children and families affected by genetic conditions use the money to fund vital care and support, as well as ongoing research into the causes and potential cures of these conditions. Genetic disorders affect one in 33 babies born in the UK – that’s more than 20,000 children each year whose lives could be seriously affected.

This year the charity has worked with the London College of Fashion to design some rather wicked T-shirts, modelled by the delightful Zoe Ball, Jodie Kidd and Jamie Winstone, which are being sold to make even more money.

The design was created by up-and-coming British talent Asha Joneja, a student at London College of Fashion and winner of the design competition organised by Jeans for Genes. Asha’s gold foil chain design represents the blueprint of our genetic code: the double helix. The metallic thing is very ‘on trend’ apparently, though you’d have to ask them over at Shopping and Style about that! They have also produced a handbag and an umbrella – all of which can be purchased online at www.jeansforgenes.com: the T–Shirt costs £11.99.

To donate, and earn the right to don you best denim check out Jeans for Genes