Altruistic A-listers Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt just launched their latest charitable effort—a jewelry line for Asprey. The high-end collection includes earrings, pendants, bangles, rings, silver spoons, and egg cups, and are all snake-themed. Net proceeds go to the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, an organization to which the Jolie-Pitt foundation already donated $1 million in June 2008. The inspiration for Brangelina’s slithering sparklers was, as People reports, a gift Jolie received while pregnant with her first biological daughter Shiloh in 2006—a snake ring mean to protect the mother and her unborn child. “She has seen the snake symbol as a protective talisman for her family,” an Asprey source said. The couple’s twins have been seen wearing pieces from the limited edition “Protector Collection,” which began as a children’s jewelry line.
Francois Mori / AP Photo; Courtesy of Asprey
Bono stands atop the celebrity philanthropist heap, co-launching the ubiquitous Product Red campaign to fight AIDS in Africa in 2006. The U2 frontman helped convince Converse, American Express, Gap, Dell, Giorgio Armani, and Apple to sell products that benefit the Global Fund’s fight against AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis in Africa. Apple’s sleek red iPod, Converse sneakers made from African mud cloth, and red Armani sunglasses are among this season’s hottest Product Red gifts. The campaign has raised over $140 million since it launched.
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The Oscar-winning actress unveiled Give and Take Tees to benefit her foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. The organization funds mobile health clinics that serve rural South African communities hard-hit by AIDS. “These T-shirts capture the spirit of South Africa and give everyone a way to help,” Theron said. The vintage-inspired T-shirts, which Theron has been seen wearing, start at $42, and half of the proceeds go to her foundation.
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Another Hollywood power couple, Courtney Cox and David Arquette, launched an affordable jewelry line with Satya Jewelry. The butterfly-adorned pieces benefit research for a rare, fatal skin disease, epidermolysis bullosa, a life-threatening genetic condition that results in burn-like wounds on the skin. The son of one of the couple’s friends suffers from the disease. “I think becoming a parent redefines your understanding of love and compassion," Arquette said. "Beyond spirituality, it is about being a good person and doing what you can to make a difference and make this world a better place.”
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The hulking footwear of outdoorsmen—and rap stars—is now going green. Wyclef Jean teamed up with Timberland Co. to create eco-friendly boots that support reforestation in the singer’s native Haiti. The 16-boot collection just became available this month, and Jean will also be selling T-shirts designed by Haitian children through Timberland. The boots are part of Timberland’s Earthkeepers program, which promotes environmental activism.
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Harrelson, who once scaled the Golden Gate Bridge to protest the felling of redwoods and was an early marijuana-legalization activist, has turned his focus to reducing the heavy carbon footprint of traveling by designing an eco-friendly suite for San Francisco's Hotel Triton. The environmentally conscious lodging features eco-friendly practices, sustainable materials and design elements, and energy-saving efforts. Harrelson channeled his creative juices into the Oasis room, and 10 percent of the suite's nightly rate goes to Oasis Preserve International, an organization that protects nature reserves and helps indigenous people living in rainforest areas to preserve their way of life. Andy Dick and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have also played eco-designers with the hotel. Don't worry about the granola factor though; the hotel is more chic than crunchy.
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Emma Watson turned heads when she showed up at the front row of fashion shows earlier this year and became the face of Burberry. Now, the Harry Potter starlet is set to collaborate on a clothing collection with People Tree, a fashion label that focuses on fair trade and organic materials. "I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty," Watson said. The label is targeted at young people aged 16 to 24, and the hand-made clothing is made by disadvantaged workers in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Young fashionistas will have to wait until February 2010 to get their hands on the line of knitwear, cotton T-shirts, jersey dresses, and poplin skirts and shorts, but they can sign up here to receive the catalog featuring Watson's designs.
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With her graduation from Ice Princess to Gossip Girl, it seems inevitable that Michelle Trachtenberg would turn away from spandex and embrace designer bags. In September the actress signed on to design a bag that will help raise money for Oxfam International, a worldwide organization fighting to end poverty and injustice. Working with designer Monica Botkier, Trachtenberg designed the Michelle Satchel, a distressed blue lambskin handbag with a braided handle. It was Trachtenberg's first time designing a bag, "but it's definitely something I've always dreamed of doing," she said. It's priced high at $545, but buyers can alleviate their guilt knowing a portion of those hefty proceeds goes to charity.
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Rocker Steven Tyler has been trying to shed some dead weight lately. First, there were rumors he was leaving Aerosmith after 40 years. That turned out to be false, but the blimp-lipped crooner will be shedding his rock star threads and guitars in an auction on Nov 21 to benefit MusiCares MAP Fund. The organization provides resources and services to musicians in times of hardship. Fans can get their hands on vintage Aerosmith T-shirts, suits, and even pre-worn underwear. "So this is a personal gesture, a way for me to literally dive into my closet and give back...even my skivvies," Tyler said. Up for auction are a pair of "Light My Fire" boxers, size small, and another pair of undies with a pin-up playing cards design. The auction will take place at New York City's Hard Rock Cafe.
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Keira Knightley's visage is gracing Deeside Mineral Water bottles beginning this month, as part of a campaign to raise money for fresh2o, a charity that helps reduce poverty, improve health, and prevent death through the use of clean and sanitized water. The line of bottles, featuring celebrities such as model Lily Cole and Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, contain different facts about dirty water and its deleterious effects. Knightley has also lent her star power to Amnesty International and a Women's Aid film about domestic violence.
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