My Collaboration With Ron Dorff

We just talked about the future, but let’s warp back to the present. Because I want to share something special with you. It’s something I worked on that’s very near and dear to my heart; metaphorically, because I love the mission behind it, but also physically — because I’m talking about the dope “PAPA” sweater I’m wearing in this photo! I collaborated with the French-Swedish sportswear brand Ron Dorff on a limited-edition clothing line that’s both exclusive and inclusive. Plus, proceeds go to an incredible charity. But first, the backstory…

David and I have been together for 18 years. (Our relationship is old enough to vote! Or go to college! Or buy a lottery ticket!) Of those 18, we’ve been parents to Gideon and Harper for 12. They call David “Dad” (of course we’re an alliteration-friendly family) and they call me “Papa.” Now, I love a good piece of merch with my name on it…like, I have way too many of those little license plates with my name on it on the fridge. And there are tons of coffee mugs, hats, shirts and the like that say “Dad,” but for me — a Papa — it feels inauthentic to wear something like that. This is a problem opposite-sex families don’t run into: it’s easier for one person to be “Mom” and the other “Dad.” But it’s trickier for same-sex families

So, that’s why I pitched an idea that addresses this problem to the good folks at Ron Dorff. We collaborated for what we call the DAD | PAPA line: 20 pieces, from T-shirts to sweaters, that proudly display both “Dad” and “Papa.” (BTW, to watch a video of me, David and the kids — yup, there’s stuff for the youngins, too — being adorable in the collection, mosey on over here.) But what I love most is that these pieces give me — and other dads like me — an opportunity to wear something that might feel truer to who we are.

On top of that, though, there’s even more I love about this project: Proceeds go to World Central Kitchen, a phenomenal charity founded and headed by chef José Andrés. If you’ve never heard of his outstanding organization, allow me to bring you up to speed: He and his team travel around the world to regions hit by natural disasters and war, and bring nutritious, lovingly-prepared food to those impacted. 

I couldn’t be prouder to be involved in this project. (Bonus: The entire line is 100% cashmere. A plush plus.)