Banana Republic unveils 'Equality Collection' this International Women's Day

Banana Republic is marking International Women's day next month with the launch of its first-ever ‘Equality Collection'.

The fashion label has teamed up with the non-profit association CARE -- which focuses on fighting poverty and championing progress for women and girls around the world -- to launch the new capsule series, comprising t-shirts and accessories. The pieces, which feature messages of empowerment, are now available online and in Banana Republic stores across the US, with $5 from each piece (up to a maximum of $80,000) being donated to CARE, through April 25.

"Equality has always been at the core of our brand DNA," said Mary Alderete, Banana Republic Chief Marketing Officer, in a statement. "We are proud to lead a culture of equal advancement and empowerment of women, especially during this notable moment in women's history."

The brand has also incorporated women's suffrage symbols into its latest collection, as a tribute to next year's 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution that guaranteed a woman's constitutional right to vote. These include a pantsuit and a series of dresses crafted in white -- the chosen hue of the women who fought for the right to vote.

Banana Republic has been a vocal champion of women's rights recently; last month saw the label re-release the ‘Dissent collar' necklace made famous by the iconic women's rights advocate and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Half of the sales profits from the jewelry piece were directed to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) non-profit Women's Rights Project, which champions economic rights for women via legal reform.

The launch is the latest in a wave of socially-conscious fashion collections. Hollywood star Amy Schumer recently unveiled her 'Le Cloud' ready-to-wear line, with 30 percent of its net proceeds being directed to the non-profit 'StyleFund' project, which aims to boost confidence levels among women from all economic backgrounds. Kate Hudson's 'Fabletics' athleisure wear label regularly supports charitable initiatives and recently unveiled a collection designed to financially support The Goldie Hawn Foundation's MindUP educational program, while last year saw 7 For All Mankind combat issues like bullying and loneliness, via a collaboration with the nonprofit organization The Jed Foundation.