Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Christie Brinkley Unloads Bad Luck Wedding Suit For A Good Cause]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/12/christie-brinkley-unloads-bad-luck-wedding-suit-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/12/christie-brinkley-unloads-bad-luck-wedding-suit-for-a-good-cause/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/12/christie-brinkley-unloads-bad-luck-wedding-suit-for-a-good-cause/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Christie Brinkley is the latest celebrity to auction off the contents of her closet for a good cause. She worked with Clothes Off Our Backs to auction off jewelry, shoes and clothing. Of particular interest is a little garment Brinkley would likely rather forget, the beautiful white Armani suit she wore at her marriage to Peter Cook. The fourth marriage didn't work out well for the former model but that didn't discourage a bidder from paying $775 for the suit. All proceeds went to the American Red Cross.

LuxistChristie Brinkley Unloads Bad Luck Wedding Suit For A Good Cause originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christie brinkleychristie brinkley divorcepeter cookFri, 12 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Morgan Freeman Wears Bespoke 46664 Bangle to the Oscars]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/morgan-freeman-wears-bespoke-46664-bangle-to-the-oscars/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/morgan-freeman-wears-bespoke-46664-bangle-to-the-oscars/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/morgan-freeman-wears-bespoke-46664-bangle-to-the-oscars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

46664 Bangles for Nelson Mandela Charity46664 Bangles are taking the fashion and celebrity scene by storm because not only are they interesting and stylish but they support a good cause -- like the luxury version of a plastic Live Strong bracelet. The precious metal bangles support the 46664 campaign, which is an African response to the global HIV/AIDs epidemic and gets its inspiration from the leadership of Nelson Mandela, and its name from Mandela's Robben Island prison number (466) and imprisonment year (1964).

The bangle program has received renewed interest and attention after Morgan Freeman, nominated for his portrayal of Mandela, wore his bespoke emerald and black diamond 46664 Bangle to the Oscars recently. He's rumored to never take it off but also says he'll be auctioning it off at some point to further support the cause. The bangles come in a range of prices from $23.95 for copper all the way up to $12,900 for the platinum model.

LuxistMorgan Freeman Wears Bespoke 46664 Bangle to the Oscars originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>46664 bangles46664Banglesbanglescharitymorgan freemanMorganFreemannelson mandelaNelsonMandelaThu, 11 Mar 2010 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Afghan Refugees to Benefit from 25CPW Art Auction]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/afghan-refugees-to-benefit-from-25cpw-art-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/afghan-refugees-to-benefit-from-25cpw-art-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/11/afghan-refugees-to-benefit-from-25cpw-art-auction/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The action at 25CPW has been nonstop. Following its successful show last week, featuring the artwork of guards from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the temporary art gallery on Manhattan's Upper West Side hosted a silent auction featuring the original creations of Afghan women and children. Several thousand dollars were raised at the event, which was organized by 25CPW guru Bess Greenberg and Brianne Leary, the driving force behind Saving Afghanistan and journalist who covered the Soviet/Afghan conflict through the 1980s. The financial result, says Leary, addresses an immediate need for specific refugees in transition.

The prices at the one-night auction were purposefully kept accessible, given the prevailing economic climate, says Leary, and the event was well-attended. Get the full story directly from Leary in the video below.

Gallery: Afghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPW

Afghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPWAfghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPWAfghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPWAfghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPWAfghan Art Auction: A night of art, food and music @ 25CPW


LuxistAfghan Refugees to Benefit from 25CPW Art Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25cpwafghanistanart galleriesArt GalleryartistArtistsartworkcharity auctionmanhattannew yorknew york cityUpper West SideThu, 11 Mar 2010 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Millionaire Pitches The Luxe Life For Charity]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/10/another-millionaire-pitches-the-luxe-life-for-charity/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/10/another-millionaire-pitches-the-luxe-life-for-charity/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/10/another-millionaire-pitches-the-luxe-life-for-charity/#commentsFiled under: , ,

finchingfield essex house
Can we call it a trend? Yet another millionaire has decided to ditch it all, selling his house and his businesses in order to move to Uganda and start a children's charity. The millionaire in question is England's Jon Pedley, an ex-convict who owns a telecommunications business. According to a story in the Daily Mail, Pedley's decision came after a near-fatal car crash in 2002 which led to a religious experience and eventually a turn toward charity.

His new charity, Uganda Vision, wants to send troubled British youth to Uganda to help support local children orphaned by AIDS and poverty. In order to fund his vision he is selling Justices Farmhouse, a 16th century former farmhouse in the village of Finchingfield in North West Essex. The home has five bedrooms. It is traditionally constructed with a timber frame with plastered elevations under a peg tiled roof believed to date back to the 16th century. In the back there is a garden with a terrace, lawns and shrubs and a large pond, with decking and a summer house and which probably originally formed part of a moat. It is listed with a guide price of £999,950.

Of his decision, Pedley tells the Daily Mail he's "never been more sure about anything in my life."


LuxistAnother Millionaire Pitches The Luxe Life For Charity originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityessexjon pedleymillionaireugandaWed, 10 Mar 2010 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Met Museum's Guards Show Don't Just Watch: They Paint, Too]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/08/met-museums-guards-show-dont-just-watch-they-paint-too/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/08/met-museums-guards-show-dont-just-watch-they-paint-too/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/08/met-museums-guards-show-dont-just-watch-they-paint-too/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Upper West Side of Manhattan was once again home to an exciting and unique art exhibition last week. 25CPW, a temporary art gallery occupying a vacant retail space on Central Park West hosted an art show for a unique group within the Metropolitan Museum of Art: the guards. It turns out that some of the people protecting the masterpieces on the other side of Central Park also like to create, and from what I saw on Thursday night, when I attended the opening, they are pretty damned good at it.

The Thursday night opening also included the launch of Sw!pe Magazine: Guards' Matter, an art journal that accompanied the exhibition.

On display were paintings, drawings, photographs and other pieces. The styles varied but were displayed intelligently, preventing contrasting styles from crowding each other and leaving each artist enough space for his work to stand out. Nelson Diaz, an artist and friend who attended the how with me, was as electrified as I was - both by the works on display and the energy in the 25CPW space.

You can view the NY Times photo gallery here.

The next 25CPW event is on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 night at 6:00 PM, when the Afghan Art Auction will be held to benefit the George Dritsas Anthropos Fund. The fund was created to help refugees in transition, so do find a way to open your wallet. The money raised will also be used to help the Afghan Women Council, which seeks to assist women and children inside Afghanistan.

From the inaugural event at 25CPW:

Gallery: 10 from 25: Emerging Artists using Photography

nullnull


LuxistMet Museum's Guards Show Don't Just Watch: They Paint, Too originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art exhibitart exhibitsart galleriesArt Galleryart showcentral parkcentral park westdrawingdrawingsmanhattanmetropolitanMetropolitanMuseumOfArtnew yorknew york citypaintingpaintingsUpper West SideMon, 08 Mar 2010 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Eat Like Elton John The Day After The Oscars]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/04/eat-like-elton-john-the-day-after-the-oscars/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/04/eat-like-elton-john-the-day-after-the-oscars/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/04/eat-like-elton-john-the-day-after-the-oscars/#commentsFiled under: ,

elton johnElton John's Academy Awards Viewing Party is an annual tradition and now, if you are willing to wait a day, you can dine like the celebrity attendees. This year marks the 18th year of the party for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the party is being catered by Crumble Catering. Crumble Catering is co-owned by Vermont Restaurant chef/owner Wayne Elias. The day after the Oscars, March 8, Vermont Restaurant in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles will serve a four-course menu with items served at the fete. The LA Times reports that the menu costs $45, with $5 of each order going to the Elton John Aids Foundation. The menu includes a spring vegetable compote with red pepper coulis and arugula pesto; risotto Carnaroli with saffron licorice and king prawns; Tagliata New York steak with candied green celery and Amarone wine sauce; and crispy milk chocolate bar with bitter chocolate glaze, meringue sticks and apricot. The official winery of the party, Sterling Wines is also offering a wine pairing for $25, with $5 going toward the Elton John Aids Foundation so you can get the full Oscar experience.

LuxistEat Like Elton John The Day After The Oscars originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy awards 2010AcademyAwards2010elton johnelton john academy awards partyelton john aids foundationEltonJohnEltonJohnAcademyAwardsPartyEltonJohnAidsFoundationOscars2010Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom Derby Hats to Benefit Retired Racehorses]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/02/custom-derby-hats-to-benefit-retired-racehorses/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/02/custom-derby-hats-to-benefit-retired-racehorses/http://www.luxist.com/2010/03/02/custom-derby-hats-to-benefit-retired-racehorses/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For some the first Saturday in May is all about the horses, and for others, the Kentucky Derby is all about the hats. There are very few occasions left in today's society where woman can wear incredible millinery creations that really bring back another era. For those who love both the hats and the horses, or are just in a philanthropic mood, it is not too late to support retired racehorses and be a recipient of a fantastic custom made hat to wear to the big day.

Maggie Mae Designs[TM] has teamed up with Old Friends to create a series of one-of-a-kind Derby hats inspired by specific retired racehorses. Old Friends is an equine farm that specializes in the rescue and retirement of pensioned Thoroughbreds. Many in the horse world were devastated by the death of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughterhouse in 2002. In an effort to ensure that this never happens again the organization focuses on bringing at-risk racehorses, whose active careers are over to experience the dignified retirement they deserve. The only retirement farm to accept stallions, Old Friends is committed to providing a great retirement for these amazing athletes. The farm is open to the public and hosts tours daily.

Gallery: Derby Hats

Bull Inthe Heather HatWill's Way HatBlack Tie AffairCommentator Hat

Continue reading Custom Derby Hats to Benefit Retired Racehorses

LuxistCustom Derby Hats to Benefit Retired Racehorses originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hatshorsehorseracingkentucky derbyKentuckyDerbyMaggie Mae DesignsMaggieMaeDesignsmillineryOld FriendsOldFriendsthoroughbredsTue, 02 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Joan Hornig's Help for Haiti Jewelry]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/26/joan-hornigs-help-for-haiti-jewelry/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/26/joan-hornigs-help-for-haiti-jewelry/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/26/joan-hornigs-help-for-haiti-jewelry/#commentsFiled under: ,

joan hornig jewelryWe've been a fan of Joan Hornig's cause-centric jewelry for a while. She uses what she calls the Philanthropy is Beautiful model which means that 100% of the profits on each piece go to charity. Her latest pieces for Help for Haiti will be donated to the Haitian relief charity of the purchaser's choice in his/her honor. The Joan B. Hornig Foundation lets the buyers determine where the money goes and which nonprofits receive funds. Hornig chose the symbolism of a wrench for the Haiti initiative, the wrench has a dual meaning, representing the heartwrenching situation in the earthquake-ravaged nation and the tools needed to repair and rebuild. The sterling silver 'working together' necklace features both an open and a closed wrench on a 24-inch sterling silver chain. It sells for $65.

LuxistJoan Hornig's Help for Haiti Jewelry originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cause jewelryCauseJewelryhelp for haitiHelpForHaitijoan hornigJoanHornigphilanthropy is beautifulPhilanthropyIsBeautifulFri, 26 Feb 2010 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Specials Fetching Big Bucks at Auction]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/first-naomi-for-haiti-lotus-specials-fetching-big-bucks-at-auc/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/first-naomi-for-haiti-lotus-specials-fetching-big-bucks-at-auc/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/first-naomi-for-haiti-lotus-specials-fetching-big-bucks-at-auc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A Lotus may seem like an exotic supercar, but the superlight British machines never approach the six-figure prices you'd expect from the likes of Ferrari or Lamborghini. But even that can change in the name of good will.

The first three examples of the special-edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evoras, created in conjunction with supermodel Naomi Campbell on which we reported recently, went up for auction during London Fashion Week, fetching prices in excess of GBP 300,000, or nearly $500,000 American. Campbell's boyfriend Vladimir Doronin got his hands on the first one. The remaining five examples are up for auction now at naomiforhaiti.com, with bidding ending on February 28.

LuxistFirst "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Specials Fetching Big Bucks at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncharitycharity auctionCharityAuctiondisaster reliefDisasterReliefevorahaitilondon fashion weekLondonFashionWeeklotuslotus evoralotus evora naomi for haitiLotusEvoraLotusEvoraNaomiForHaitinaomi campbellnaomi for haitiNaomiCampbellNaomiForHaitivladimir doroninVladimirDoroninTue, 23 Feb 2010 22:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Church May Sell Tiffany Window To Benefit Homeless Shelter]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/church-may-sell-tiffany-window-to-benefit-homeless-shelter/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/church-may-sell-tiffany-window-to-benefit-homeless-shelter/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/23/church-may-sell-tiffany-window-to-benefit-homeless-shelter/#commentsFiled under: ,

A church in Brattleboro, Vermont is hoping for a little divine intervention to keep from selling its prized possession, a stained-glass Tiffany window. The First Baptist Church in Brattleboro, Vermont operates a homeless shelter and the congregation voted to sell off the valuable window if it needs the funds in order to keep the shelter open.

A notice on the church website declares that the church has a mission to serve the needs of the homeless and that it does not want to sell the window if it can help it. The message goes on to define the church as The Homeless Warming Shelter of Brattleboro, Vermont. The shelter provides between 30 and 50 people with a warm place to sleep and a hot meal in the chilly months of December through March. An article in The Art Newspaper reports that small donations have arrived in the last couple of months since the vote to sell the window if necessary was announced. Money raised from the sale of the window would be used for winter heating bills, the homeless shelter and repairs to a leaky roof.

The window depicts St. John the Divine and is signed by Tiffany Studios. It was given in honor of Levi Knight Fuller who died in 1896. He was the former governor of Vermont from 1892-1894 and engineer and vice-president in the Estey Organ company of Brattleboro Vermont. The church has been offered $75,000 for the window but could bring $100,000-$120,000. Reverend Suzanne Andrews holds on to the hope that if it is God's will a donor will come forward to help the church keep the window.

LuxistChurch May Sell Tiffany Window To Benefit Homeless Shelter originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brattleborofirst baptist church of brattleboroFirstBaptistChurchOfBrattleborohomeless shelterHomelessSheltertiffany windowTiffanyWindowvermontTue, 23 Feb 2010 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[$2.2 Million Home To Be Auctioned Off In Special Olympics Fundraiser]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/20/2-2-million-home-to-be-auctioned-off-in-special-olympics-fundra/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/20/2-2-million-home-to-be-auctioned-off-in-special-olympics-fundra/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/20/2-2-million-home-to-be-auctioned-off-in-special-olympics-fundra/#commentsFiled under: ,


A $2.2 million home in Studio City, California can be yours for the price of a $150 raffle ticket. Special Olympics Southern California is raffling off the home as part of a fundraising campaign. The home is a newly built five-bedroom Mediterranean home that has a four car garage, gourmet kitchen, wet bar, master suite and city views. The winner can also opt for a cash payout of $1.5 million. The net proceeds from the raffle will benefit the more than 13,000 Special Olympics athletes in Southern California.

Other prices include cash payouts of $25,000, $10,000, $5,000, $2,000 as well as smaller prizes of $1,000, $500 and $300--a total of 350 prizes. If all tickets are sold the odds of winning the Grand Prize are 1 in 35,000 and the odds of winning a prize of $300 or more are at least 1 in 100. The grand prize drawing will be held on June 13 at the Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games at California State University, Long Beach. Prize winners do not need to be present to receive their prize. Tickets cannot be bought online but the raffle website has complete purchase information.

Luxist$2.2 Million Home To Be Auctioned Off In Special Olympics Fundraiser originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charity raffleCharityRafflehouse raffleHouseRafflespecial olympicsSpecialOlympicsSat, 20 Feb 2010 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Uptown Cigars Donates to the Troops]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/17/uptown-cigars-donates-to-the-troops/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/17/uptown-cigars-donates-to-the-troops/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/17/uptown-cigars-donates-to-the-troops/#commentsFiled under: ,


Philanthropy and the brotherhood of the leaf have converged upon Upton Cigar, in Kingston, New York. Many cigar companies and shops have donated sticks to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. While Cigars for Soldiers has done a considerable amount of heavy lifting in this regard, there are lots of local efforts that are making a profound difference in the lives of people who have made the sacrifices associated with serving their country.

At Uptown Cigar, what started small has grown quickly. According to Israel Markevitz, the store's manager, word of mouth has been the major driver. The occasional customer would buy a box to ship overseas (the shop pays for that part). Before long, Markevitz was sending more than five boxes a week, ensuring that virtually every soldier who makes a request has it as quickly as possible.

Needless to say, the practice caught on. Now, Uptown Cigar ships five boxes a week or more to military personnel serving in combat, if only to thank them for their service and make their lives a little easier. Learn a bit more about this practice from the video below.

LuxistUptown Cigars Donates to the Troops originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cigarcigar shopcigarsCigarShopphilanthropysoldiersWed, 17 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Lotus and Naomi Campbell Team Up for Haiti Relief]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/15/lotus-and-naomi-campbell-team-up-for-haiti-relief/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/15/lotus-and-naomi-campbell-team-up-for-haiti-relief/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/15/lotus-and-naomi-campbell-team-up-for-haiti-relief/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Lotus isn't the first to pitch in for the relief efforts in Haiti. And godwilling, it won't be the last. But it is the latest, and every bit helps. The British sportscar-maker has teamed up with supermodel Naomi Campbell for a limited run of special Evora sportscars that will be auctioned off, with proceeds going towards relief on the disaster-struck Caribbean island.

Each of the eight examples of the "Naomi for Haiti" edition Lotus Evora gets a special paintjob designed by Campbell and Lotus, bearing the Haitian flag, coupled with a special interior and all the options. The first example will be auctioned off live during London Fashion Week, with the seven remaining examples up for grabs at naomiforhaiti.com.

Gallery: Lotus Evora "Naomi for Haiti"

LuxistLotus and Naomi Campbell Team Up for Haiti Relief originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campbelldisaster reliefDisasterReliefevorahaitihaiti reliefHaitiAidHaitiEarthquakeHaitiRelieflotuslotus evoraLotusEvoranaominaomi campbellnaomi for haitiNaomiCampbellNaomiForHaitiMon, 15 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Chopin to Auction World's Largest Bottle of Vodka, Signed by Celebs]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/12/chopin-to-auction-worlds-largest-bottle-of-vodka-signed-by-cel/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/12/chopin-to-auction-worlds-largest-bottle-of-vodka-signed-by-cel/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/12/chopin-to-auction-worlds-largest-bottle-of-vodka-signed-by-cel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chopin, the small-batch ultra-premium potato vodka from Poland named in honor of the famed composer, has created the world's largest bottle of vodka to be signed by celebs and auctioned off for charity. The 200-liter behemoth, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Polish composer's birth, was just unveiled at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) where Sandra Bullock (above) was the first to affix her signature. Bullock won the Festival's American Riviera Award, presented by Chopin and established to recognize an actor who has had a strong influence on American cinema. Past recipients include Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee Jones and Forest Whitaker. The signed 200-liter bottle will now tour the U.S. and then be auctioned off with proceeds going to The GRAMMY Foundation's Music Preservation Project. The lucky winner will get to have one hell of a party.

LuxistChopin to Auction World's Largest Bottle of Vodka, Signed by Celebs originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChopinFrederic ChopinFredericChopinPolandSandra BullockSandraBullockSanta BarbaraSantaBarbaravodkaFri, 12 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Oprah Winfrey's Closet Going on eBay Again]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/11/oprah-winfreys-closet-going-on-ebay-again/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/11/oprah-winfreys-closet-going-on-ebay-again/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/11/oprah-winfreys-closet-going-on-ebay-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you are one of the world's richest women your closet fills up pretty quickly. Oprah WInfrey has cleaned out her closet several times and auctioned off the proceeds on eBay before. She also sold her cast-offs at the Oprah store in Chicago. Well, she's at it again. The NY Post reports that Oprah enlisted O magazine creative director Adam Glassman to help her select 150 items to auction on eBay starting March 1. Oprah's treasures include a Bottega Veneta bag, designer shoes and clothing. Those interested in Oprah's hand-me-downs should known that she's a size 9 shoe and that her clothing sizes usually run from 10 to size 14 (like the purple Carolina Herrera dress she's auctioning off). The proceeds will benefit the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Gallery: Celebrity Auctions

KenzoJulian SchnabelKim Kardashian's BelongingsScarlett Johansson's TissueLunch with T Boone Pickens

LuxistOprah Winfrey's Closet Going on eBay Again originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionebayoprah winfrey leadership academyOprahWinfreyLeadershipAcademyoprahy winfreyOprahyWinfreyThu, 11 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Estate: A Cigar Company's Take on Corporate Social Responsibility]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/09/drew-estate-a-cigar-companys-take-on-corporate-social-responsi/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/09/drew-estate-a-cigar-companys-take-on-corporate-social-responsi/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/09/drew-estate-a-cigar-companys-take-on-corporate-social-responsi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When you think about corporate social responsibility - i.e., good corporate citizenship - the cigar industry probably isn't the first that comes to mind. The cigar business is small and only appeals to a handful of customers. Though I've been a cigar smoker for close to 15 years and was a consumer business strategist for a major consulting firm, I'd never thought about the possibility of corporate social responsibility in the cigar world - it jest never occurred to me.

While I was walking the Drew Estate factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, though, I began to hear the cues that signal an effort to be a valuable member of the community. The company - which produces the Acid and Java cigar lines, along with newer products such as the T9 and T52 - pays twice the region's prevailing wage for its positions. There are healthcare facilities on the premises. Wood for cigar boxes comes only from approved sources with environmentally friendly practices, and the company makes it a point to hire people with disabilities.

Jonathan Drew, one of the company's owners, spoke with me at length about Drew Estate's commitment to the surrounding community, which involves several measures intended to benefit not just the factory's employees but the people of Esteli.

While the holiday celebrations that involve the entire neighborhood, healthcare for employees and pregnancy leave are prominent aspects of Drew's informal philosophy of corporate social responsibility, I was struck by two rather unusual aspects: food and art.

Gallery: Drew Estate Cigar Factory

Cigar Safari: the resort section of Drew EstateMural at Cigar Safari, Drew EstateCigar Safari: The resort section of Drew EstateCigar Safari: The resort section of Drew EstateCigar Safari, Drew Estate


Continue reading Drew Estate: A Cigar Company's Take on Corporate Social Responsibility

LuxistDrew Estate: A Cigar Company's Take on Corporate Social Responsibility originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acidcigarcigarsCorporate Social ResponsibilityCorporateSocialResponsibilitydrew estateDrewEstateestelihealtcarenicaraguaNicaraguanCigarsTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Scarlett Johansson Designs Handbag for Haiti Relief]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/scarlett-johansson-designs-handbag-for-haiti-relief/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/scarlett-johansson-designs-handbag-for-haiti-relief/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/08/scarlett-johansson-designs-handbag-for-haiti-relief/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Scarlett Johansson Designs Handbag for Haiti ReliefScarlett Johansson is the new face of Mango and has helped design an exclusive handbag to go on sale in more than 1,390 Mango stores worldwide in March. All profits from the Haiti Handbag will be donated to Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake Response Fund.

The tote is emblazoned with an ancient map of the Caribbean country, with the message "Supporting the People of Haiti" written and signed by Johansson.

"I'm thrilled to be collaborating with Mango to benefit Oxfam. By purchasing this bag, you're helping to provide life-saving assistance, like clean water, to the people of Haiti," Johansson said. Recently Johansson auctioned an evening of her company to four fans to help benefit the relief effort as well.

The Haiti Handbag will retail for £16.90 (about $26.50 USD).


LuxistScarlett Johansson Designs Handbag for Haiti Relief originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrity designcelebrity designersCelebrityDesignCelebrityDesignerscharityHaitiMangoScarlett JohanssonScarlettJohanssonMon, 08 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Miley Cyrus Plans Auction For Haiti]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/07/miley-cyrus-plans-auction-for-haiti/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/07/miley-cyrus-plans-auction-for-haiti/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/07/miley-cyrus-plans-auction-for-haiti/#commentsFiled under: ,

Miley Cyrus is doing her part for Haiti earthquake relief with an auction that starts tomorrow. The auction on eBay includes many donations from her celebrity friends. Britney Spears has donated the Versace dress she wore during her much celebrated return to glamour at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. Nicole Ritchie will contribute a few pieces from her House of Harlow jewelry line. Miley herself is giving the Herve Leger dress she wore to the Grammy Awards this year as well as a pair of tickets to the premiere of her new movie, "The Last Song." All proceeds will support the Red Cross's efforts in Haiti as the Caribbean nation continues to recover from last month's devastating earthquakes.

Following the Hope for Haiti telethon, donations have continued to roll in from the rich and famous. Check out a few of the big givers in the gallery below.

Gallery: Haiti's Big Givers

Tyler PerryGeorge ClooneyJennifer AnistonTed TurnerLeonardo DiCaprio

Continue reading Miley Cyrus Plans Auction For Haiti

LuxistMiley Cyrus Plans Auction For Haiti originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haitiHaiti aidhaiti earthquakehaiti reliefHaitiAidHaitiEarthquakeHaitiReliefmiley cyrusMileyCyrusSun, 07 Feb 2010 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Naples Wine Auction Numbers Back Up]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/naples-wine-auction-numbers-back-up/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/naples-wine-auction-numbers-back-up/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/naples-wine-auction-numbers-back-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last year the results of the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida showed an economy where even the wealthiest patrons were slow to open their wallets. The results of this year's auction are a little more uplifting. The Naples News reports that the Naples Winter Wine Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort at Tiburon in North Naples raised a preliminary total of $8.06 million for children's charities in Collier County. That's around $3 million more than last year's total and the overall mood appears to have been far brighter with reports of an energetic room and even a few bidding wars. It's not as high as the previous years when $14 and nearly $16 million results were seen but it is a step in the right direction.

Many lots sold for over six figures including a four-day trip to Manhattan for two couples with the best seats in the best restaurants, Yankee Stadium and live tapings of television shows which went for $170,000. A 14-night voyage aboard The World for two couples sold for $160,000. Two couples will be hosted by jewelry company Chopard at the Cannes Film festival in a lot that sold for $160,000. A ten-day South African odyssey for two couples through the country's premier wine regions and landscapes sold for $340,000. One woman paid $130,000 for a lot that is topped by a dinner with Robert Redford. A lot that featured a Michael Kors makeover and a trip to the Project Runway finale fetched $150,000.

And of course there were many large wine auction lots including a 2003 Chateau Lynch-Bages presented in a rare double magnum and two nights for two couples at Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac, France that sold for $170,000. A lot of 30 wines from Burgundy sold for $100,000. And someone really likes the monster bottles, a lot that included four mammoth 9-liter Salmanazars, one each of 2005 Chateau Haut-Brion, 2005 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion and two 9-liter bottles of the 2009 vintage sold for $150,000.

LuxistNaples Wine Auction Numbers Back Up originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naples wine festivalnaples winter wine festivalNaplesWineFestivalNaplesWinterWineFestivalwine auctionwine auctionsWineAuctionWineAuctionsMon, 01 Feb 2010 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Changing the World Through Art: Christie's Time In Benefit]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/changing-the-world-through-art-christies-time-in-benefit/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/changing-the-world-through-art-christies-time-in-benefit/http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/changing-the-world-through-art-christies-time-in-benefit/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Liya Alfred by Brian Alfred

Christie's own New York gallery outpost Haunch of Venison is hosting a special benefit Monday night for The Time In Children's Arts Initiative, a HiArt! outreach program that is dedicated to bringing arts-inspired curriculum to at-risk schoolkids.

Galleries all over the city and individual artists have donated special works and experience packages to the auction to raise much needed funds, as schools across the city continue to cut their art budgets. Time In has spent the last year immersing Harlem kindergarteners and first graders in art, including gifting them with art supplies to sketch in HiArt! studios or in museums and galleries across the city. It's an inspiring new program that is set to grow exponentially with a little help from New York art patrons.

Continue reading Changing the World Through Art: Christie's Time In Benefit

LuxistChanging the World Through Art: Christie's Time In Benefit originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artauctionbrian alfredBrianAlfredcharity buzzCharityBuzzchristiesharlemhaunch of venisonHaunchOfVenisonhugh jackmanHughJackmanMon, 01 Feb 2010 16:01:00 EST