London’s iconic Camden High Street will feature on a new fashion T-shirt sold exclusively by H&M to help London’s homeless young people. 

To mark the opening of H&M’s first UK concept store, Divided by H&M, in Camden, competition participants were asked to design an image that depicts Camden’s eclecticism - a place where fashion meets music and the arts, youth and urban culture. The winning design came fromKate Yarberry, a 21 year old American student living and studying in the UK.

1000 limited edition T-shirts for men and women featuring the design will be available exclusively at Camden’s new Divided by H&M store from Saturday 28^th June. Proceeds from all sales including VAT will be donated to Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity for homeless young people aged 16 to 25.

Kate’s highly detailed and original representation of Camden effectively encapsulates the atmosphere of London’s original stomping ground of trendsetters and music lovers. Inspired by this, her bold line design depicts Camden High Street’s colour and vibrancy.

Kate said: “I was immediately drawn to the idea of depicting Camden because I love Camden’s erratic and spontaneous energy which attracts so many different types of people. I wanted to convey the vibrancy, energy and gritty feel of Camden through the lines in my drawing and I’m really pleased that my illustration achieved that in the eyes of the judges.”

Kate is no stranger to the subject of homelessness; her mother has been homeless in the United States for about eight years. Having left home at 17 herself, Kate was forced to 'sofa surf' between various friends in different cities until she turned 18 and it was legal under American legislation for her to sign a lease on a place to live. There wasn't anywhere like Centrepoint for her to turn to.

“I’m incredibly honoured to know that my design will help young people who face similar situations to what I faced. I’m thrilled that my design will support a charity that helps young people get back onto their feet.”
Ulrika Miller, Marketing Manager for H & M said:  "Our new Divided by H&M store in Camden is targeted towards the youth market and so what interested us in working with Centrepoint was their focus on improving the lives of young people, in need of both shelter and support. We are very proud to be working with Centrepoint and hope that the sales from this T-shirt will help make a difference to young people’s lives."

ENDS

For more information about Centrepoint, for interviews or more pictures, please contact Alex Bolton on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or 020 7423 6887.

Notes to editors:

The T-shirt will be sold from 28^th June 2008 exclusively at Divided by H&M store: 213-219 Camden High Street, London, NW1

Picture shows two models from Cape London Model Management, an exclusive model agent for premier fashion and commercial models around the world.

The design competition was held by H&M together with XFM.

Kate Yarberry has just finished a foundation course in graphics and illustrative art. She will study animation production at Bournemouth University in the autumn.

About Centrepoint

• Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded homeless young people.  It provides a range of accommodation based services, including emergency night shelters and short stay hostels, specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders, young single parents, foyers and supported flats and floating support services. These accommodation services provide the foundations from which young people can start tackling the issues that lead to them becoming homeless, and developing the skills they need for a sustainable future

• Centrepoint is a leading national charity that successfully prevents and tackles youth homelessness

• HRH Prince William became Centrepoint’s patron in 2005

• Since 1969 Centrepoint has helped more than 70,000 young people

• At any one time Centrepoint works with over 800 young people.

• For further information about the work of Centrepoint, see www.centrepoint.org