"Style & Sound" auction raises money for research

Led by designer and Board Member Marc Ecko, the Council of Fashion Designers of America has partnered with leaders in fashion and entertainment to host an online charity auction featuring one-of-a-kind iPod cases created by some of today's most notable designers. The auction is currently live on eBay Live Auctions and will conclude at 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 22 at a party hosted by Ecko and Carolina Herrera, the initiative's co-chair. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), a philanthropic initiative of the CFDA Foundation, which, since its inception in 1994 has raised more than $40 million for distribution to breast cancer organizations in 13 countries.

Titled "Style & Sound: A Case for a Cause," the auction features 14 unique iPod cases, each of which will contain a new iPod (courtesy of Apple) and a playlist created by the designer's celebrity partner. Participating designers and their partners are: Marc Ecko with Mary J. Blige; Carolina Herrera with Renee Zellweger; Betsey Johnson with Cyndi Lauper; Cynthia Rowley with Maggie Gyllenhaal; Luca Orlandi of Luca Luca with Mischa Barton; Robert Lee Morris with Brooke Shields; Vivienne Tam with Jessica Alba; Liz Lange with Billy Baldwin and Chynna Phillips; Max Azria of BCBG Max Azria with Brittany Murphy; Nanette Lepore with Hype Williams; Judith Leiber with Katie Holmes; and Carmen Marc Valvo with Vanessa Williams.

Donna Karan's playlist will feature music from 20 years of her fashion shows, and Sean Combs will create his own playlist under his P. Diddy moniker.

Warming up to the unusual design challenge, designers Herrera and Leiber stayed close to their signature looks, with sleek and bejeweled cases respectively, while Donna Karan created a bold rendition in hammered brass. Other designs include a brightly beaded and belted case by Nanette Lepore and a brocade and fur-trimmed Vivienne Tam creation.

In addition to the auction of designer iPod cases, on July 1st, Marc Ecko and Monster Cable Products, Inc. will introduce "A Case For A Cause," a one-of-a-kind iPod case designed by Marc Ecko to promote awareness and raise funds for the FTBC initiative. The light-blue leather cases, featuring FTBC's signature bull's-eye logo and packaged in a box with information about breast cancer awareness, available from the Apple Store and through various leading retailers for MSRP $25. Net proceeds will benefit FTBC.

Filed under: iPod, industry