Jay Z's luxury label has raised over $1 million for charity.
The '99 Problems' rapper has made the huge amount for his Shawn Carter Foundation charity - which helps underprivileged children go to college in the US - from its six week limited run at Barneys department store in Jay's hometown, New York.
9 January 2014
All profits from the sale of the goods went to the foundation, and Barneys also pledged 10 per cent of its entire store's profits from the first day the items went on sale.
However, the project was not without controversy, with many people calling for Jay to back out of the deal after two incidents of black shoppers claiming they were racially profiled by the store and detained, despite having legitimately purchased goods.
Jay said he wouldn't "prematurely pull out" of the collaboration until he knew all of the facts, writing on his blog: "I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgements, no matter who it's towards, aren't I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?"
Goods offered in the collection ranged from a $70 cotton T-shirt to a $33,900 watch by Hublot with alligator skin straps.
One fan of Jay's range was Gwyneth Paltrow, who bought a haul of Christmas presents, spending $100,000.
A source said: "The proceeds are going to charity, so this is a win-win for Gwyneth, she gets to support a good friend and a good cause, and - of course - to give wonderful gifts."
© 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity
