DKNY's window display, and Stanton's original photo
When DKNY used street photographer Brandon Stanton's photos without permission or compensation, Stanton called them out on it. Originally, the company had offered Stanton—who runs the Humans of New York site—$15,000 for 300 of his photographs, which they wanted to use for window displays. Stanton declined, but that didn't stop DKNY from using his images anyway—and when he found out, he only asked that they donate $100,000 to the YMCA in Bed-Stuy. The company eventually offered a $25,000 donation. So now, Stanton is trying to raise the remaining $75,000 via this Indiegogo campaign. This morning he told us over email, "HONY's audience has stepped up to raise the $75K shortfall between DKNY's $25K donation and the full $100K requested. In less than 24 hours, we've already passed their donation."
In the message he posted on the fundraising platform, Stanton writes that if the money is raised it would "send a full 300 kids to summer camp for two weeks. Can you imagine the impact that would have? In some neighborhoods, the YMCA plays a critical role of stability and community. My neighborhood is one of those neighborhoods."
Now the question is, will DKNY step up and match the donations?
