Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
The Big Issue Oasis Collector's edition is coming - sign up so you don't miss out!
SIGN UP
News

Belstaff team up with Big Issue vendors for photoshoot

The vendors were even snapped by fellow Big Issue seller, Carlos Gonzalez Perez, a self-taught photographer

Big Issue vendor Sharon models a Belstaff jacket. Image: Carlos Gonzalez Perez

Big Issue vendor Sharon models a Belstaff jacket. Image: Carlos Gonzalez Perez

Big Issue vendors have taken part in a photoshoot with a difference, working with fashion brand Belstaff to raise money for magazine sellers across the country

In this week’s magazine, vendors William, Roel and Sharon, who sell the Big Issue in London, all modelled brand new jackets. 

Belstaff is donating 10 per cent of all full-price sales over Black Friday weekend to The Big Issue Foundation, the magazine’s charity arm, having already supplied hundreds of warm jackets to vendors this spring.

The vendors were even photographed by a fellow Big Issue seller, Carlos Gonzalez Perez. He has sold the magazine on and off for a decade and is also a self-taught photographer. 

Perez’s work has been exhibited around the world, documenting city life, exploring architecture, and focusing on unusual suspects. 

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

“The three vendors were honestly like models,” he said.

“They were so charming, so natural. They made it extremely easy. One or two were a bit shy, but they were so easy to work with.”

Perez said sometimes people don’t know what to expect when they find out it will be a Big Issue vendor at the camera. 

He added: “I think maybe I broke a stereotype about Big Issue vendors. Some people were quite surprised to hear about how many exhibitions I’ve had, how much I’ve travelled for my work.

“I don’t know if they were shocked by the quality of the photographs but maybe they were by how seriously I take the work and how professional I am.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Perez scouted out the locations before the shoot, opting for classic London architecture, autumnal colours and trains. 

These locations all represent the journey a Big Issue vendor can take, Perez added. 

Tracy Griffin, Big Issue Foundation interim CEO, said: “As we enter the depths of winter, we are reminded of everyone’s need to stay warm. 

“That’s why we are so grateful to Belstaff for providing 350 jackets to Big Issue vendors across the UK through their buy-one-give-one spring promotion. 

“We are also so pleased that we will be receiving 10 per cent of every sale made from November 27 to 30, which will help provide much-needed support with health, housing and finance for vendors at this critical time.”

Read more in this week’s Big Issue, available through our online shop and from your local vendor now

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
Starmer finally backs down on disability benefits cuts – but are the concessions enough?
Keir Starmer
Disability benefits

Starmer finally backs down on disability benefits cuts – but are the concessions enough?

School standards minister: 'We want to change it so nobody has to fight for their education'
Onside takeover

School standards minister: 'We want to change it so nobody has to fight for their education'

More than half of PIP claimants say Labour's benefit cuts could make them homeless
Keir Starmer
Disability benefits

More than half of PIP claimants say Labour's benefit cuts could make them homeless

If Labour takes my PIP away, I'll have to give up the job I love
Photo of Hannah Moreton, who works for Sense
Disability benefits

If Labour takes my PIP away, I'll have to give up the job I love

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.