New Gucci shoe collection supports African schools project
Italy-based luxury goods group Gucci has launched its first children’s collection and has simultaneously extended its longstanding relationship with UNICEF through a $ 1 million pledge to UNICEF's Schools for Africa programme.
Conceived by creative director, Frida Giannini, the new collection is divided into two age ranges from 0-2 years and 2-8 years and will launch for spring-summer 2011. The range includes shoes, apparel, small leathergoods and accessories.
The launch marks six years of partnership between Gucci and UNICEF, which has helped raise more than $8 million to-date. The ‘Schools for Africa’ programme aims to increase access to quality basic education for all children, with a special emphasis on helping the most disadvantaged.
Patrizio di Marco, president and CEO of Gucci, said: “We know that Gucci's collaboration with UNICEF has helped produce significant results for children in the last five years, thanks ultimately to the interest and enthusiasm of our customers. We are proud of what has been achieved so far and are committed to ensuring that this partnership continues to be the foundation for our social investments worldwide. We truly believe that education is one of the most important and lasting investments for all children.
“Today the world's leading brands are rightly judged not just on the quality of their products and services, but also on the way they responsibly act in the community and towards the environment. And the strengthening of the relationship with UNICEF is a fundamental part of our DNA.”
