Bespoke Pink Rolls Royce Ghost & Chris Evans Parker Puppet Unveiled In Support Of Breast Cancer Care.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the FAB1, a customized Pink Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase set to support FAB1 Million and Breast Cancer Care.




Headed by Broadcaster and car nut Chris Evans (shown above as character Aloysius Parker from the Thunderbirds TV series with puppet*), the FAB1 Million project is set to raise £1 million for Breast Cancer Care through making this bespoke Ghost available to hire over the next twelve months. This extraordinary car will make appearances at exclusive events as well as being available for hire for any special day, with all proceeds directly benefiting Breast Cancer Care.


above: Blushing Pink and Crème Light interior and a pink accented umbrella are some of the exclusive accents

In support of this exciting project and very worthy cause, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke team has prepared a very special motor car, combining numerous exclusive bespoke elements, from pink accented umbrellas, to hand-embroidered headrests featuring the Breast Cancer Care pink ribbon motif. Further enhancements include unique ‘FAB1’ treadplates and a Blushing Pink and Crème Light interior leather scheme. An uplit Spirit of Ecstasy adorns the silver satin bonnet.





In addition to providing a superior ride experience and ample legroom, the passenger experience of this exceptional Ghost Extended Wheelbase is enhanced with hand veneered picnic tables, 9.2 inch LCD screens and a champagne coolbox. Passengers will be able to relax with a chilled glass of champagne, indulge in a concerto, courtesy of a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers delivering 600 Watts of surround sound, or simply sink into sumptuous leather seats and lambswool footmats, relaxing into luxurious silence as they journey to their destination.

Special pink leather fabrics and thread were used in the creation of this bespoke vehicle: 




“When I received the call from Chris Evans to support FAB1 Million, we immediately sprang into action,” said Jolyon Nash, Sales and Marketing Director. “It’s taken countless hours to create such a special car but every minute spent is absolutely worth it for such a valuable cause. We wish the project every success.”

The project is set to launch on Thursday 18 April with a star-studded point to point drive in FAB1 from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

*What does a puppet have to do with this?
The Original FAB 1, and its later incarnations, is a pink six-wheeled car from Thunderbirds and its three film adaptations. The car was owned by character Lady Penelope and driven by Aloysius "Nosey" Parker.




above: models of the Fab 1 cars driven by puppets in the TV series Thunderbirds

The Chris Evans-inspired replica "Parker" puppet:


A limited edition run of hand made First Generation copies of the puppet and his FAB 1 Driver's Seat are for sale. Signed and numbered by artist and puppet sculptor Duncan Willis of Superproreplication, a substantial donation from each puppet sold is going to Chris Evans' FAB 1 Million charity in aid of Breast Cancer Care.


above: Chris Evans (Parker) Mary Berry (Lady Penelope) as the fictional characters from the puppet TV series Thunderbirds with a new Fab 1 Rolls Royce for Breast Cancer Awareness

You can also donate £5 to Breast Cancer Care by texting FAB to 83222 and enter the draw to win a ride in FAB1 for a day.

** Supporters outside the UK can donate by visiting FAB 1's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.co.uk/fab1million

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer. We bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care. Every year more and more people need our support. You can help us be here for every one of them. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.


all images and info courtesy of Fab1 and  Rolls Royce

Photojournalist Takes A Look At The Big Picture And Decides To Change The World, One Condom At A Time.

L. was founded by Talia Frenkel, a photojournalist whose coverage of the effects of HIV/AIDS on women and girls inspired her into action.


above: Talia in Uganda

Talia Frenkel didn’t start out in the safe sex business. “I had worked extensively as a photographer for the Red Cross and documented humanitarian crisis around the world,” she says.


above: one of Talia's provocative images of the ravages of AIDS on women.

Taking photos of people suffering, especially women and girls, she was ”struck by the preventative nature of the AIDS epidemic.” Upon returning to Los Angeles, she found herself at a crossroads. After all the suffering she had witnessed, her challenge was to channel the frustration of those experiences ”in a productive way.”



After talking to friends and family about the lack of access to condoms abroad, and seeing the potential in the high-quality market at home, Frenkel started L., a premium condom company that operates on a one-for-one model. For every condom they sell in America, they donate one to the developing world. “It’s important to note that we didn’t just re-package an existing condom on the US market,” she says “we re-engineered a new condom for the modern consumer.” But while the premium latex, and sustainable packaging of L. condoms are sure to deliver piece of mind (amongst other things) they’re delivered to sub-saharan Africa through female entrepreneurs, and student education programs.



But L. doesn’t stop there – the company focuses on supporting women leaders as catalysts for change and development. At its core, L. is setting out to create a superior product that rests on three pillars: Sex, Cause and World.

Sex:

above: photo by Talia Frenkel

L. has re-engineered the condom. From premium quality high-grade latex to formulating moisture-rich, female-friendly lubricants with out harmful additives, L. focuses on creating the most natural and pleasurable way to practice safe sex. L. condoms use purified latex so that theyare uniquely low in latex scent and are glycerin and paraben free. All condoms are individually electronically tested to exceed FDA and international standards.

Cause:



Integral to L.’s inception and mission is to fight the international AIDS epidemic. In Africa, there are more deaths caused by AIDS than all the wars, famines, floods, and deadly diseases on the continent - combined. Increasingly, women and girls are the face of the epidemic as they are disproportionately affected at a young age. Condoms are the most effective technology in HIV prevention as well as a simple form of birth control that provide a greater quality of life. Still, 9 out of 10 countries in Africa go through regular condom stock outs that typically last 2 months or more. L. has set out to address this through a one for one consumer driven donation model.

One for one is only the beginning.
L. has been credited with re-inventing the model, dubbed 1 for 1 +, by focusing on building capacity of its partners and facilitating the creation of long-term distribution channels.



Currently, L. is partnered with Direct Relief International and working with female-run social enterprise programs. Similar to the recent trend in international focus on women from Nike’s Girl Effect to the Half the Sky Movement - L.’s programs focus particularly on women leaders as agents of progress.

World:
L. takes measure to be as sustainable as possible, and beyond that, the company aims to be restorative and enriching. From sourcing raw materials local to their manufacturing facility to providing product in recycled packaging – L. strives to deliver thoughtfully-designed products that are compatible with the environment. Their condoms also only use sustainably tapped 100% natural latex and are Vegan- friendly.


above: photo by Talia Frenkel

L. draws a connection between developed and developing world women through unique marketing and the opportunity for daily actions to support women globally. “Sex is universal, but protection is not.” says founder Talia Frenkel, who started the venture out of frustration at the preventative nature of the epidemic. “A largely untapped resource in Africa, women have the unique abilities and skills to strengthen and lead the global response to AIDS.” The sleek design, product features and company mission sets the company apart as a bold option for the modern consumer. Uniquely, L. is focused on empowering a hugely under-represented market for condoms - women. “Birth control pills are a common site in a women’s purse, but condoms are not. Part of what L. is about is making condoms sexy.”



But more than just a product, L. is creating a movement by offering consumers an opportunity to create massive change through simple choices and actions within their everyday lives. If just one in 20 condom purchases were made with L., the HIV prevention needs of the three countries with the highest prevalence of AIDS could be met, averting countless new HIV transmissions and improving the quality of life for even more.


above: photo by Talia Frenkel

As part of this movement, L. is transforming consumers into advocates, giving them the opportunity to participate by hosting social events as well as wearing L. t-shirts and donning wristbands that show their support for women globally.




Packaging:
They re-thought condom package design - from the materials of the packaging to the shape itself - providing a sleek and sexy package that aligns with the modern consumer lifestyle. L. packages are thin and compact enough to carry with you and reseal if you desire.



L. condoms come in 100% recycled paper packaging printed with vegetable inks. The packaging reflects their passion for the aesthetic as well as their goal of minimizing materials while maximizing functionality. No cellophane or plastic is used in packaging. Directions for Use are printed on the inner walls of the box to save paper. The modern minimalist black and white design allows them to save on ink wastage and makes the end product easier to recycle. L. recycles all unused and excess rubber latex that is created in the manufacturing process. This natural rubber latex is sent to facilities that then re-use the material to make other rubber products, such as flip flops. Natural rubber latex products are eventually biodegradable.



To find out more, you can visit www.thisisL.com and find out how you can help. Whether it's by purchasing the well designed apparel or the beautifully packaged condoms or make an impact in these other ways.

Wine In A Handbag. French Wines In Chic Packaging. What A Great Idea.

Wine in a box is so tacky, despite the improvement in many of the designs. A fresh way to serve up wine in a box are these smart "Bag-In-A-Bag" white, red and rosé wines from Vernissage of Sweden. French wines packaged in stylish looking handbags - a fabulous idea for birthday parties, Bridal Showers, Fashion Shows, concerts, picnics, conferences and more.



Packaging French wines into a case that looks like a chic handbag, complete with tap or spout was such a clever design, it won the 2010 "Most Innovative" in the Carton Awards 2010 and a prestigious gold award in the Pentawards, the world´s largest packaging design competition.


The White: 2011 Chardonnay Viogner from France
Vernissage has a young, fresh and aromatic bouquet with hints of fruits such as apple, citrus, pineapple and vanilla. The flavour is dry, flowery and very fruity with the essence of pear, citrus, tropical fruits and vanilla.

Vernissage makes an excellent aperitif, but goes well with flavourful fish and shellfish dishes, especially with Asian influences of lime and ginger.


The Red: 2010 Syrah Cabernet Sauvigon from France
Vernissage Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark red wine. Inviting fruity scent with notes of spices, tones of ripe berries, black current, blackberries and herbs as well as chocolate and barrels. Goes well with red and white meat, pasta, poultry and aged cheese.


The Rosé: 2011 Syrah Rosé from France
The French Vernissage Syrah Rosé is a lively and fresh rosé wine from the region Pays d'Oc in southern France. With a hint of raspberries and blackberries in the flavor, it has a herblike finish. The generously fruity aroma has notes of wild red berries. Vernissage Syrah Rosé is perfect as an aperitif, but is also suitable for fish, seafood or light chicken salad.

The Bag-in-Bag wine Vernissage has taken both wine-lovers and the press by storm, in Sweden as well as internationally. The successful project was created by Takis Soldatos, Oenoforos, in cooperation with Sofia Blomberg Art Direction & Design. The result is elegant design combined with high quality wines from the French wine region Pays d'Oc.



The thought behind Vernissage is a playful approach to the curious and modern wine consumer. At the same time, a woman´s touch has propelled the Bag-in-Bag wine from the practical to the elegant.

Vernissage Wines

The Evolution of Today's Women's Day Google Doodle By Betsy Bauer.

You may have noticed that today's Google Doodle is in honor of Women's Day, which frankly, I had no idea existed. So how did this fun Google Doodle come into being?

The Largest Portrait Ever On Dutch Soil - Created To Promote Women's Rights.

The latest project by urban land artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada is best seen from the air, like much of his work. Created to raise awareness for the oldest International Women's fund, the soil portrait measures 125 by 170 meters larger than a football field and incorporated no less than 8 km rope, 7 tons of straw, 150 cubic meter of soil, 300 cubic meters of sand and 1150 wooden poles.







Mama Cash asked Rodriguez-Gerada to create a large scale art piece in Amsterdam on International Human Rights Day – Dec. 10, 2012 – to bring attention to their latest campaign, "Open Your Eyes," to raise awareness about Mesoamerican women who defend human rights.



The press release:
Groundbreaking launch of the Vogelvrije Vrouwen* women human rights’ defenders campaign (Amsterdam)

Internationally renowned urban and terrestrial artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada has come to Amsterdam (Zuiderzeedijk) to create a huge land portrait, made of fertile soil, spanning almost two football fields, to launch the campaign Vogelvrije Vrouwen – Defend women who defend human rights!, an initiative in support of women human rights defenders in Mesoamerica.

The portrait - the largest ever on Dutch soil - shows a fragment of the face of an anonymous MesoAmerican woman human rights activist. It was commissioned by feminist foundation Mama Cash and created in one week with the help of 80 volunteers by Cuban American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada. Rodriguez-Gerada is known for his spectacular temporary urban art projects all over the world.

The portrait measures 125 by 170 meters larger than a football field. There were no less than 8 km rope, 7 tons of straw, 150 cubic meter of soil, 300 cubic meters of sand and 1150 wooden poles needed to make the portrait. The contours will slowly fade under the influence of wind and weather.

Making of Images:




to see more photos of the process, go here.


* The phrase Vogelvrije Vrouwen in Dutch has deep literal and figurative meaning. 'Vogelvrije' literally means 'free as a bird' but also has the connotation of a person who is outside the boundaries of the legal system, someone who is not protected by the law. 'Vrouwen' means 'women', thus the campaign slogan, Vogelvrije Vrouwen, sheds light on the women whose struggles for justice and freedom are threatened by institutionalised impunity.

About the Vogelvrije Vrouwen campaign:
International women’s fund Mama Cash and the Mesoamerican Initiative for Women Human Rights Defenders are launching the Vogelvrije Vrouwen campaign – Defend women who defend human rights! to call attention to the violent situation faced by women human rights defenders in the Mesoamerican region. The project is funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. It is difficult to imagine living in a context where violence is ‘normal’, where criminality and corruption are rampant, and where the government does little to protect you and where people risk their lives by daring to denounce violence, criminality and the violation of human rights. But this is the daily reality in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Dozens of women’s rights activists are murdered there each year. And others are threatened and raped, their houses set on fire and their families terrorised.

During the coming year, the Vogelvrije Vrouwen campaign (www.vogelvrijevrouwen.nl) will give visibility to the imperative work being done by Mesoamerican women’s rights activists. The campaign will provide the Dutch public with petitions and other means to put pressure on the Dutch government and governments in the Mesoamerican region to make the defense of women human rights activists a priority. This campaign is made possible by a grant from the Dutch Postcode Lottery.

images courtesy of  Vogelvrije Vrouwen and Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders Get Their Own Travel Case. The CupCase.

CupCases are a pretty nifty invention for those women who want to keep their bras in a place where they won't get smushed, torn or misshapen when traveling short (like the gym) or long (like across the ocean) distances.




With the price of brassieres these days, and how hard it is to find one you love, it's nice to have something to keep them from getting squished in one's suitcase or travel bag (or God forbid, the bottom of your purse).







CupCases come in the following styles:


A CupCase is not only a storage case for your bras; it can also hold jewelry, hair-ties & other small accessories while you travel!


• Durable
• Portable
• Stylish
• Protect bras from crimping, crushing and creasing
• Carry as a purse


A video showing you how they work:


Support Finding A Cure during October:



CupCases