Blige, Malandrino Collaborate On Charitable "T-luxe" Brand

Belting out empowering words has always been Mary J. Blige’s forte, and this time her latest ballad is being co-branded with a line of T-shirts fashioned by her long time friend, Catherine Malandrino.

Together the powerhouses are launching their first T-shirt collection, which brings together Blige’s foundation called FFAWN (Foundation for the Achievement of Women Now), and features inspirational messages hand-painted across the tunics that, for example, proclaim, “I’m Power,” “I’m Free,” “I’m Love,” and “I’m Life.”

The collaboration’s products are being featured in the corner windows of Bloomingdales on Fifth Avenue in New York City so the general public can enjoy the motivational creations in an artistic retail environment.

This is not the first time the duo has joined forces; in 2001, Blige contributed her soulful voice to a Malandrino fashion show. This time, though, their collaboration is for charitable reasons as the effort will donate proceeds to the FFAWN foundation, of which Malandrino is a board member.

Fans can meet both Blige and Malandrino on February 17 at Bloomingdales and purchase a “T-luxe” T-shirt, starting at $39. Blige and Malandrino created the “T-luxe” brand to represent not only the line of T-shirts, but also the important message they offer regarding feminine empowerment and strength.