Montblanc “Signature For Good” 2013

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Yesterday, the day before the Oscars, I attended the Montblanc Charity Brunch at the iconic Bel-Air HotelDuring the event the German house’s “Signature For Good” 2013 collection was presented which aims to raise at least $1.5 million dollars to support UNICEF education programmes worldwide.

Hilary_Swank_Sandra_bauknechtHilary Swank with me yesterday

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank was the star guest among many celebrities who arrived on the red carpet. To support this good cause, the brunette actress joined the project and travelled to Ethiopia. Here are some impressions she shared during yesterday’s interview.

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What can you share about Montblanc and UNICEFʼs partnership?

What struck me about Montblancʼs relationship with UNICEF was this shared belief in the importance of quality education for all children, regardless of their situation and location. Seeing in person how Montblanc is so committed to this issue in Ethiopia and how UNICEFʼs programmes are making a difference was also very touching to me, knowing that this commitment is not short term. They have been working closely with the organization for nearly a decade and committed to do doing so in the long-term because when it comes to this kind of work, it is the only way you can really make an impact and end the cycle of poverty.

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What will your most enduring memory from this visit be?

I will always remember the enthusiasm and warmth of the children but also the determination and dedication of the UNICEF staff on the ground. One special memory is the children who were part of the Gender Club, an educational group that promotes 4 gender equality for boys and girls, showing them what to do if they have been abused, violated in any way and what their rights are. It empowers these kids to figure out how to get to school, find the closest water well. Itʼs all about putting their minds together to find solutions to their every day challenges. It is inspiring to me, to see young people helping out with these programmes, striving to only to improve their own situation, but helping others around them enjoy better lives. These kids were so special to me, and I will carry their spirits and their smiles in my heart forever.

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Writing by hand seems to be less and less common in the developed world, do you every worry about it?

Our society relies far too much on emails, text messages and other forms of digital communication, yet the written word can be so much more meaningful. Because handwriting is unique and personal to each and every one of us, it adds a special touch to the messages we share. Montblanc does a wonderful job at reminding us what a unique experience writing by hand can be, particularly if you have the right instrument to shape your thoughts and emotions with. Call me old-fashioned, but I love to receive a handwritten note from a friend or loved one.

MDL_MONTBLANCETHIOPIA183CEO Montblanc International, Lutz Bethge, during the field trip in Ethiopia

The 2013 Montblanc “Signature For Good” collection includes special edition writing instruments, jewlery pieces and leather accessories.

All feature a unique brick design that symbolizes the joint effort of building a better future for all children and their communities, through the creation of proper education programmes and the constructions of schools – brick by brick. Parts of the proceeds raised from the sale will be donated to UNICEF to build and maintain schools for underprivileged children within its Schools for Africa, Asia and Latin America programmes.

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Montblanc “Signature For Good” Bracelets

Montblanc_Signature_for_good_Writing_familyMontblanc “Signature For Good” Writing Instruments

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Montblanc “Signature For Good” Leather Family
The collection will be in stores in March 2013.

To ensure all children have access to a proper education to learn how to read and to write is such a great cause worth supporting. Since 2004, Montblanc has raised over $5 million dollars for UNICEFʼs education programmes worldwide. Thumbs up!

Stay tuned for a detailed post from the event!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Start of the Pug Dogs for Happy Kids Auction

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Do you remember LUISAVIAROMA’s charity projectPug Dogs for Happy Kids” that I presented to you last January? You can click here for the previous post.

Twenty one pug dogs were customized exclusively for LuisaViaRoma by a selection of the most prominent international luxury fashion designers and bloggers were asked to adopt one of those little soft toys.

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As you know, I adopted the Emilio Pucci pug dog.

Finally the pug dogs are to be auctioned off starting March 19th for UNICEF in support of children in Bangladesh on eBay. For more information on how to bet, please click here.

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Happy auctioning for a good cause and a big thank you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Pug Dogs for Happy Kids

Pug Dogs for Happy Kids

Let me introduce you to LUISAVIAROMA.COM‘s charity project “PUG DOGS FOR HAPPY KIDS” an exclusive one of a kind edition of 20 pug dogs, produced by Steiff, the German leader in the production of handmade plush toys & collectables.
Each piece is customized by a selection of the most prominent international fashion designers.

All proceeds generated from the sales will be donated to UNICEF to support disadvantaged children.

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For the 4th Edition of Firenze4Ever Luisa Via Roma has asked each fashion blogger to “Adopt a Pug” for UNICEF. It was pretty tough to decide which one to take as designers such as Balmain, Emilio Pucci, Giambattista Valli, Mary Katrantzou & many more have come up with some pretty amazing pieces.

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Curious which one I have chosen? Let me tell you that much: I was fighting with Bryan Boy over the Mary Katrantzou one and he was winning, haha. So I went for another one that I have truly fallen in love with. Stay tuned for the upcoming unique photo shoot with my little puppy.

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The toys will be on display in store throughout the following Pitti week and will subsequently be available online.

LoL, Sandra

IMG_6522Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Women of Compassion Luncheon in LA

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Camille Belle, Mary J Blige, Marc Anthony, Frida Giannini and Jennifer Lopez

Yesterday, many celebrities attended the first annual UNICEF Women of Compassion Luncheon held at the private residence of Colleen & Bradley Bell in Los Angeles.
Jennifer Lopez honoured Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini for her support to protect children worldwide with the “Women of Compassion” award. So it was no wonder that all the ladies wore Gucci to the event.

Please enjoy the photos and below you will find the list of Hollywood’s must-haves.

LoL, Sandra

 

Beautiful actress Camille Belle

The 24-year-old From Prada to Nada star Camille Belle looked so beautiful in Gucci. I loved her make-up. She looked so radiant.

Singer Mary J. Blige in a nude sleeveless crêpe viscose jersey Gucci dress with ruffle-front detailing.

Singer Mary J. Blige in a nude sleeveless crêpe viscose jersey dress with ruffle-front detailing and 'Inga' botties, all by Gucci.

Marc Anthony with his wife Jennifer Lopez who rocked a black georgette satin blouse, a bright green cotton duchesse skirt styled with a gold color laminated python belt with gold color leather trim and ‘Kelis’ black suede with gold color laminated python strap sandals, all by Gucci.

Marc Anthony with his wife Jennifer Lopez who rocked a black georgette satin blouse, a bright green cotton duchesse skirt styled with a gold color laminated python belt, ‘Kelis’ platform sandals and 'Malika' python bag in gold, all by Gucci.

Jennifer Lopez had fun onstage giving a speech to honour Frida Giannini.

Jennifer Lopez had fun onstage honouring Frida Giannini.

Jennifer Lopez with Frida Giannini in a black Gucci dress and black 'Inga' booties.

Jennifer Lopez with Frida Giannini with her award in a black Gucci dress and black 'Inga' booties. Photos: ©Getty Images

Here is your shopping list, for further information, please visit the Gucci homepage:

Jennifer Lopez wore one of my favourite outfits from Gucci S/S 2011

Gucci S/S 2011

00050m

00060m


'Malika' evening bag with woven leather tassels, $1900

'Malika' evening bag with woven leather tassels, $1900

Gold

Gold

Viloet Blue

Blue

Orange

Orange






'Kelis' high heel platform sandals with ankle strap, starting at $795

'Kelis' high heel platform sandals with ankle strap, starting at $795

Black

Black

Orange python leather

Orange python leather

Turquoise

Turquoise





'Inga' highe heel open toe booties, $940

'Inga' high heel open toe booties, $940

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Cream

Beige