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FASHIONING CHANGE:PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN EMERGING GLOBAL MOVEMENT

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FASHIONING CHANGE:

PHOTOGRAPHS OFAN EMERGING GLOBAL

MOVEMENTM c C a g g G a l l e r y | A p r i l 2 - 9 , 2 0 1 4

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“Speaking is d i f f i cu l t , but I need to say something important .

Vio lence is a b ig problem. Too many chi ldren are dying.

Too many chi ldren.

We must do something. I t wi l l be hard but the t ime is now.

You must act . Be bo ld . Be courageous .”

- Gabrie l le Gi f fords

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FABRIZIAMilan, Italy

“When I heard about this project, I immediately decided to join. I think it’s great to give voice to such an important cause through fashion.”

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MELWashington, D.C.

“I’m always a proponent of giving back wherever and whenever I can and when Toby told me about her “Wear It, Don’t Bear It” jewelry line, I was all for it. Since proceeds go towards the help of those families who are affected by gun-related crimes, it was the least I could do toshowcase the jewelry and stand behind a good cause for a better world.”

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ANGELAYantai, China

“Small charm, big impact. The first time I saw the Wear It: Don’t Bear it charm, I was struck by its beautiful design. It was a Philippe Starck lamp I could hold in my hand, and a Markus Lupfer motif I can wear on my neck. But what made me buy the charm was the powerful message it conveys. In recent years, gun violence has resulted inhundreds of innocent lost lives. Although I am limited in my power to change the po-litical and societal landscape of the firearms regulations in the US, wearing the necklace every morning, a move so effortless, helps me join the effort in raising awareness in the community around me.”

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BECANew York, New York

KARENLondon, United Kingdom

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MADDYMahopac, New York

“As soon as I became aware of Wear It: Don’t Bear it, I ordered two pieces, one for my sister, and one for me. Having always been a proponent of stricter gun control policies, it wasn’t until the Sandy Hook shooting that I realized that I wanted to make a statement with my Wear It: Don’t Bear It jewelry. My proximity to Newtown, CT made the issue more real to me, and I felt that if I could make a statement against gun violence, others may feel empowered to join the cause too.”

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ISABELGeneva, Switzerland

“To me purchasing WIDBI jewelry was more than

buying a piece of jewelryfor a good cause, it was

about expandingconsciousness and

seriousness of gun violence and how it’s destroying

America. WIDBI is about creating something that

touches the spirit ofothers and helps them to

be involved in the process of peace. There are so many

charities that struggle and WIDBI is something new,

something different, abeautiful, fashionable and

innovative way to reallyrepresent what we

believe in.”

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RACHELNew York, New York

“I am a supporter of gun control and imagine a worldwithout guns would be a much more peaceful place without

constant shootings in schools, homes and public venues.The Wear It Don’t Bear It jewelry campaign is a great

way to spread an important message to people of all ages.”

ESMEEArnhem, Netherlands

“How cool is this necklace? Wear It Don’t Bear It.”

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GABRIELLEMontreal, Canada

“Making a statement can be as easy aswearing a necklace. This one is for a good cause.”

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ELIZABETHNashville, Tennessee

“Between practicing yoga, prancing from meeting to meeting, or just going out on the town with my girlfriends, I know by wearing my WIDBI bracelet it’s the most fashionable way to

spread what I believe in about gun control. This company is the perfect combination of expressing rights and saving lives, while

showing off your personal style at the same time.”

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AMYJerico, New York

“I bought my WIDBIbracelet to raise awareness

and show my support for stopping gun violence.”

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DANIELLEPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

“All I am saying is give peace a chance! When a cause isimportant to me and worth sharing, I jump at the opportunity to have my voice heard. Today I’m making a statement rocking

my “Wear It: Don’t Bear It” necklace.”

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CAROLINENew York, New York

“When the Sandy Hook shooting took place, I was studying abroad in London. The news reachedLondon in a slightly delayed fashion, but when it did arrive, discussions of how to reduce gun violence were prominent in the news. Standing at quite a distance, I didn’t think I could do anything to help,

but when the “Wear It Don’t Bear It” project sprung into action, I thought it was the perfectopportunity to participate in a process of change. The beautifully designed charms are a creative, trendy,

and simple way to project the “Wear It Don’t Bear It” message both at home and around the world.”

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DANIToronto, Canada

“With firearms becoming increasinglyavailable, powerful and destructive,countless tragedies have ended the livesof many, hitting closer and closer to home. Shootings in Aurora, Colorado /Oslo, Norway / and at the Sandy HookElementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, triggered me to express my concern about gun violence back in December, and although leaps and bounds haven’t been made in terms oflegislating the use of firearms, continuing to instill awareness in the public/takingpurposeful actions towards supporting those suffering as a result, is always a good place to start. Wear It Don’t Bear It allowsus/you/everyone to show recognition.”

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ANNAGävle, Sweden

“I like the jewelry because I think it’s important to always have a

reminder of the gun-violence that is unfortunately, a dark reality for so

many people in this world. It’s also a reminder of all the “violence” in your own reality, even if it’s violence with words. We should remember to always treat the living creatures around us

with respect and kindness.”

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ASHLEYMinneapolis, Minnesota

“Shootings were verycommon where I grewup in Minneapolis,nicknamed“Murderapolis.” I think wearing thisbracelet and believing in the mission is the first step to ending gunviolence and teaching children that violence is never the answer.”

AMANDA &KENNETH

Westchester, New York

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YASMINACairo, Egypt

“I bought the necklace because guns take more lives than they save. I know because I lived in Egypt and when guns were in the hands

of soldiers and not criminals - it was a much safer place.”

KATEScarsdale, New York

“I wear the necklace everyday!! It’s myfavorite accessory because it’s so unique and powerful.”

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PAULINAPasadena, California

“Sunday (Jan 26th, 2014) was the first time I had been in a movie theater since Aurora.I don’t live my life in fear, but at the pace that gun violence is spreading and

affecting people across this country, who knows when another public space will beviolated? I wear this bracelet to symbolize that I stand in solidarity with the individuals

and families who have been personally affected by this destructive epidemic.”

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ARIELLEAlpine, New Jersey

“To help end gunviolence in America,

we need to get guns offour streets and out of

our schools.”

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CHRISTINAStaten Island, New York

“I fully support Wear It: Don’t Bear It. I feel the jewelry is a beautifulrepresentation of the ugliness that guns cause and is a token to Toby’s hard-work in trying to

make the world a better place.”

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ADRIANNEPrarie View, Texas

“I am from Texas, a state considered to have some of thenation’s most lenient gun laws. The message about not using guns

irresponsibly is one that needs to be heard. No single snowflake causes an avalanche; no single jewelry item will cause a

movement. But enough jewelry wearers that get the conversation going? Now that can cause change. This, I believe.”

KAVITAJersey City, New Jersey

“Wear It Don’t Bear It is a growing movement thatdemonstrates how we can band together through fashion and beauty to create systemic, meaningful, and necessary change in our communities across the country.”

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ERIKA & NATALIEWashington, D.C.

“Toby Milstein is just a girl who decided to make a difference and allow people to join her in making a statement,literally and figuratively. Playing off of the images of guns we see in fashion (think Chanel’s gun heel), shefounded a fashion meets humanitarian initiative called Wear It Don’t Bear It. Especially given the shocking

amount of gun violence that’s taken place in our lifetime, we were more than willing (more like we feel lucky) to be a part of such a great cause and wear her necklaces. We wear ours almost every day. Thank you, Toby, for being

such an awesome, selfless, inspirational, giving human being!”

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DANASan Francisco, California

“I got this awesome necklace that says ‘Wear It Don’t Bear It,’ and the message is absolutely something I believe in. I believe the US needs MUCH stricter gun

control. It should not be as easy as it is to get a gun in the United States.

When I went to Australia, I had a very long conversation about gun control with one of my tour guides. He explained to me how difficult it is to get a gun there and how laughable the United State’s gun policies are to Australians. Wear It

Don’t Bear It spreads an important message to people of all ages.”

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SARAH & MICHELLEGreenwich, Connecticut

“Last fall, I was deeply affected and disturbed by the Newtown shooting, especially since it occurred so close

to home. The worst part was that I wanted to help in some shape or

form but didn’t know how to do so. When I found out that Toby

designed a necklace against gunviolence and that the profits would

go to help families who had been victims of this tragedy, I walked

over to her apartment right away and bought one on the spot. Then I

texted all my friends with the fol-lowing picture encouraging them to

buy it as well. The necklacereminds me that we are not

powerless individuals; a singleperson can inspire others and start a movement to encourage fundamental

change, and I think Toby is doing just that.”

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TAMMYWashington D.C.

“I am absolutelyonboard for supporting

this project andcommend Toby for

starting it and producing it in the US!”

STEPHANIEScarsdale, New York

“I am a fan ofsupporting otherempowered womenof our generationwho are lookingto make a changefor the future.”

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ROMILos Angeles, California

“I bought my WIDBI necklace for Mitchell, who was taken from us too soon, and who we miss so very much.”

LEANDRANew York, New York

“Wear It, Don’t Bear It.”

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SAISierra Leone, Africa

“I am a mom who sat and cried as she watched the news develop around the Newtown tragedy. I am a mom who cried Christmas morning for the gifts that were never open, and the hugs that were not given that day. I am a mom who never understood why anyone feels the right to bear military grade weapons if he or she is not active in the military. I am a mom who doesn’t want to see armed guards at her daughter’s school, but I am a mom who wants her child safe. I am a mom raising a child in city ofChicago. We have some of the toughest guncontrol laws here, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be working very well.Hopefully, if we get that conversation started, we can get our lawmakers to stop trying to one up each other and finally join forces to help our children. Something must be done. I am a mom, who after 5 consecutive miscarriages became one. I know that loss, and I couldn’t dareimagine losing the child I held in my arms. Let’s get this conversation started. Peacefully.”

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JOANNANew York, New York

“WIDBI is part of a movement to change something in modern American culture. Our admiration for guns, refusal to put restrictions on their use, and the ease with which guns can be obtained hasre-sulted in numerous, un-necessary casualties. As Yoko Ono tweeted earlier this year, since John Lennon’s death in 1980, over one million people in the United States have been killed by guns. WIDBI is a symbol of protest against the sense-less gun violence that has become increasingly common in our society.”

ROBERTARio de Janiero, Brazil

“Being strong is about standing up for what

you believe in, and my WIDBI bracelet makes

a statementeverywhere I go!”

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NATHALIECuenca, Ecuador

“The only jewelryI wear is #WIDBI becauseI’m a Latina living in acountry where 95% of gunviolence victims are people of color and 66% of all hatecrimes are directed towardshispanics. In other words, MATH.”

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JESSICAHouston, Texas

“Being from Texas, Iwould love to show that not all of us love guns. As a mother it breaks

my heart when I see kids caught up with guns

or hear about accidentsat home.”

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AMANDANew York, New York

“Those that have been physically hurt by gun violence may bequantifiable; however, those emotionallyaffected are undeniably limitless. WIDBI seeks to enhance theawareness of gunviolence’s countless consequences and if you can support the cause by buying these creative and stylish bracelets and necklaces, the purchase is a no brainer.”

BORASeoul, Korea

“What a great wayto show your support –

regardless of what one’s political stance is, my Wear It: Don’t Bear It necklace reminds me that there is a way to come together against senseless gun violence

and help those who have suffered from tragedies.

Statement jewelry inevery sense of the

phrase.”

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JULIEEnglewood, New Jersey

“I chose to buy a WIDBI necklace to support this amazing cause. Not only is it important to get the message of gun violence across, but it is alsoextremely important to make it as accessible and widespread as possible. That is what Wear It Don’t Bear It does. Being able to wear a piece of jewelry and make an important and meaningful statement at the same time issomething that every young woman should do for a cause they care about. Wear It Don’t Bear It allows me to make a statement everyday about gun violence.”

HAYLEYAustin, Texas

“I bought my WIDBI bracelet

to take a stand against gun

violence and to support the

good work Tobyis doing.”

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LAINYDeal, New Jersey

“I like the jewelry because its intention is to bring awareness. I think that many people take guns lightly, and it’s a serious issue, especially

when so many children are involved.”

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TRACYBinghamton, New York

“I appreciate how easy Toby Milstein made it for me to

make a difference and help families of gun violence

tragedies just by wearing a chic and fashionable charm. I love my necklace but knowing all

the sales and proceeds go back to grieving families and helps spread an important message

makes me feel powerful. I hope I see a lot more fashionistas

wearing this fab charm.”

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JACQUELINENew York, New York

“Gun violence has become an increasingly pressing issue.After all of the recent shootings, I was excited to hear about

Wear It Don’t Bear It and I am happy to be apart of its campaign.”

JADANew Orleans, Louisiana

“I am from a city with an insanely high murder rate, and every year you hear about the gun violence affecting victims who are younger and younger. It is sad that there are children dying in my city and across the world, who are dying without the chance to live yet. Wear It Don’t Bear It starts the conversation for this problem that has been ignored for so long.”

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ADRIANNAHicksville, New York

“I bought the WIDBI bracelet because I think gun control is important to ensure safety for all.”

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JULIAHamden, Connecticut

“It was just after the Newtown shooting, a tragedy that took place only an hour from my home. I saw that Toby had started an anti-gun campaign so I looked into it. Well designed, proceeds for charity, and conveniently it was the work of a friend. I fell in love with the

whole project and immediately purchased my Wear It Don’t Bear necklace. Every time I put it on, I am complimented, which tells me that this project has the ability to reach thousands

and the potential to change millions.”

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TAYLORSea Cliff, New York

“I support WIDBIbecause I have been

greatly affected byall of the recent

shootings and I would like to help bringabout a change.”

SERENAToledo, Ohio

“I am originallyfrom Toledo, Ohioand currently live inPangkalpinang,Bangka Belitung,Indonesia. I support WIDBI because it is a bold statement against the gun violence that is spreading uncontrollably through our nationand needs to endimmediately. Thejewelry is a simple and chic way to spread awareness not justwithin the United States, but also,globally.”

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CATHERINEMontreal, Quebec

“I bought myWIDBI necklace inorder to bring attentionto the amount of gunviolence happening inour world today. It’simportant that we takea stance for the manyinnocent victims.”

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KATHLEENSan Francisco, California

“It’s such an inspiring effort -- the campaign gives back and supports families affected by gun-violence tragedies. I love how she combined fashion and

humanitarianism into one initiative to bring a heartfelt yet powerful way tohelp pay it forward in our community.”

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KIMKing of Prussia, Pennsylvania

“I purchased this Wear It: Don’t Bear It necklacebecause my mom is a teacher and I believe that no child or teacher

should ever be afraid to go to school.”

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SHANNONAustin, Texas

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SARAHNewtown, Connecticut

“I stand with Wear It: Don’t Bear It because any time I see the pendant or someone else does, it brings up a much-needed conversa-tion about gun violence in America. The jewelry raises awareness for this epidemic we face, and brings together fashion and activism so that we can hopefully change the conversation.”

KYLEPretoria, South Africa

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BETTY & NURULPangkalpinang, Bangka-Belitung, Indonesia

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JULIENew York, New York

“To think of Sandy Hook just gives me the chills and it’s really so amazing that Toby is doing what she can to make a difference. While we’ve really only become ‘cyber’ friends and chat back and forth via email, I

really love Toby and her cause. It’s so inspiring to see what one person can do to make a change. It’s a good

reminder that no act is too small.”

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RICKY-LEENew Zealand

HANNAHLos Angeles, Calfornia

“Why? Becauseenough already.”

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LESLIEBrookfield, Wisconsin

“When Toby told me about this project, it really hit close to home. Sadly there have been two mass shootings in Brookfield, each just two miles from my house. When the second one occurred in 2012, a good friend of mine was there, but thankfully she wasn’t injured. I’ve always been very pro guncontrol, and now with suchfrequent cases of gun violence,I am more than ever.”

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LAYLARome, Italy

“With almost an average of one school shooting a day in this first month of 2014, gun violence is an epidemic that is taking over America at a growing pace. As a student from Rome, my #WIDBI bracelet is a universal message

everyone can grasp, a statement of solidarity towards the mothers, fathers and children in the families and communities affected.”

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NIKKIWashington, D.C.

MARGOTenafly, New Jersey

“I wear theWIDBI necklace so

no child is ever afraidto go to school.”

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SAMMYHartland, Wisconsin

“I bought this Wear It, Don’t Bear It necklace because I don’t think gun control is an issue we can sweep under the rug anymore. By wearing a gun around my neck, I hope to

continually remind others to think about and deal with the issue at hand. Together we can come up with a solution that benefits the safety and happiness of all Americans.”

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ELSAOslo, Norway

“I bought the WIDBI necklace because I love the idea of conveying a political message that I am very

passionate about through wearing a cool piece of jewelry.”

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CARLYNew York, New York

“I strongly believe in Wear It Don’t Bear It jewelry because I think it is important to bring awareness to the issue of gun violence, and gun control in America. This does it in a fashionable, and creative way.”

CINDYNashville, Tennessee

“I bought my WIDBI bracelet because I

believe that thediscourse on gun

control will remainrelevant until the US

sees stricter laws on gun control. Wear It

Don’t Bear It is agreat message!”

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DIANERamsey, New Jersey

“I bought this piece of jewelry because it sends a positive mes-

sage regarding a prevalent contro-versy in today’s culture. This issue

of gun control has unfortunately heightened due to recent events

and can no longer be swept under the rug. We all know a picture

says a thousand words, but in this case, a delicate piece of jewelry

does the trick.”

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SARAHPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

“I bought my Wear It Don’t Bear Itjewelry because it is a fashionable way to give back and make an impact on an area

of extreme need: gun violence.”

DANIELLEPort Washington, New York

“There is nothing more devastating than turning on the news and hearing that more innocent people were killed or injured because the wrong person was in possession of an extremely powerful weapon. I bought this bracelet to help support those families who have been affected by these acts of violence; I wear this beautiful pendant as a symbol of hope for a much brighter future.”

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JOSEPHNew York, New York

“I bought it because it is for a good cause and it is fashionable.”

SUSANSouth Orange,

New Jersey

“Gun violence is ahorrible thing and I’m

a firm supporter of gun control so this issue

definitely means a lot to me. The jewelry is

a great way to support this. I’m a court

advocate for foster children who live in a

project nicknamed“Bullet Town.”

Unfortunately these young boys and girls

see gun violence right outside their doors

regularly. It’s awful and not a way any child should be brought up.”

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NELLYBerlin, Germay

“I love themeaning behindthe necklace.”

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SOPHIA

“I wear Wear It Don’t Bear It because gun violence has to stop. ”

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For all the innocent children, teenagers, and adultsFor all the tears cried, and families torn by a single

bulletor a barrage

We come together to wear this message of non-violenceof not bearing guns irresponsibly

It is to remind ourselvesand everyone else who sees it

Around our wrists or dangling near our heartswe remember

the pain that these weapons causewhen they’re in the wrong hands

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We are from all over the worldWe are from Newtown

OsloAustinBerlin

to name a few of our hometowns

We are nine-years-oldin our twentiesin our thirtiesin our fortiesin our fifties

We are sixty and older

We are AsianBlack

CaucasianHispanic

We are everything in between

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We are out there all over the worldwe all haveour reasonswe all haveour stories

What we are trying to tell you is that we care

We are scaredWe are angryWe are sad

We are confusedWe are hopeful

We are looking for change

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As small as this pendant may beit unites us

It is our collective charm for a conversationIt is a step in the right direction

We aim for peace, we aim for change

Wear It: Don’t Bear It

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TOBY MILSTEIN, FOUNDERScarsdale, New York

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