Compassionate Fashion - Gucci & UNICEF

By Lorna 

Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini will be honoured on February 11th 2011 at UNICEF's annual Women of Compassion luncheon. Jennifer Lopez will present the award with honorary chairwomen Rihanna and Mary J Blige.

Under Frida Giannini's direction, Gucci has committed over $9million to UNICEF to support UNICEF orphans and children affected by AIDS in Africa, where over 11 million children have lost one or both parents to the disease. This has been achieved through various special projects and commissioned exclusive design pieces for Gucci to retail. The most recent of these projects was a special edition Sukey bag which has been stocked in Gucci stores in 20 countries with 25% of the retail price donated.

"Gucci's ongoing commitment is helping UNICEF and our partners reach our goal of benefiting 4 million children through the Schools for Africa campaign."

"For most of Africa's children, particularly orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS, education represents a way out of a life of entrenched poverty,” said Nichole Brown, UNICEF Chief of Corporate and Foundation Fundraising. “By providing children with access to a quality education in a safe and protective environment, we are building better lives for not only these children, but future generations as well."

When you look at the problems people face all over the world, it is easy to feel helpless. That is why these Women of Compassion awards are so important; they are inspiration to the likes of women (and men) in industries everywhere that it is possible to make a difference and improve our world for the better, congratulations Frida!  

Find more info on the Gucci and UNICEF partnership, at Gucci or UNICEF

Ethical Designer May Cortazzi shortlisted for UK Fashion Entrepreneur 2010!

By Lorna

Exciting Eco Fashion news!!!

Ethical designer May Cortazzi (previously featured here!) has been shortlisted as a finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur Awards 2010. The shortlist of five was announced at a ceremony at London Fashion Week, selected by Paul Alger, of UK Fashion Exports, Maurice Mullen, Head of fashion at Evening Standard, legendary designer Anne Tyrell and Sarah Mower, the ambassador for Emerging talent at The British Fashion Council.

The shortlist was selected after 12 finalists presented their thoughts and ideas of developing the fashion industry in the UK. Finalists will visit Indonesia in March, on a tour that aims to provide a ‘short hand’ of the industry with the chance to meet industry leaders as well as peers, to understand how business is done there. This is an amazing opportunity for talented individuals to increase their international networks and gain valuable insights.

May is the founder of ethical fashion label Regenerate Clothing, director of fashion at Shop (based in Nottingham) and an ethical fashion campaigner and mentor.
She comments on the news,

"I am thrilled to be on the Shortlist. I feel honored and extremely lucky that I have this opportunity to expand our networks for Regenerate Clothing and Shop both nationally through the Young Creative Entrepreneurs Network and Internationally! I am really looking forward to travelling to Indonesia with The British Council and understanding more about art and fashion culture out there, and hopefully will be able to build some life long business relationships."

This award champions those who are passionate about fashion, innovators looking for entrepreneurial ways to move the UK fashion industry forward and looking to broaden their international business opportunities build network.

For more information on May Cortazzi please visit:-www.regenerateclothing.com

http://www.viewtheshop.co.uk/