Gucci introduces charity bracelet in aid of relief efforts in Japan

Gucci has introduced a limited edition charity bracelet to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan. All proceeds from sales of the bracelet will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society to support victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March.

Featuring a white-red-white web that recalls the colors of the Japanese flag, the bracelet carries a medal with a message that reads, “Gucci loves you”. Detailing includes non-allergenic white Calf leather on the lining and trim as well as a buckle in the shape of the House’s iconic horsebit. The charity bracelet is now available in Gucci stores throughout Japan, followed by worldwide distribution in Gucci flagship stores across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The donation of all sales proceeds reinforces Gucci’s ongoing commitment to support recovery efforts in Japan. Gucci has contributed - along with its fellow brands from the PPR Luxury Group - to the collective €2million donation to the Red Cross raised by PPR.

Gucci introduces new interactive feature

Gucci has today announced the launch of a new interactive feature, the Children’s Collection Playground, which allows users to dress up virtual dolls, interacting with products from the new Gucci Children's collection. Available under the iPhone/iPad Exclusive section of the Gucci App, this new addition coincides with the debut of Gucci’s first children’s collection designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini. In addition to the Gucci Children’s Collection Playground, the updated December Gucci App also includes content on Gucci Eyewear, new videos and video sharing, and user interface enhancements for iPad users.

The recently launched children's collection is divided into two age ranges from 0 - 2 years and 2 - 8 years and is available in selected Gucci directly operated stores, department and specialty stores. The collection comprises apparel, shoes, small leather goods, footwear and selected accessories, including jewellery, sunglasses, scarves and blankets. The Gucci App is available free at www.gucci.com/iphoneapp

Gucci and Jay-Z reveal fashion collaboration to coincide with his new book

Gucci has partnered with Jay-Z on the release of his first book, Decoded - Jay-Z’s story of the hidden meanings behind his songs and his journey through the hip hop experience. The partnership is part of a collaboration between the rapper and internet search engine Bing to expose the book in a unique way before its official release on 16 November. The Bing interactive experience (www.bing.com/Jay-Z) enables people to decode the 36 songs in the book with clues leading to locations that have inspired lyrics in Miami, New York, London, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Clues will be distributed on Jay-Z’s Facebook and Twitter pages, Jay-Z.com and Bing. Yesterday (11 November) Gucci revealed one of three hundred Decoded pages in its 5th Avenue flagship store. The page is printed on the lining of a Gucci one-of-a-kind leather bomber jacket designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Jay-Z. Once the jacket is discovered at Gucci, fans are instructed to text in a code found at the location and are encouraged to upload an image of the decoded page. Any player who locates a page online or in-person is entered into a draw to win the page they have located, signed by the man himself.

Gucci launches limited edition GRAMMY collaboration

Gucci Timepieces and Jewellery has announced its partnership with The Recording Academy, hosts of the GRAMMY Awards, and is launching a special edition watch and jewellery collection, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. The new range includes Gucci's first-ever digital timepiece, the I-GUCCI. This has a broad watch face that changes from a two-time zone dial in large digits to a streamlined version that features two discreet digital hands revealing local time. Its large, double-layout digital display houses a tag celebrating the GRAMMY partnership. The yellow PVD stainless-steel case is complemented by a black or white rubber strap that sports both the GRAMMY and Gucci logos. Again emphasizing the partnership, the case back features the GRAMMY Awards special edition label. Precious versions of the I-GUCCI are also available with diamonds outlining the watch face. The special edition collection also includes sterling silver jewelry interpreting the Gucci dog tag necklace in four variations with black or white enamel finishing also available with diamonds. The gramophone - the symbol of the GRAMMYs - is etched on the dog tag on a yellow 18kt gold globe and an engraved Gucci logo completes the overall design. The new collection is due to launch in February 2011 with prices still to be confirmed.

Jennifer Lopez stars in new Gucci campaign

Gucci has announced Jennifer Lopez will star in a special advertising campaign dedicated to the launch of Gucci's new children's collection, which is launching on 20 November. In addition, Gucci also announced a new donation to UNICEF's Schools for Africa initiative in honour of the company’s partnership with UNICEF and the launch of the children’s collection. The new children's collection - represented by the Gucci teddy bear - is divided into two age ranges from 0-2 years and 2-8 years and will be available in selected Gucci directly operated stores, department and specialty stores from November onwards. The collection comprises apparel, shoes, small leather goods, footwear (up to size 33) and selected accessories, including jewellery, sunglasses, scarves and blankets.

Looking to the Future

You may have been just beginning to think about this Fall's fashion after the recent release of September issues, but the fast paced fashion world already has it's eyes towards the 2011 fashion year. Gucci's "Gucci Connect" invites you to attend their Spring/Summer preview  woman's fashion show in Milan, Italy, on September 22nd. Take part in the fashion world's FIRST e-vent!

 -Bridgétt 
TREND Staff Writer