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UNICEF

Antonio Banderas Sings For Unicef

Filed under: Charity

Antonio Banderas is known for being an actor but as his Broadway career shows, he can sing as well. UNICEF'S Children First album features performances by Banderas, Anne Sofie von Otter, Rebecca Caine, Barbara Hendricks, and the Sylvia Young Theater School Children's Choir. The album is a recording for, about, and in the benefit of children around the world and will be released on January 11, 2011. It sells for $12.99 and $3.00 from the sale of each CD will be donated to support the activities of UNICEF around the world.

Children First is an integrated sequence of songs that describes the human life cycle in music and text. It includes an official song of UNICEF sung by Antonio Banderas and Anne Sofie von Otter (listen to it here). That song, "Children First", and other tracks such as "All of These Things You Are to Me" and "Heaven's Lullaby" have lyrics written by American lyricists Amy Powers, Lisa Freeman and Richard Rudolph and music by Danish composer Carsten Mørch. The album is being released through Naxos Music.

Jennifer Lopez And Her Children To Front Gucci Campaign

Jennifer Lopez and her two-year-old twins Max and Emme will be the faces for Gucci's new childrenswear line. WWD reported that the advertisements were shot by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in Mailbu, California in July. The advertisements will feature Lopez and her adorable progeny frolicking on the beach wearing Gucci clothes and accessories. Lopez has kept a relatively low profile since the birth of her twins but seems to be resuming her career in a dramatic way this year including her new gig as a judge on American Idol.

As part of the initiative Gucci will also make a donation to UNICEF and the Maribel Foundation - a charity founded by Lopez and her sister, Lynda, which raises money for healthcare for women around the world. Gucci and UNICEF have been partners for six years and Gucci products have raised $7 million for UNICEF thus far.

Hublot Watches & Manchester United Soccer Team To Hold $1,000,000 "Kicking" Contest To Support UNICEF

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Charity, Sports

Charity left up to chance? On July 22nd at 4pm in New York City on 23rd and Broadway in front of the Flatiron building, professional soccer players from England's Manchester United Soccer Club will try to hit a small target from 51 feet away with a soccer ball. The target will be shaped like an Hublot timepiece, and if one of Manchester United's finest hits the target, Hublot will donate a million dollars to UNICEF for charity.

The "million dollar goal" as Hublot calls it will accompany a major outdoor event, and high participation is expected on the street in New York. Hublot and Manchester United have an existing partnership, as Hublot is a Sponsor of the team. Hublot has also created a limited edition collection of Manchester United "Red Devil" Big Bang watches (that are quite cool). In the event that no player hits the target and wins big for UNICEF, Hublot has still declared that it will make a sizable donation to the popular charitable foundation.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gucci's Sukey Bag to Benefit UNICEF

Filed under: Handbags, Charity

The Sukey Bag
This is the sixth year of Gucci's partnership with UNICEF, and to commemorate the ongoing relationship, during which Gucci has raised $7 million in support, they are offering this limited edition Sukey bag in a demure pale gray to benefit the cause.

A full 25 percent of the retail cost of each gray Gucci Sukey bag will go to support UNICEF's Schools for Africa campaign, which improves schools in disadvantaged regions of Africa "to create those conditions that will attract children to school, keep them there and provide them with a safe and protective environment where they can learn and play."

The bag itself has a philanthropic story; Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini co-chaired a fundraising event in support of UNICEF back in 2008, and one of the prizes offered included an opportunity to name a bag. The winner chose the name "Sukey," and while we don't know exactly what they paid for the privilege, the event raised $2.7 million for Schools for Africa.

The $1,295.00 Sukey is one of Gucci's best-selling handbags around the world, and every one (in this color) sold until February 28, 2011 will be an investment in the future of Africa. So, if you were going to buy a new luxury bag this year, buy this one.

Gucci Launches Snowman in Africa Charity Collection for UNICEF

Filed under: Handbags, Charity

Gucci Launches <I>Snowman in Africa</I> Charity Collection for UNICEFGucci 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.

Orlando Bloom's Rolex Collection for Sale

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping, Charity


Three amazing Rolex watches from the collection of actor Orlando Bloom are included in Antiquorum's Important Collectors' Wristwatches auction in New York on June 11. Our favorite is this fine and rare 1973 Explorer II "Steve McQueen" model, highly prized by Rolex aficionados, which Bloom wore on a leather cuff bracelet, estimated at $10,000 - $15,000, though we expect it to fetch considerably more. There's also a black PVD-coated steel Milgauss anti-magnetic chronometer produced in 2008, estimated at $10,000 - $15,000, and a cool 1969 Explorer, estimated at only $3,000 - $4,000. All of Bloom's watches come accompanied by an autographed copy of the auction catalog, and he is donating part of the proceeds to UNICEF.

[via JustLuxe]

Montblanc to Auction Celeb Portraits for Charity

Filed under: Writing Instruments, Auctions, Art, Charity


Montblanc, makers of fine pens with the famed "snow cap" motif (above), will auction off a series of celebrity portraits to benefit UNICEF in September. On Friday, May 8, they're hosting a benefit at Sotheby's in New York to announce the World Exhibition Tour of the photo project honoring the involvement of 12 great actresses and their efforts to "support UNICEF's fight against inadequate education and illiteracy". Sienna Miller, Eva Longoria, Christina Ricci, Emily Blunt, Marcia Cross, Andie MacDowell, Helen Hunt, Lauren Hutton, Milla Jovovich, Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon and Mira Sorvino are featured in a series of signed portraits by photographer Roger Moenks.

The portraits will be on display from May 6 - 13 at Sotheby's New York before traveling to London and then Los Angeles where they'll be auctioned off to benefit at a charity gala dinner on September 8th, International Literacy Day. Based on an original concept by Signature International, a cultural and artistic charitable initiative, each actress was photographed "portraying her favorite literary heroine in celebration of the art of writing." Each portrait will be presented to the winning bidder accompanied by a limited edition Montblanc writing instrument covered in the finest diamonds and sapphires.

[via JustLuxe]

Gucci's New UNICEF Collection

Filed under: Handbags, Charity, Big Givers

In its fourth collaboration with UNICEF, Gucci has designed a special bag as part of its Tattoo Hearts Collection. The handbag, a white leather shoulder bag with a heart-and-horse-bit-tattoo painted on, is Gucci's attempt to raise funds for the children's rights organization.

The company will donate 25% of all sales from the collection up until January 31, 2009.

[via Vogue UK]


Rihanna For Gucci and Unicef

Filed under: Charity

Singer Rihanna, shown here performing at the This Day Africa Rising concert in Abuja, Nigeria, has a new gig, starring in Gucci's first ad campaign for Unicef. Gucci does a holiday campaign with the children's charity each year, selling branded merchandise and donating a portion of the proceeds. This year's "Tattoo Heart" campaign will be out in December and will show Rihanna in the Gucci products, of which 25 percent of sales will go to Unicef. Rihanna also her own charity, The Believe Foundation, which also benefits children.

Super Vintage Weekend at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine, Auctions, Charity


The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts group has planned a "Super Vintage" wine auction weekend at the incredible Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Rioja, Spain in October. To celebrate 150 years of the region's famed wines, the culinary-themed weekend will culminate in a gala dinner and charity auction of local vintages conducted by Christie's - including the Riscal Superlot, a single lot consisting of 131 bottles dating back to 1862, proceeds from which will go to UNICEF. Details on the once-in-a-lifetime event, which will take place from Oct. 24-26, can be found here.

Drink 1 Give 10, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Charity, Charity of the Day


The Drink 1 Give 10 campaign is simple: for every liter of Volvic bottled water you drink 10 liters of clean drinking water will be provided to children in Africa. The campaign is a result of a collaboration between Volvic and UNICEF, and the money donated to UNICEF through Volvic will be used to build wells, educate the people, and help maintain clean water supplies -- because every child has the right to clean water.

If you don't have Volvic water available in your area you can also donate money to the cause directly.

UNICEF, Charity of the Day

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions, Charity of the Day

UNICEF is a well-known charitable organization that promotes the health and well-being of children with HIV and AIDS. And this season fashion house Moschino has collaborated with UNICEF and come up with a beautiful way to raise funds: The Love Clock.

It's a clear plexiglass "doll" with a bright red heart in the center where the clock hands are centered, and the design is the result of 70 Italian artists and designers gathering together in collaboration. The clock will go up for auction on December 18th at Sothebys and all proceeds will go to benefit UNICEF.

If you can't make the auction (or if you make it there but you lose the bidding) and you still want to support UNICEF you can do it any number of ways -- including through these darling seasonal cards.

Darjeeling Limited Louis Vuitton Luggage

Filed under: Handbags, Auctions, Charity


One of the stars of the new Wes Anderson movie doesn't even have a speaking part. It's the 11 pieces of distinctive Louis Vuitton luggage made specifically for the movie. The luggage was designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and includes monogrammed steamer trunks, duffels, and suitcases covered in a jungle pattern created by Anderson's brother, Eric. The luggage will be auctioned off with proceeds going to benefit UNICEF and the Rawal Mallinathji Foundation, a medical treatment charity in India. The luggage is on display at the Louis Vuitton store in New York and you can enter a silent bid for the pieces there.

Gucci Holiday Catalog 2006

Filed under: Handbags

It's Gucci Holiday catalog time yet again. Gucci rolls out some of their most charming products each fall for their partnership with UNICEF to help children in Africa affected by HIV/AIDS. This year, Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Connelly serves as the global representative of the project. The 15 products range from ornaments to purses designed with the Flora Joy print, to shoes, sparkling jewelry and the new limited edition platinum 'La Pelle Guccissima' as shown on the iPod nano case shown here which comes with a removable charm and sells for $445. Gucci will donate 20% of the sales from this holiday collection through December 31st, 2006 to UNICEF's programs.

Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Bond No. 9 is famous for their scents which celebrate New York neighborhoods but now they have taken on a global challenge by creating The Scent of Peace. The fragrance, which is unisex, has grapefruit and black currant notes with cedarwood and musk. The scent which launched this month costs $195 for the 3.4 ounce bottle and Bond No. 9 will donate $2 for every bottle that is purchased to UNICEF.  intriguing idea, but I wish they were throwing a little more than $2 in UNICEF's direction.

[via Seattle P-I]

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