Gucci's 2009 Collection To Benefit Unicef

Once again, Gucci designs a special collection to benefit Unicef. Last year it was the White Heart Tattoo collection of products and this year, the collection is inspired by author and Illustrator Michael Robert's children's Book, Snowman In Africa.

This years' collection has fewer products than last year; two fabulous fun handbags (one featuring the elephant pattern, the other the snowman wrapped in a boa constrictor) , a small wristlet hand bag and a coin purse -both in the elephant patterns, three keychains, a special gift card and of course, the book.



As in the past, this year’s initiative centers around the holiday period promotion of an original collection of items designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini to be exclusively sold in over 200 Gucci stores worldwide and on Gucci.com.

For the 2009 Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF, Frida Giannini has commissioned acclaimed author and illustrator Michael Roberts to create a sequel to his highly successful children's book, Snowman in Paradise, which was published in 2004.


Illustrations from the book:


The new book, titled Snowman in Africa, will be exclusively on sale in Gucci stores and on Gucci.com from November 16-December 31, 2009 with a retail price of USD $25. Gucci will donate 100% of the retail price of the book to UNICEF.

Concurrent with the launch of Snowman in Africa in-store, Giannini has also designed exclusive Gucci accessories as well as a Gucci Gift Card to benefit UNICEF, all of which are inspired by Michael Roberts’ magical illustrations featured in the book.

Two new medium sized Gucci Joy handbags feature Roberts’ distinctive and whimsical illustrations in a rich appliqué version and a sportier print version:





Symbolic charms representing characters from the book act as key rings or add-on charms to any accessory.






The collection also features a playful, animated print on small leather goods, including a wrist wallet and coin purse.




New for this year's campaign is the launch of a special edition Gift Card benefiting UNICEF, which ranges in value from $50 - $5,000 USD, again featuring inspiring illustrations from the book.



Frida Giannini said, “Michael Roberts did not hesitate for a moment when I invited him to collaborate on our 5th anniversary project to benefit UNICEF. His children's books are magical and he has touched so many people with his brilliant artistry. Now with his wonderful Snowman in Africa, we are able to continue making a difference to the many children whose lives will improve because of UNICEF's great work.”

The Joy Bags, charms, small leather goods, and Gift Cards will all be on sale in Gucci stores in over 20 countries from November 16 to December 31, 2009, and 25% of the retail price of each item will be donated to UNICEF.

Michael Roberts commented, "When the Snowman traveled to a tropical isle in 2004 in Snowman in Paradise, it was supposed to be his first and only voyage. But thanks to Gucci and UNICEF the Snowman has the opportunity to ride again and is now off to Africa. It is particularly appropriate that Gucci, an Italian company, is involved in his latest adventure, as the initial Snowman idea was born at a friend’s house in Venice over Christmas 2001.”


above: Michael Roberts' first book,Snowman in Paradise

The annual Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF has consistently supported education, healthcare, protection and clean water programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. In this highly active five-year period, Gucci has succeeded in committing over $7 million to UNICEF. This significant sum is a testament to the increased scale and scope of the company’s support, and has resulted in Gucci’s current status as the largest corporate donor to UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” campaign. “Schools for Africa” aims to increase access to quality basic education for all children, with a special emphasis on helping the most disadvantaged—girls, orphans, children living in extreme poverty and other vulnerable children. In past campaigns, Gucci funds have focused on Malawi and Mozambique, and this year Gucci will add support for a third country, South Africa. In these three countries, over 2.3 million children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.



"Gucci's collaboration with UNICEF has produced important results in the last five years, thanks ultimately to the interest and enthusiasm of our customers,” remarked Gucci CEO Patrizio di Marco. "We are proud of what has been achieved so far and are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to be the foundation for our humanitarian efforts worldwide."

"For most of Africa's children -- particularly orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS -- education represents a way out of a life of entrenched poverty” said Nichole Brown, UNICEF Chief of Corporate and Foundation Fundraising “By providing children with access to a quality education in a safe and protective environment, we are building better lives for not only these children, but future generations as well."
(all images courtesy of Gucci)

Gucci
Unicef

Louis Vuitton Supports the Red Cross & Auctions 6 Special Order Artist Editions

Louis Vuitton Celebrates 150 Years of Excellence in Savoir-Faire With a Special Tribute to the Red Cross

First off, throughout the month of November, Louis Vuitton, North America will be donating a percentage of sales on their US website of four iconic pieces; the Keepall, Speedy, Noe and Alma to the American Red Cross in honor of the 150th anniversary.



The Keepall was originally created as a back-up bag included in the Louis Vuitton trunk and quickly became the ultimate weekend tote. The Speedy was created in 1930 but became famous when it was redesigned specifically for Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s. The Noe was invented by Gaston Louis Vuitton to perfectly hold five champagne bottles. The Alma was originally inspired by the Art Deco movement and has become a recognizable symbol of Louis Vuitton.
Shop for them now here thru Nov. and support the Red Cross.

The Six Special Collaborations:



In addition to the special offering on Louis Vuitton North America's website, Louis Vuitton is celebrating the anniversary worldwide through exceptional Special Order collaborations with six different artists and designers.

Since its creation in 1854, Louis Vuitton has offered customers the possibility of producing Special Orders to cater a specific need or to fulfil a particular desire. In order to celebrate over a century and a half of exceptional savoir-faire at Louis Vuitton’s first workshop in Asnières, France, Louis Vuitton offered six masters of savoir-faire the opportunity to create a unique Special Order that embodies their exceptional expertise in their respective professions.

The six personalities are the artist Damien Hirst, the chef Ferran Adrià, the photographer Annie Leibovitz , the musician and composer Gustavo Santaolalla, the designer Marc Jacobs and Patrick Louis-Vuitton, the head of Louis Vuitton's Special Orders department and a member of the fifth generation of the Vuitton family. Each piece was designed by Patrick-Louis Vuitton in collaboration with the personality.

Annie Leibowitz and her LV Monogram Nomadic Photographer's Bag:

The bag being constructed in the Asnieres workshop:



Marc Jacobs' LV Monogram Dog Crate:

The crate being constructed in the Asnieres workshop:



Ferran Adrià and his LV Damier Graphite Travel Luggage:

The luggage being constructed in the Asnieres workshop:



Gustavo Santaolalla's LV Instrument Case:


The case being constructed in the Asnieres workshop:



Patrick Louis-Vuitton and his Compartmentalized Case:

The case being constructed in the Asnieres workshop:


Damien Hirst's Medical Cabinet:


Uniting tradition and modernity, these pieces are testament to Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire in the domain of Special Orders. Ranging from hard-frame to soft-sided, they are interpreted in a variety of materials, from Monogram and Damier Graphite canvas, to Nomade leather and alligator.



The Asnieres workshop (above) was the sole production facility for Louis Vuitton from 1859 to 1977 and is where all hard-frame luggage, special orders, exotic leather and limited-edition bags continue to be made today. For over a century and a half the workshop has been the living symbol of the company's unique combination of tradition and innovation.

In addition to the unique special orders created by the masters of savoir-faire, the auction will also include a limited-edition Red Cross medical trunk, crafted by Louis Vuitton to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross:

The LV Red Cross Medical Kit:


above and below: The hard-sided case in Monogram canvas, equipped with Louis Vuitton’s signature natural leather handle, brass S-lock and corners, opens frontally to reveal an array of red and grey aluminum medicine boxes arranged in such a way as to form the familiar emblem of the RedCross. The logo of the Red Cross is hand-painted on the front of the case.



You can see some more wonderful images of the Louis Vuitton Medical Chest being built here at Hypebeast.

The Special Order pieces will be offered in a charity auction held at Sotheby's in London on November 17th with proceeds donated to the Red Cross. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Red Cross for their Fight against Malnutrition program in Nigeria.

These Special Orders will have traveled the world to cities such as Mexico City, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai, Seoul and New York between July and November 2009, for a series of exclusive viewings by clients of Sotheby’s and Louis Vuitton.

Discussing this charity auction, Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton said: “For over a century and a half, Louis Vuitton's Asnières workshop has been the living symbol of the company's unique combination of tradition and innovation. To mark this important anniversary, Louis Vuitton will celebrate ‘l’Excellence du Savoir-Faire’ through its heritage of Special Orders by partnering with some of today’s iconic figures who themselves possess a rare expertise.”

Cheyenne Westphal, Sotheby’s Chairman of Contemporary Art Europe, commented: “We are thrilled to host this gala dinner charity auction in November, the proceeds of which will benefit such a worthy cause. The auction will showcase pieces created by some of the most talented individuals in their respective professions and the sale of these limited-edition pieces will no doubt generate tremendous excitement and interest.”

All information and images courtesy of Louis Vuitton, Red Cross and Sotheby's.

The Belvie Bag- An Exclusive Collab For Belvedere Vodka by Jonathan Kelsey

Belvedere Vodka has commissioned brit luxe accessories designer Jonathan Kelsey (formerly with Jimmy Choo) to create something for their new black raspberry flavor. The result? a bag that would crush all others.





Previously on display for select VIPs at a secret pop-up store in New York's soho nabe, the bag is now on its maiden voyage oversees to a second private pop up in london, where visitors can watch Kelsey's muse Estelle in the making of the ad campaign on giant screens.



The monitors surround the slouchy summer, limited-edition bag in all its white and gold Italian leather glory. And it's accented with more gold detail and a raspberry pink suede interior. but not to miss a beat, Kelsey also outfitted it with a hidden compartment, perfect for that emergency bottle of Belvedere.

Jonathan Kelsey and Estelle Discuss the bag:




The belvie. Only available at the Belvedere pop up store. 100 mount street. mayfair, W1. until 9 may. special thanks to Juli b. for the info. www.belvedere-vodka.co.uk