Luxist

PACT Offers Three New Ways to Save the World ... and Stay Comfy

Tom Johansmeyer — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Charity, Green, Celebrity Design

PACT is back with a new print. The underwear designed to cover your ass while saving it from pollution and other environmental mayhem is out with a new look ... thanks to a little help from Yves Behar and artist Sage Vaughn. Three new prints are coming out, each aligned with a new cause.

Behar designed two of the new prints, which include shells and scales. Ten percent of the sales from these new undies (for men and women) will go to Oceana. The third, designed by Vaughn, is a butterfly print that will support Global Green USA.

"I love the idea of bringing a sense of joy and playfulness to philanthropy and the act of giving," said Vaughn. "Like a tattoo in an unseen place, the intimacy of underwear creates a unique relationship with the art." Before turning to the garments closest to your skin, Vaughn made a name as a painter and graffiti artist. He designed the new PACT print for his wife, Sweet P.

Jeff Denby, co-founder of PACT, says, ""We're thrilled to be working with Sage Vaughn for the Global Green print." He continues, "We're longtime admirers of his work, and his Global Green print is a stunning addition to PACT's collection of bright, bold patterns that capture the heart of the organizations they benefit."

PACT Offers Three New Ways to Save the World ... and Stay Comfy originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gucci Launches Snowman in Africa Charity Collection for UNICEF

Lisa Palladino — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Charity

Snowman in Africa Charity Collection for UNICEF" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2009/11/guccisnowman.jpg" />Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini has collaborated with author and illustrator Michael Roberts for the fifth anniversary of the Gucci Campaign to Benefit UNICEF. As in the past, this year's initiative centers around the holiday period promotion of an original collection of items designed by Giannini to be exclusively sold in more than 200 Gucci stores worldwide and on Gucci.com.

Giannini has commissioned acclaimed author and illustrator Roberts to create a sequel to his highly successful 2004 children's book, Snowman in Paradise. The new book, Snowman in Africa, will be exclusively on sale in Gucci stores and on Gucci.com until December 31, 2009. Gucci will donate 100% of the retail price of the book to UNICEF.

Giannini also has designed exclusive Gucci accessories as well as a Gucci Gift Card to benefit UNICEF, all of which are inspired by Roberts' magical book illustrations -- two new medium sized Gucci Joy handbags, symbolic charms, and a wrist wallet and coin purse. The Joy Bags, charms, small leather goods, and gift cards will be on sale in Gucci stores in more than 20 countries until December 31, 2009, and 25% of the retail price of each item will be donated to UNICEF.

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 five-year period, Gucci has committed more than $7 million to UNICEF.

Gucci Launches Snowman in Africa Charity Collection for UNICEF originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley Outfits "The World's Most Luxurious Charity Bus"

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Charity

What do you do when you work at a factory that's been shutdown due to a weak economy? Well, you can sit around and mope. Or you can volunteer your time and skills. Following their earlier art project to benefit cancer research, 59 craftsmen from the Bentley factory in Crewe have opted once again for the latter, and this is the result.

Named Luke, this retired London Routemaster double-decker bus was acquired by St Luke's hospice in Winsford, England, earlier this year. The idea was to transform it into a rolling vehicle for community service and public awareness. The Bentley workers put in some 2000 man-hours of their own free time to bring it to fruition, and the results look very impressive indeed. But don't take our word for it: see for yourself in the image gallery below.

Gallery: Luke the London Routemaster outfitted by Bentley

Bentley Outfits "The World's Most Luxurious Charity Bus" originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How To Be Fabulous with Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

Ariston Anderson — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Events, Charity

At the recent Moth Ball this week the fabulous men-about-town Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan were on hand to present the annual $5000 MothShop scholarship. The recipient, New York City high school student Terrence Buckner, told a wise beyond his years story on his struggles with coming out in his rough Brooklyn neighborhood. Doonan shared his own story of pretending to be straight in front of an immigration officer in the 70s, for the purposes of obtaining a work visa.

The master designer and Barneys Creative Director have been longtime supporters of the Moth, a nonprofit dedicated to the art of storytelling. We caught up with the couple at the event to find out why they love the organization so much. Read on in our exclusive interview to find out their advice for having an unforgettable holiday, just how recession-proof is Barneys, and just what they'll never be caught dead leaving home without.

Ariston Anderson: Why are you such big supporters of the Moth?

Jonathan Adler: I love, love the organization. It is so creative and fun and interesting. I go to fancy-schmancy events and sort of like they all are just boring. And the Moth is quite the opposite. It's fascinating and fun. I love them. It's the only thing on my calendar that I'm not dreading. It's the one sort of shining star on my Blackberry.

Simon Doonan: I love the Moth because I guess I'm just a Chatty Cathy and I love the idea of telling stories. It's just so well organized. It's always entertaining. Like when you go out in New York to a lot of events there's no content. But when you come to a Moth event you actually come away with a lot of thought provoking ideas and stories. And of course a lot of humor as well as serious stuff. So yeah, it puts some content into the New York scene, so I love that.

AA: How important is storytelling in design work?

JA: That's actually a great question. I am really focused on narrative in my work. Definitely in decorating I always try to start a creative narrative. The narrative usually involves trying to make my clients seem a little more eccentric, and a little more glamorous than they might actually be.

AA: Simon, have you had to alter any of window displays at Barneys because of the recession?

SD: At Barneys, I always made stuff out of found objects and I always recycle things. The windows at Barneys are always very crafty, and they were always about paper-mâché and finding things in the street. At Barneys, paradoxically, we have a very recession-proof point-of-view because it was never about sort of opulence or bling. It was always kind of subtle and sort of crafty.

AA: Last year, you were advocating the cape here. Are capes still in?

SD: Capes? Everything is in. That's the thing, nothing ever goes out of style anymore. All trends concurrently exist. In this room somebody is probably rocking every trend known to mankind.

AA: What tips do you have for having a fabulous holiday party this season?

SD: For an amazing holiday party, I think there's no such thing as being overdressed. You know, if you feel like wearing a full-length ballgown, just wear it. People worry too much about being event-appropriate. It's much better to be overdressed. As Andy Warhol said, it's much better to be the right thing in the wrong place. You always have fun if you do the right thing in the wrong place.

JA: I think that everyone should have Lee Press On Nails for every guest. It could turn a business meeting into a party.

AA: Have you ever worn them yourself?

JA: I have. (Laughs) But only in the context of a party. It's not an everyday thing.

SD: I think if you want to have a fabulous holiday this season, buy a feather boa. Nothing makes you feel bubbly and vivacious like a feather boa. It's very glam rock.

AA: What are some luxuries you can't live without?

SD: Well Johnny and I have a condo, down in Palm Beach. So we love to go down there and run on the beach and frolic during cold winter weekends. So that's a real self-indulgent luxury. Other than that, no drugs. You know, I'm on a natural high. I don't have an expensive drug habit. And I'm so small I would love to buy clothes all the time, but I can't find things that fit me because I'm a midget.

JA: You know what I can't live without is my pill keychain. My enamel pill keychain. It's in the shape of a pill, and it also functions as a little pillbox. So it holds three pills, just an emergency supply, so that's my most essential item.

AA: What's in your pillbox?

JA: Xanax, xanax, and xanax.

Continue reading How To Be Fabulous with Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

How To Be Fabulous with Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Own Original Works of Art - MoMA and Peter Norton Team Up To Raise Money for P.S. 1

Deb West — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Art, Charity, Holiday Guides, Big Givers

Would you like to own a unique piece of privately commissioned artwork? Now is your chance. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is offering up for sale limited quantities of collectible works.

Entrepreneur and art collector, Peter Norton is known not only for his genius in creating computer software but for commissioning art and for his philanthropy. Every year since 1988 he has asked artists whose work he collects to create unique pieces to be sent as gifts to his family and friends. This year he is donating various pieces to be sold to the public through MoMA with all proceeds to go to P.S. 1. For those who are not familiar with P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center it is one of the oldest and largest non-profit art institutions in the United States. It is an exhibition space and devotes its resources to displaying experimental contemporary art.

Some of the artworks featured include:
Untitled (Condoms), Daniel Martinez, 1990
Freedom, a Fable: A Curious Interpretation of the Wit of a Negress in Troubled Times, Kara Walker, 1997
Untitled (Dollhouse), Yinka Shonibare, 2002
Untitled (Music Box), Christian Marclay, 2005 (shown above)

Certain items can be bought individually with prices ranging from $150 to $1,000 dollars, while other pieces must be purchased as a complete MoMA set" for $6,200. To see a samples of the various works in person, head to the bookstore on the second floor of the museum, otherwise the works can be viewed and ordered online.

Gallery: Own Original Works of Art - MoMA and Peter Norton Team Up To Raise Money for P.S. 1

Own Original Works of Art - MoMA and Peter Norton Team Up To Raise Money for P.S. 1 originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jimmy Choo Launches Project PEP; Benefits Charity

Lisa Palladino — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Shoes, Charity

Partnering with The Elton John AIDS Foundation, Jimmy Choo has launched Project PEP, a line of bold, punk rock accessories whose sales benefit the Simelela Rape Center in Cape Town, South Africa. The collection comprises 11 items -- bags, shoes, a cuff, and mobile accessories -- that range in price from $85 - $995. The shoe pictured, the PEP LOOP, is $975. Take a look at the gallery for a few more items from the collection.

Gallery: Jimmy Choo Launches Project PEP

Jimmy Choo Launches Project PEP; Benefits Charity originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Storytelling Comes Alive at Moth's Black & White Ball

Ariston Anderson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Charity

The annual Moth Gala is one of our favorite events in New York. In a world drawn impersonal by tweets and newsfeeds, it's refreshing to know that there are still people out there promoting the art of storytelling. There's nothing quite like having your five minutes on stage, connecting with a live audience with an original yarn. Garrison Keillor and Jonathan Ames co-hosted the 2009 Moth ball held Tuesday night at Capitale, and awarded Actor Anna Deavere Smith for her groundbreaking reinvention of theater. The theme of the night was the Black and White Ball, and indeed several Truman Capotes floated throughout the massive Beaux Arts ballroom, formerly home to the Bowery Savings Bank.

Keillor joked to the audience that the Moth was started by people not from here. New Yorkers never give each other the opportunity to talk, unlike the rest of the country where "people were brought up to yield." The Moth is an incredible privilege for writers everywhere who can claim those five uninterrupted minutes on stage. The "Prairie Home Companion" host told his own story of having recently suffered a mild stroke in Minnesota, prompted by a Jesus-preaching masseuse. He drove to the ER to where patients complained of neck moles, while the polite Midwesterner waited in line until his turn came, and calmly told the nurse, "I'm having a stroke." Keillor knew his audience well, and acknowledged that during this story, New Yorkers, unable to appreciate a dramatic pause, would have thought of three stories on their own: a major stroke, a NYC ER room trumping a St. Paul one, or even just reading a story in the NYT Magazine about strokes. So true.

Fortunately the Moth has found a way to make storytelling vivid and alive, even for impatient New Yorkers. The highlight of the night was the finale, a round of one minute stories from ten winners of recent Moth Grandslams contests.

We asked Mr. Keillor why he has supported the Moth for so many years. "It really appeals to me. It's a grassroots organization that sprang up." he told us. "Now I think it's on the verge of tremendous success. It makes me very, very happy."

And Keillor has a new reason to love the Moth, as they've recently ventured into his radio medium. "It's a grassroots show, operating under very, very simple rules," he said, "so it has a beautiful democratic ethos about it which I think is very, very appealing." Audiences nationwide have caught the Moth fever, as the show is now broadcast on a record-breaking 205 stations after only three months. Today the Moth reaches millions of people across the country.

Click here for more information on how you can support the Moth.

Gallery: Moth Ball

Storytelling Comes Alive at Moth's Black & White Ball originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alicia Keys Creates Inspirational Necklace For Keep A Child Alive

Deidre Woollard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity

We've written about Alicia Keys's charity work with Keep A Child Alive before so its no surprise that one of the core pieces in her new jewelry line is devoted to the cause. Keys is launching a new jewelry line, The Barber's Daughters, with jeweler Gisèle Theriault. The collection will be displayed at a pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery in New York City on November 23 and 24. The inspirational jewelry line features precious metals inscribed with poetry, prayers and other words.

The special design for Keep A Child Alive is a sterling silver double tablet necklace on an oxidized rope chain features the Gandhi quote which says: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." The design is inspired by ancient Inukshuk rock sculptures used to alert others they were on the right path. The necklace sells for $295 and Keep A Child Alive receives $100 from each one.

Alicia Keys Creates Inspirational Necklace For Keep A Child Alive originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fundraising Vail Style: Private School Offers House In Raffle

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:01:00 EST

Filed under: Charity

School fundraising hits a new luxurious level at The Vail Academy, a private school located between Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado. The school has launched the 2009 Vail Home Raffle to raise money and the grand prize is a $1.3 million ski home plus $450,000 cash to pay the IRS. The home is located less than one mile from Vail Village and was renovated from top to bottom in 2008. It is a four-bedroom duplex that includes a great room, dining room, separate family room, laundry room and a sundeck overlooking the backyard.

The raffle tickets are $100 each and the grand prize drawing will occur on December 31, 2009. Early-bird cash drawings are an incentive to enter early and $70,000 has already been awarded to participants. The next drawing is December 4th. The raffle website also includes a way to refer a friend. Whoever refers the grand prize winner also picks up $25,000.

Fundraising Vail Style: Private School Offers House In Raffle originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McTeigue & McClelland Designs Necklace to Help Afghan Children

Carrie Coolidge — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity

A necklace may be the key to a child's future in war-torn Afghanistan.

Indeed, McTeigue & McClelland, a New York-based jeweler with roots dating back to 1895, has designed a necklace, called "The Ariana Necklace," with all of the proceeds donated to the Rebuilding Afghanistan Foundation. The foundation is a U.S.-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to bringing education to Afghan children by building schools and developing educational programs in Afghanistan. The proceeds from each necklace will provide enough funds to educate three Afghan children for one year at the foundation's Mayor Elementary School in the province of Wardak, Afghanistan.

The butterfly design was inspired by the Micropsyche Ariana species, which is the smallest butterfly in the world. The butterfly is unique to Afghanistan while its name translates to "tiny souls of Afghanistan." The pendant measures 1.5" in length and 1" in width and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain.

McTeigue & McClelland handcrafted the necklace in sterling silver. It will retail for $250 and is available by placing an order at http://www.rebuildafghanistan.org. The necklace is available for a limited time only.

McTeigue & McClelland Designs Necklace to Help Afghan Children originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt To Design For Asprey

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity, Celebrity Design

Can two of the hottest stars in the world pep up an esteemed but faltering British jewelry line? WWD announced that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have created a capsule collection of gold jewelry and silver snake-themed accessories called The Protector. The collection was conceived and designed by Pitt and Jolie and will go on sale at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai later this week. All net proceeds from the pieces, which include a serpent-handled baby spoon for $525, will benefit Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, a nonprofit Jolie cofounded in 2006. Jolie, who is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, has a deep interest in aiding young victims of war, conflict and natural disasters.

Brad Pitt has designed pieces for Damiani when he was married to Jennifer Aniston. Jolie has worn Asprey on the red carpet before and both Jolie and Pitt have also commissioned pieces privately from Asprey. WWD has a gallery of the pieces which include silver baby gifts, pendants and rings features micropavé diamonds and gemstones.

As WWD mentions, the collection should bring some attention to Asprey, which has been struggling to find its niche lately. Last year the brand decided to narrow down its offerings and to focus on bridal and high-end jewelry. In September after Hermes bought out the Asprey store on Bond Street in London rumors swirled that Hermes might buy the entire Asprey business. Asprey had two consecutive loss-making years with sales dropping from £17 million to £13 million but the tremendous star power of Brangelina might mean happy days are here again for the brand.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt To Design For Asprey originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audrey Hepburn's Clothing Up For Auction

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Charity

The world remains inspired by eternal fashion icon Audrey Hepburn. Buyers can sample her legendary style at an upcoming sale that includes 36 items of clothing on offer dating from 1953 to the late 60s as well as hats, belts and accessories. Kerry Taylor Auctions will be holding the sale on December 8 in London.

In 1951, Audrey left Europe for the USA to star in the Broadway production of 'Gigi'. She sorted through her unwanted clothes and passed on the things she no longer needed to her close friend Tanja Star-Busmann. Over time this became a tradition for the stylish star who always travelled with many suitcases full of fabulous fashions. The auction also includes a group of letters in which she describes an early film break, her proposed wedding to James Hanson and the time she spent filming "Roman Holiday".

Items up for bid include a Givenchy-designed black cloqué silk gown for Audrey to wear for the film 'Paris When it Sizzles' in 1962 (£10-15,000) and a Chantilly lace cocktail gown which she wore in the 'How to Steal a Million' in 1966 (£15-20,000). Also up for sale is the ivory satin bridal gown designed for Audrey Hepburn by the Fontana Sisters for her planned marriage to James (later Lord) Hanson. In 1952, while filming `Roman Holiday' with Gregory Peck in Rome, Hepburn approached the Fontana sisters to ask them to make her bridal gown. Weeks later when Audrey called off the wedding she requested that the dress be given away to "perhaps someone who couldn't ever afford a dress like mine, the most beautiful, poor Italian girl you can find." The dress was given to a young Italian girl named Amabile Altobella. The dress will be sold with a photograph of Audrey wearing the original Fontana gown and a letter from the vendor confirming the provenance. It is estimated to fetch £8000-12000.

50 percent of the sale proceeds of lots will be donated go to The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. Highlights from the sale will be show at Sotheby's New York, November 21-22 and at Sotheby's Paris, December 1-2.

[via Art Daily]

Audrey Hepburn's Clothing Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley Art Project Benefits Cancer Research

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Auctions, Art, Charity

There are few automobiles we could truly consider works of art. And most of them are expensive. Bentley surely ranks among them, but the British luxury automaker has taken things one step further.

In a new project, Bentley invited its designers to create works of art inspired by their work. No fewer than 22 participated, working in every medium from photography and painting to sculpture. The results are truly intriguing, and will be auctioned off on December 1 in a charity auction held by Bonhams to benefit cancer research at Manchester's The Christie Hospital. The event is by invitation only, but you can view the pieces in the gallery below.

Gallery: Bentley Art Project

Bentley Art Project Benefits Cancer Research originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bvlgari Save The Children Auction At Christie's

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions, Charity

Bvlgari's work with Save the Children takes center stage at Christie's New York during a special auction to benefit the Rewrite the Future campaign. The campaign has a mission of providing quality education for 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas. To celebrate their 125 year anniversary, Bvlgari will auction an extraordinary collection of 11 one-of- a-kind jewelry creations and 7 limited edition timepieces. The jewels' overall value is estimated at around $4 million and all proceeds will be donated the campaign.

The collection was officially presented to the public on May 20, 2009 at a private celebration inaugurating Bulgari's first-ever retrospective museum exhibition at the prestigious Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. From June until November 2009 the collection will tour the world's greatest cities, where they will be presented at a series of high-profile events. The international tour will culminate with the New York auction in December when the pieces will be sold at Christie's.

You can also still participate in this important campaign by buying the Bvlgari Save the Children ring which is on sale until the end of the year.

Gallery: Bulgari Save The Children Auction

Bvlgari Save The Children Auction At Christie's originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panerai Collectors Come Together For a Good Cause

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Art, Charity, Big Givers

Diehard enthusiasts and collectors of famed Italian watch brand Panerai, known as the Paneristi, came together recently to raise money for those less fortunate. The global members of enthusiast site Paneristi.com celebrated the online forum's 10th anniversary with an event at artist and Panerai collector Eng Tay's Tribeca studio. Tay (above) created a special series of images showing an outstanding collection of vintage and classic Panerai timepieces along with his artwork for a calendar celebrating Paneristi.com's 10th anniversary. All profits from the limited edition $300 calendar are being donated to The Mulliganeers, a children's charity created by Paneristi.com moderator and founder Paddy Conway. Most copies of the collector's item sold out within two weeks but there a few left; you can contact Paddy@CotswoldGardens.com for info. on ordering.

Panerai Collectors Come Together For a Good Cause originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sotheby's to Auction Celebrity Vuitton Trunks

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Charity, Celebrity Design

On November 17 in London Sotheby's and Louis Vuitton will co-host a gala charity auction of six limited-edition Special Orders Vuitton pieces to benefit the Red Cross and commemorate the organization's 150th anniversary. Since its creation in 1854, Vuitton's Special Orders department has made bespoke creations (see Karl Lagerfeld's here) to suit the whims of customers willing to pay for the perfect carrying case to suit their whims. For the Red Cross benefit sale, Vuitton created custom pieces for Damien Hirst (a butterfly armoire), chef Ferran Adrià (trolley case with knife tray), photographer Annie Leibovitz (camera bags), musician and composer Gustavo Santaolalla (instrument case), Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs (dog carrier) and Patrick Louis Vuitton (alligator tool kit), the head of 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 celebrity, along with a special Red Cross medical kit trunk (above) with boxes for emergency supplies.

Sotheby's to Auction Celebrity Vuitton Trunks originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello Kitty Celebrates Turning 35 with Bling

Deb West — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Handbags, Art, Charity, Children

Hello Kitty is one of those unique brands that never seems to go out of style and manages to appeal just as much to 3 year olds and 13 year olds as it does to the 30 year old set. One way it stays hip and popular is pairing cute with sophistication, a combination that seems irresistible to fans. To celebrate the brand's 35th birthday this year Sanrio is putting out something for everyone; the young, the young at heart and those who view Hello Kitty as art.

For those in the teen or tween set there is the sparkly Hello Kitty music player. This electronic gadget is decorated with 300 Swarovski crystal elements and shaped in the traditional Hello Kitty face. A second option is the Limited Edition pendant set. Again this is a collaboration between the D. Swarovski Co. of Wattens, Austria and features five crystal studded pendants each accented with a different color to match your mood or your outfit. Although at a price of $6,000 for the set I'm not sure that this jewelry collection isn't more appropriate for some of the slightly more mature Hello Kitty fans.

Another collaboration launched to celebrate the 35th Anniversary is a Judith Leiber bag collection. The line includes a "Retro Kitty" curved oval clutch, the "Pink Tulip" airstream, new "Hobo" style with silver handle shown above which will retail for $3995. These items are definitely a nod to those customers who have been fans of the Hello Kitty brand since its inception 35 years ago.

For those more artistically inclined there is the Three Apples art exhibit in Los Angeles, California curated by Jamie Rivadeneira the owner of Japan L.A. at the Royal/T space. The event is free of charge and over 80 artists display their Hello Kitty inspired pieces through November 15, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit Sanrio's charitable partner LA Works a non-profit organization that promotes community volunteerism.

Hello Kitty Celebrates Turning 35 with Bling originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blind North Korean Kids Will Get Their Braille Books!

Tom Johansmeyer — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Charity

I just heard from the team at Koryo Tours and wanted to share with you the results of their recent fundraiser. I know this is a bit unorthodox, but it's not often Luxist (or anyone else) has the opportunity to cover North Korean humanitarian charity efforts. Originally, Koryo Tours sought EUR4,400 -- EUR2,400 for 300 Braille dictionaries and EUR2,000 to install playground equipment in an orphanage in Wonsan, North Korea.

Hannah Barraclough, from Koryo Tours, writes, "We are very pleased to announce that thanks to your help we managed to raise an amazing EUR9000 which means we have been able to complete both of these projects and have surplus funds to go towards even more worthwhile projects next year - more info about these coming soon." She continues, "We (and the Korean children) are really so grateful to all of you who donated money. If any of you have been meaning to donate but haven't yet then please go ahead as it will go towards our future charity projects."

Yes, this was a "small money" charity event by the standards of Luxist, but I did hear that our readers made a noticeable difference. So, the least I could do is share with you the impact.

Blind North Korean Kids Will Get Their Braille Books! originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Cancer Benefit

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Events, Charity, Big Givers

On Nov. 18 the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) will stage its 12th annual Collaborating for a Cure benefit dinner and auction at the Park Avenue Armory in New York. Building on the success of last year's event (above), which featured a concert by Steely Dan, this year's festivities include a Steve Winwood performance and a charity auction led by Sotheby's' C. Hugh Hildesley. Sure to attract high bids will be 5 pairs of tickets to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 19, an eye-popping display of supermodels in lingerie. The SWCRF, founded by Dr. Samuel Waxman in 1975, is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that focuses on the most promising strategies for developing cures and treatments for many types of cancers, as well as preventative measures. SWCRF is at the cutting edge of research into alternatives to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation.

12th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Cancer Benefit originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Courtney Cox And David Arquette Collaborate On Charity Jewelry Line

Deidre Woollard — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity, Celebrity Design

Hollywood couple Courtney Cox and David Arquette have become the latest celebrities to have a jewelry line, but theirs is for a good cause. The pair have collaborated with Satya Jewelry on a line of butterfly-themed pieces to raise awareness of a genetic condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Courtney Cox told Vogue that the couple got involved when the son of a close friend was born with the condition which manifests in extremely fragile skin and recurrent blister formation similar to the look of a third-degree burn. The young sufferers are known as "butterfly children" because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly wing.

The Satya Foundation donates 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, which supports the fight to find a cure for this rare childhood skin disease. Pieces range in price from $24 for a silver pendant to $348 for the gold version shown above.

Courtney Cox And David Arquette Collaborate On Charity Jewelry Line originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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