Marie Claire and Armani link up against debt

Jubilee 2000 has become known for bringing together an extraordinary coalition against unpayable debt – pop stars and religious leaders, activists and politicians, aid agencies and businesses. Now Britain's biggest selling women's magazine, Marie Claire, has linked up with legendary fashion designer Armani to produce a special "Drop the Debt" edition in support of Jubilee 2000.

The November issue of Marie Claire, on sale today, unveils an exclusive 'Drop the Debt' T-shirt to raise funds for Jubilee 2000. The shirt is modelled in the pages of the magazine by celebrities including Muhammad Ali, Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor, rapper Puff Daddy and U2's Bono. The magazine is led by an in-depth feature exploring how the debt crisis is affecting Tanzania. Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of the rock band, Bush, travelled to East Africa to discover why Tanzania needs more debt cancellation so urgently. Visits to schools and hospitals uncovered how vastly under-resourced public services are in countries that are forced to prioritise debt repayments over healthcare and education.

In the magazine, celebrities pictured wearing the Drop the Debt T-shirt explain why they believe debt cancellation is so important. Ewan MacGregor says, "Before going to Africa I knew a bit about the debt burden but I was staggered by how the massive amount of what has to be paid back affects people. It's not just capital, it's vast amounts of interest. It's just insane." Hollywood actor Ben Stiller writes, “Relieving this global debt is nothing but good karma for everyone. I hope people will be inspired to take action.” Rock star Bryan Adams says, “The Third World can never recuperate from the debts it has incurred due to massive corruption, over-burdened social systems and failed development projects. Dropping the debt is a way to give the poorest countries a second chance.”

On 25 September, Marie Claire and Georgio Armani organised a fundraising party for Jubilee 2000 at London's Met Bar. Prints of the celebrities photographed for Marie Claire in Armani's "Drop the Debt" T-shirt were successfully auctioned to raise funds for Jubilee 2000.

International editions of Marie Claire will run the feature in the next few months.

• "Drop the Debt" T-shirts can be ordered (UK delivery address only) via the Marie Claire order line on 020 7649 5050 or bought from Emporio Armani's UK stores in London, Manchester and Glasgow. The T-shirts are available in two sizes (unisex or skinny-fit) and cost £22 (plus £1.70 p&p). sorry - sold out