Galvanized by public outrage over Donald Trump's divisive U.S. presidential campaign, a Toronto clothier is launching
a series of "Dump Trump" ties — with plans to donate all proceeds to charity, including one chosen by the family of a fallen Muslim American soldier.
Andre Vassi, the owner and designer of Vassi Menswear, first conceived of the ties when Trump mocked a New York Times reporter last November for his physical disability.
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"That was the tipping point," he said. "I usually don't get involved in politics but this is not about politics when you see a presidential nominee making fun of a disabled person. To me, that is absolutely horrible."
Andre Vassi says he's already sold 80 per cent of his 'Dump Trump' ties. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)
Trump's recent attack on the family of Humayun Khan — who spoke out against the real estate tycoon at the recent Democratic National Convention — only further spurred him to act, Vassi said.
"Many Canadians, myself included, were deeply disappointed by Trump's comments and I think it's important to send the Khans a message that Canadians stand with them, regardless of personal politics."
"I had to create something. So that's what I did."
Vassi's first tie features a playful design of multi-coloured dump trucks on the front and the statement "Dump Trump" on the back. The goal: embrace the public's anti-Trump sentiment and have "a little fun with the presidential process from north of the border."
More serious, though, is a second tie which features gold stars on the front, a purple heart in the lower left corner of the tie and the initials H.K. in honour of Humayun Khan.
All proceeds from Vassi's first Dump Trump tie will be donated to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to honour one of Vassi's family members.
Similarly, all profits from the sale of the Gold Star ties will also go to a charitable cause — an American anti-bullying charity of the Khans' choice, said Vassi, who is making attempts to get in touch with the family and would like to send them a tie keepsake to express his sympathy to them.
Ties selling well in Toronto
Vassi said Dump Trump ties were hand-made in Italy from 100 per cent silk and will retail for $100 a piece, with about $35 per sale going directly to charity.
While the Dump Trump tie has already been available for pre-sale at Vassi's brick-and-mortar Bay Street location as well as on his company's website, customers will be able to check out the ties in the store on Aug. 10.
So far about 80 per cent of the 350 Dump Trump ties have already been pre-ordered, and based on how well the remaining stock moves Vassi, may order another shipment.
As for the Gold Star tie, Vassi is aiming to have it produced and ready to move by late September.
