Diane von Furstenberg helps earthquake victims

Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler have joined forces to help earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

The designers contributed samples to a two-day sale held in New York's Bowery Hotel over the weekend, with all proceeds going to Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, the Red Cross and the New York City Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund.

Derek Lam and Altuzarra were among the other designers to help out in a bid to raise funds for the country after the March 11 natural disasters, which have so far killed more than 10,000 people, with 17,000 still missing.

Paul Smith - whose label has 138 stores within Japan - has spoken of his concern for his employees there.

He said: "We are relieved to report that none of our staff in Japan have lost their lives or been injured as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.

"However, several staff are based in some of the worst affected areas in the North East of the country, including Sendai, and our thoughts are with them and their families in these difficult days."

Speaking in support of the Japan Tsunami Appeal last week, he admitted his label had suffered and said he plans to visit the country to try and help rectify the aftermath.

He said: "Since the events of March 11 we have been in daily contact with our office in Tokyo and with our Japanese partners.

"Obviously, business is affected in the short term, but we remain fully committed to all our operations in Japan and to helping our licensees in any way we can. To that end, I will be visiting Tokyo at the beginning of April as planned."