Candy Harris and Mandy Fry on upcoming Design for Humanity

Billabong’s notable Design for Humanity event returns next Wednesday for the sixth year to Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

The fashion, music, and art block party will have three concert stages, DJ dance parties, a runway fashion show, organic food trucks, custom art gallery, a VIP street, and more.

We asked Billabong’s Mandy Fry, Billabong Women’s Senior Design Director, and Candy Harris, Global Creative Consultant, some questions about the benefit, which this year will raise money for the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.

Tell me about the fashion show. I understand some of the designs will be available to buy that same day?

A style from last year's fashion show

Mandy Fry: This year our runway show was greatly inspired by our Spring 13 collection in addition to some amazing product that will be available online and in-store the day of the event.

The team has been busy developing "DIY" projects using our Spring 2013 prints and trims, creating custom one-of-a-kind looks in combination with in-line styles.

We're also excited to showcase the swim collaboration we did with Brooklyn artist Maya Hayuk. Her art was featured in the Design for Humanity event creative and now her work will make its debut on the runway and give a tease of what's to come for Spring 13.

How are you promoting DFH this year? How are you getting the word out about the designs and how to purchase them? How are you connecting it all to retail?

Candy Harris: Promoting Design for Humanity (DFH) has become a multimedia approach, hitting all channels from print to TV, radio, and an abundance of social media. You will have seen the event message across fashion sites like Refinery 29, to radio spots on KROQ.

A style that will be available to purchase the day of the show

With over 15 various partners including sponsors, record labels, modeling agencies, vendors, retailers, etc., there are a lot of passionate advocates talking about the big night and the product associated with Design For Humanity.

In regards to connecting DFH back to retail, we have created several ways for accounts across the country to participate, ranging from a nationwide window contest to displays on the retail floor that will feature styles showcased on the runway.

In addition, event T-shirts are being sold and we will donate a percentage of proceeds to the Cultivate Foundation. These funds will join the 100% of ticket sales and art auction items that will also be donated to the foundation.

See Page 2 for details about the bands playing, more