Gilt.com Partners with Ashley Biden to Launch Exclusive Collection Benefiting Livelihood Inc.'s Community Development Initiatives

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilt.com, the innovative online shopping destination, today announced a partnership with Livelihood Inc., a new socially and ethically conscious apparel company founded by Ashley Biden. Gilt and Livelihood are selling a collection of premium hoodie designs, beginning today on Gilt.com, with 100 percent of net proceeds donated to Livelihood's community development initiatives.

"Gilt is excited to partner with Ashley for this worthy cause, which is a meaningful way to unite Gilt's expertise in design, production and e-commerce with Ashley's dedication to communities in need. Gilt has a history of partnering with innovative charities and we are thrilled to help bring Ashley's vision of a new, socially-conscious apparel brand to life with the Gilt x Livelihood collection," said Jonathan Greller, President of Gilt and Saks OFF 5TH.

Founded by Ashley Biden, daughter of former Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Livelihood is focused on grassroots initiatives to help fund schools, vocational training programs and job placement services. As part of its local community focus, Livelihood targets specific zip codes and will initially dedicate resources to Wilmington, Delaware (zip code 19802), where Ashley grew up, and Anacostia, District of Columbia (zip code 20373), where Ashley first worked as a social worker.

"Over the past 15 years, I've worked as a social worker and learned first-hand that civic participation is an essential component of community development. My goal with Livelihood is to celebrate that ethos with creative and innovative programs that directly impact local neighborhoods. I'm excited to launch this initiative with a hoodie design, created and sold in partnership with Gilt. I chose a hoodie because it is universal, was once ubiquitous with the Labor Movement and is currently symbolic of important social justice movements," said Ashley Biden, founder of Livelihood.

The Gilt x Livelihood collection encompasses full-zip and pullover hoodie styles in women's, kids' and unisex sizing. Fashioned from soft, double-napped cotton, the hoodies are completely sourced and manufactured in the U.S.A., including the premium zipper. Signature details include a reflector stripe on the right cuff, extended sleeves with thumb holes, heavy gauge draw cords and the inspirational motto, "Keep Your Hood Up," printed on the exterior neckline.

Available in a range of colors, including black, slate grey, winter white, navy, emerald and blush, the hoodie styles retail for $79 -$99. The collection is sold exclusively on Gilt.com/Livelihood and at the Gilt Shop on 57^th Street in New York City (located within the Saks OFF 5TH store), for a limited time while supplies last.

Actress Aubrey Plaza, of Parks and Recreation, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and Legion, is supporting the Livelihood mission. A Delaware native like Biden, Plaza wears the hoodie in exclusive content on Gilt.com for the launch.

"I believe Wilmington and surrounding communities in Delaware need help and I want to get involved. I think Ashley is incredibly smart and I love her ideas. We both talked about our love for Wilmington and for Delaware. I told her how some of the community programs in Wilmington influenced me as a child and helped me get to where I am today—namely, the Wilmington Drama League, a community theater, which allowed me to explore acting at a young age among other like-minded, aspiring artists. It's places like these I want to support so they can change other people's lives as well," said Aubrey Plaza.

The multi-tiered campaign with Plaza and Biden will appear on Gilt.com, social media, email and mobile marketing material. Visit Gilt.com/Livelihood for more details and to purchase the Gilt x Livelihood hoodies.

ABOUT GILT:

Gilt, www.gilt.com, is an innovative online shopping retailer offering its members special access to the most inspiring lifestyle merchandise and experiences – all at exceptional prices. Gilt is a daily destination for discovery of the most coveted brands and products, including fashion and accessories for women, men, and children; home décor; unique activities in select cities and destinations; and luxury hotel stays. Gilt is part of the Hudson's Bay Company portfolio of brands.

ABOUT LIVELIHOOD:

Livelihood is a social and ethically conscious apparel company inspired by the extraordinary spirit of everyday people working to strengthen communities in need. Livelihood's goal is to motivate people on a grassroots level to get involved in their local neighborhoods by funding revitalization projects via sales of Livelihood original clothing designs. For more information on Livelihood's mission, visit www.getinvolvedinyourhood.com.

SOURCE Gilt