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The year is fresh and full of opportunities for designers Dee & Ricky – some in the fashion world, and some on the more philanthropic side of things.

Most famous for their Lego heart pins worn by celebrities like Kanye West and The Roots’ Questlove, Dee & Ricky have another collaboration in the works, this time with the Rush Kids and Teens of Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

The designer duo, who are also event chairs of the Rush HeARTs Valentine’s Day Luncheon being held at The Plaza Hotel, alongside Angela Simmons, recently teamed up with the Rush Kids to create one-of-a-kind heart pins to be given away at the event as part of the live auction to sponsor a Rush Kid for year. Additionally, Dee & Ricky will be designing one signature heart to represent the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation to be sold in benefit of the foundation.

Dee & Ricky spoke on their work with Rush Philanthropic, saying:

“We are so excited and honored to partner with the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and work with idol and fellow brother, Russell Simmons, to provide the urban inner city youth of New York City with exposure to the arts. The Rush cause is close to our hearts, having grown up as minorities in Staten Island with limited access to art education and opportunities. Their mission and motto, ‘Art Saves Lives, It’s That Simple,’ resonates with us, because art saved us. We are able to do what we love; designing, creating and now giving back for that cause. Working with the teens to build our signature Lego hearts has been a truly heartening experience. We chose the heart because it represents life, and naturally, we did them in orange to tie back to the foundation. Nothing was more touching than when one of the kids mentioned that their father owns one of our Lego pieces. Here’s to paving the way for our city’s future artists!”

On working with Dee & Ricky, Russell Simmons said:

“Working with creative young talent is always inspiring. To be able to have Dee & Ricky design something special in honor of the Rush Arts foundation, and for the Rush Kids, is what it’s all about.”

Aside from their latest philanthropic endeavor, you can find Dee & Ricky’s limited-edition collaboration with Starter Black Label at the Starter Clubhouse and on www.starterblacklabel.com. The Staten-Island born twins were commissioned to design three capsules, each consisting of a snapback baseball cap starting at $50, knit cap at $30 and crewneck fleece sweatshirt at $100. The collaboration, which also includes a series of one-of-a-kind duffel bags, iPad & laptop cases and crowns, all constructed from the brand’s signature Pro Team satin, offers their “individualistic twist on team sports, as we are by no means a traditional team.”

Learn more about the foundation at rushphilathropic.org, and get tickets to the Rush HeArts Valentine’s Day luncheon here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rush