Donna Karan's fashion line DKNY is celebrating its 20th anniversary in traditional fashion, with a bottle of bubbly. Or many bottles in this case, the brand is working with Napa winery Chandon to create a DKNY sparkling wine which will have a special bottle design and will be available at the Chandon winery in Napa and on Chandon.com, as well as being given to guests attending the spring/summer 2009 runway show in New York.

The main focus of the American Express Publishing Luxury Summit this year was exploring the changing world of philanthropy. Luxury and philanthropy are a natural match but some companies are scrambling to show that they are doing their part for the greater good. The good news is that some are having a lot of fun doing it. If I learned anything this week regarding the new philanthropy it is that is has to be compelling and interesting for the companies and people involved. The start of the discussion on the new philanthropy was led by Lisa Gabor, the editor of the magazine just for American Express's ultra-wealthy Centurion card holders, Black Ink, Barbara Banke, who is the co-proprietor of Jackson Family wines and has also turned her talents to horse racing and Marjorie Federbush, President, Strategies and Synergies.

Philanthropy in the modern age is high-impact, hands-on and results-oriented. People are using philanthropy to continue personal and professional interests. Making it a way to explore hobbies or indulge at the same time as doing something for the greater good is one of the most popular ways to give, this is one of the reasons wine auctions and festivals work so well. The wineries and brands get visibility, the donors get a great time and the charities reap the benefits.

Donna Karan is doing a little spring cleaning, which means a huge warehouse sale of all kinds of things she's been hoarding over the years. The sale will take place on March 13th and 14th in New York City at the Stephen Weiss Studio, and profits from the 2,000+ items will support different charities through Donna Karan's Urban Zen program.

In addition to all kinds of shoes, handbags, jewelry, and couture gowns Karan has decided to sell a black and white gown worn by Barbara Streisand, several vintage pieces she found inspiring, and a few creations from her first collection. She was quoted as saying things were "out of control" and that she plans to clear some things out on a yearly basis from now on.

It seems a bit odd to call designer outfits "costumes," but once they have been used on film that is what they become. There are several pieces from the movie The Devil Wears Prada up for auction on eBay to benefit the nonprofit group "Dress for Success," which helps economically disadvantaged women start on the road to success by preparing them for interviews and other career opportunities. This Donna Karan two-piece crepe suit was worn by Meryl Streep/"Miranda" in the film. No size is indicated and it comes with a certificate of authenticity. The current bid price is over $500, but the auction doesn't close until July 3rd, so there is plenty of time for that number to go higher. And, for a good cause, why not?

An alternative source for movie merchandise is the Devil Wears Prada boutique that Deidre mentioned a few days ago. 

The COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri is a unique retreat in Bali that focuses on the holistic experience. A quick look at their advisory board which includes yoga master Rodney Yee, designer Donna Karan, Ayurvedic specialist Robert Svoboda and noted Buddhist (and Uma's dad) Robert Thurman lets you know this is no ordinary place.  The resort strives to offer a deeper experience and provides a variety of health professionals including a nutritionist, a naturopath and a physiotherapist. The menu focuses on fresh organic cuisine and the accommodations are in villas. Rodney Yee will lead his first  yoga retreat week at The Estate from 22nd to 28th June 2006. During this retreat will lead five hours of yoga practice daily and he will also be available to guests to answer questions regarding yoga practice. Prices start at $2299 for six nights accommodation, daily brunch on yoga days, a welcome and farewell dinner and a one-hour COMO Shambhala or Indonesian Massage.

[via eTravel Blackboard]