Donald Trump won't like this Toronto designer's ties

Galvanized by public outrage over Donald Trump'sdivisive U.S. presidential campaign, a Toronto clothier is launching
a series of "Dump Trump" ties with plans to donate all proceedsto charity, including one chosen by the family of a fallenMuslimAmerican soldier.

Andre Vassi, the owner and designer of Vassi Menswear, firstconceived of the ties when Trump mocked a New York Times reporterlast November for his physical disability.

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"That was the tipping point," he said."I usually don't get involved in politics but this is not aboutpolitics when you see a presidential nominee making fun of adisabled person. To me, that is absolutely horrible."

Trump's recent attack on the family of HumayunKhan who spokeout against the real estate tycoon at the recent Democratic NationalConvention only further spurred him to act, Vassi said.

"Many Canadians, myself included, were deeply disappointed byTrump's comments and I think it's important to send the Khans amessage that Canadians stand with them, regardless of personalpolitics."

"I had to create something. So that's what I did."

Vassi's first tie features a playful design of multi-coloureddump trucks on the front and the statement"Dump Trump" on the back. The goal:embrace the public's anti-Trump sentimentand have "a little fun with the presidential process from north ofthe border."

More serious, though, is a second tie which features gold starson the front, a purple heart in the lower left corner of the tie andthe initials H.K. in honour of Humayun Khan.

All proceeds from Vassi's first Dump Trump tie will be donated tothe Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to honour one of Vassi's familymembers.

Similarly, all profits from the sale of the Gold Star ties willalso go to a charitable cause an American anti-bullying charity ofthe Khans' choice, said Vassi, who is making attempts to get intouch with the family and would like to send them a tie keepsake toexpress his sympathy to them.

Ties selling well in Toronto

Vassi said Dump Trump ties were hand-made in Italy from 100 percent silk and will retail for $100 a piece, with about $35 per salegoing directly to charity.

While the Dump Trump tie has already been available for pre-saleat Vassi's brick-and-mortar Bay Street location as well as on hiscompany's website, customers will be able to check out the ties inthe store on Aug. 10.

So far about 80 per cent of the 350 Dump Trump ties have alreadybeen pre-ordered, and based on how well the remaining stock movesVassi, may order another shipment.

As for the Gold Star tie, Vassi is aimingto have itproduced and ready to move by late September.