Gucci for UNICEF special edition Sukey bag

-

To mark the 6th year of the Gucci partnership with UNICEF, Gucci is offering this sophisticated Sukey bag from April 2010 through February 2011.  The luxury firm will donate 25% of its proceeds from the special edition Sukey bag to UNICEF.

“From a distance, Miteme Junior Primary School look slike a marketplace with vendors in school uniform.  On close inspection, one realizes this is a school without a single classroom.  Classes one to five are all held under trees; only class five has desks.”  As reporter Kusali Kubwalo writes for UNESCO, Kusali paints a poignant picture of the inadequacy of educational infrastructure in Lilongwe, Malawi.  This perspective is representative of many education systems in Africa, reflecting on my visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2007, nearly 70 students are crammed into a classroom that would normally seat 30 according to Western standards.

The funds raised will benefit UNICEF’s ‘Schools for Africa’ programs in Malawi and Mozambique, where children are not only deprived of education opportunities, nearly one million of them have lost their parents by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Sukey bag is designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini who also named it “La Pelle Guccissima.”  The bag is derived from a classic Gucci design adorned with its iconic monogram.  The elegant grey is both sophisticated and versatile, whether you sport it as arm candy, or wardrobe essential, the Sukey is appropriate for all four  seasons.

-

-

The best part of owning this timeless luxury? 10% of the proceeds are donated to UNICEF – United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund – which is the world’s leading non-profit for children, with programs in over 190 countries.

The Signature for Good collection is just another example of the Swiss companies tradition of giving back.  They have also created a sterling silver pendant for Jewelers for Children and gold bangles for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Gucci's Babouska tote for UNICEF, $1,395 - 25% goes to UNICEF

Since 2005 and every year since, Gucci has designed a special collection to benefit UNICEF with 25% of sales from these collections sold in Gucci stores or online going to the non-profit. Between the products, celebrity ambassadors and auctions, the Italian fashion house has done a tremendous job in supporting and publicizing UNICEF’s worthy causes.

Founded in 1946 in response to the desolation caused by WWII, UNICEF – United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund – is the world’s leading advocate for children, with programs in over 190 countries.

Focusing on practical ways to alleviate the symptoms of poverty and devastion, UNICEF works to secure children’s universal human rights as outlined by the UN.

This year (Feb ’09 – Jan ’10) Frida Giannini has designed the Babouska tote featuring Gucci’s signature logo fabric, studded hardware and heart-shaped crest charm. 25% of the sales will be donated to support UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” program in Malawi and Mozambique (both in southeastern Africa bordering the Indian Ocean), where over one million children have been orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“Schools for Africa” is an initiative between UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Hamburg Society whose aim is to promote education for children – focusing the most on those living in extreme poverty.

During the course of its partnership with UNICEF, Gucci has donated over $5M to the organization. For more information on Gucci’s commitment to UNICEF, visit www.gucci.com/unicef

The 2008 initiative featured Rihanna and the Tattoo Heart collection

Bracelets, $235-$13,500 proceeds go to Nelson Mandela's AIDS Foundation

MONTBLANC has agreed to be one of the key retailers to sell this bangle to honor Nelson Mandela’s efforts to prevent the spread of HIV AIDS in South Africa and to support those suffering with the disease.

Bangles come in silver ($235),  gold ($5,900) and platinum ($13,500) and are inscribed with the number 46664 – Mandela’s prisoner number when he was jailed 27 years for leading the liberation movement against apartheid.  The bangles also feature a 3-D imprint of Mandela’s left hand.

The 46664 bangles are made with South African precious metals and hand finished by skilled craftsmen, who have been infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Each bracelet box was made by South African mothers who have never before held jobs.

Proceeds from the sale of these bracelets go toward the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the 46664 AIDS Awareness Campaign.  All bangles are individually numbered and purchasers can authenticate and register their bracelet online to track how their dollars are being used and learn more about the person who made their new jewelry.

To learn more, go to www.bangles.46664.com.