Wow - check out this story out of the UK!

[Guest guest]

Click on the link to see a picture of Georgio Armani w/Antonella. Let's

hope other rich designers jump on a similar band-wagon!

Judi-Mom to Sam & , Almost 7! Identical Twins

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/...fash30.xml

Armani snubs fashion editors and gives cash to help Down's children

By Charlotte es

(Filed: 30/11/2003)

Giorgio Armani has decided not to give his traditional Christmas gifts to the

world's

fashion editors and will use the money instead to donate nearly a quarter of a

million

pounds to Down's syndrome charities.

Giorgio Armani with Antonella, six

The 69-year-old Italian designer said that instead of their usual

" self-indulgent " presents,

which last year included luggage and handbags, fashion writers would receive a

Christmas

card supporting a new campaign on behalf of Down's syndrome charities.

The card will carry a photograph of Armani, who is instantly recognisable with

his white

thatch and tanned complexion, with his arm around Antonella, a six-year-old

girl from Rome

who has Down's syndrome.

Armani's decision has provoked a mixed response from fashion writers. Most

have openly

applauded him but others - perhaps stung by the loss of their annual perks -

have dismissed

his gesture as a " cynically-motivated marketing campaign " .

One senior fashion writer, who did not want to be named, said: " This is

supposed to be

giving to the needy rather than the greedy, but I think it is cynical.

" The money for the gifts came from marketing budgets and so does this

campaign. I don't

believe it will make Giorgio Armani more popular in the fashion world, whether

or not others

follow his example. "

Armani shrugged off the criticism, however, and insisted that his campaign in

support of

Down's children would be popular. " Even fashion editors have hearts, " he said

in an

interview with The Telegraph. " I do not believe that any fashion editor would

be unhappy

about this decision. I am sure they will be delighted when they learn of the

cause the money

will support.

" It felt more appropriate to think beyond the sometimes self-indulgent worlds

of fashion and

the media, and instead to make an attempt to help others. "

Sue Buckley, the director of the Down's Syndrome Educational Trust, which will

receive

£40,000 from the Italian designer, applauded his decision. Prof Buckley, who

has adopted a

child with Down's syndrome, said: " I am delighted he is raising the profile of

our charity

and the condition. "

The donation by Armani, who owns the international fashion house that carries

his name, will

match the money raised in the overall campaign, to be launched tomorrow. Mr

Armani said that

he had been moved to support Down's syndrome after he was photographed with

Antonella for Io

Donna, the magazine supplement of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

" Until I met Antonella I had never come close to Down's, " he said. " After I

spent time with

her I really started to understand. I was captivated by her sweet personality

and moved to

start playing a more active role in supporting Down's charities. "

He said that he had also been inspired by the story of a Sage, a British

actress who

starred in the film Afterlife, which had its premiere last month. " a has

Down's syndrome

and she plays a character with Down's, " explained Armani. " Historically,

directors have cast

actors without disabilities to play characters with them - such as Day

in My

Left Foot - but the director of this film, Alison Peebles, decided to cast

a. This is

true progress. "

Sally Brampton, who launched and edited Elle magazine between 1985 and 1990,

said that the

culture of giving generously to fashion editors was " a hangover from the

1980s " .

" I think most fashion editors actually find it embarrassing and anachronistic.

In the past

editors would receive very expensive gifts of clothes or bags, " she said.

" The purpose of sending them was not just to ensure good publicity but to

ensure that the

fashion leaders were wearing or carrying the latest 'must have' designs. I

think that, among

the new generation of editors and writers, the attitude to receiving gifts is

changing. "

Armani, however, refrained from criticising rival fashion houses which

continue the

practice. " I think each fashion designer will make his or her own decision

about whether to

continue this tradition of saying 'Thank you' to the fashion press for their

support over

the previous year with a small gift. "

He added: " I just felt that the past couple of years have highlighted that we

live in a

tough and complex world. It is important to me to give something back - I have

been very

lucky in life. "

andra Shulman, the editor of Vogue, described the move as " terrific " ,

while Jo Elvin,

the editor of Glamour magazine, believes that Armani's campaign reflects well

on the

industry.

" The fashion industry is often accused of being vacuous, trivial and faintly

ridiculous, so

it is refreshing to see someone like Giorgio Armani coming up with an idea

like this, " she

said. " Inevitably there will be cynics who will say it's a good PR stunt

because he is so

vocal about charity, but how do you change people's perceptions of what

fashion can do

unless you are public about it? "

Last night both a Sage and Alison Peebles welcomed Armani's support. While

Miss Sage,

23, who acted alongside Duncan and Shirley in the film,

confessed that she

did not know who the designer was, she said: " I'm flattered that he was moved

by my story

and has chosen to raise awareness about Down's syndrome. It's great. " Among

the children who

will benefit are Wainhouse, a 22-month-old toddler who attends the

Down's Syndrome

Educational Trust's centre in Portsmouth once a fortnight.

His mother Nicola said: " I think it's superb news that they are donating the

money as the

charity, like many charities, is in desperate need of funding.

" Everything takes so much longer to learn for a child with Down's and

interactive toys -

such as the ones this money will provide in the playroom - are particularly

important. "

Armani's campaign will begin with a series of full-page advertisements in

publications such

as The New York Times, asking people to give to seven Down's syndrome

charities worldwide.

He will continue to raise funds for Down's syndrome and will launch a charity

calendar next

year.

The Down's Syndrome Educational Trust can be contacted on 0 or via

its website:

www.downsed.org

Judi Grossman

Contracting Officer (7PMA)

Program Support Division

- Phone

- Fax

judi.grossman@...

[Guest guest]

The link didn't come through. (

Did you say almost 7????????? NO WAY!!!

-Sara

On Tue, 2 Dec 2003 09:46:26 -0600

judi.grossman@... wrote:

>Click on the link to see a picture of Georgio Armani

>w/Antonella. Let's

>hope other rich designers jump on a similar band-wagon!

>

>Judi-Mom to Sam & , Almost 7! Identical Twins

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> www.telegraph.co.uk/news/...fash30.xml

>

>

>

> Armani snubs fashion editors and gives cash to help

>Down's children

> By Charlotte es

>

>

> (Filed: 30/11/2003)

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Giorgio Armani has decided not to give his traditional

>Christmas gifts to the world's

> fashion editors and will use the money instead to

>donate nearly a quarter of a million

> pounds to Down's syndrome charities.

>

>

>

>

>

> Giorgio Armani with Antonella, six

>

> The 69-year-old Italian designer said that instead of

>their usual " self-indulgent " presents,

> which last year included luggage and handbags, fashion

>writers would receive a Christmas

> card supporting a new campaign on behalf of Down's

>syndrome charities.

>

>

> The card will carry a photograph of Armani, who is

>instantly recognisable with his white

> thatch and tanned complexion, with his arm around

>Antonella, a six-year-old girl from Rome

> who has Down's syndrome.

>

>

>

>

> Armani's decision has provoked a mixed response from

>fashion writers. Most have openly

> applauded him but others - perhaps stung by the loss

>of their annual perks - have dismissed

> his gesture as a " cynically-motivated marketing

>campaign " .

>

>

> One senior fashion writer, who did not want to be

>named, said: " This is supposed to be

> giving to the needy rather than the greedy, but I

>think it is cynical.

>

>

> " The money for the gifts came from marketing budgets

>and so does this campaign. I don't

> believe it will make Giorgio Armani more popular in

>the fashion world, whether or not others

> follow his example. "

>

>

>

>

> Armani shrugged off the criticism, however, and

>insisted that his campaign in support of

> Down's children would be popular. " Even fashion

>editors have hearts, " he said in an

> interview with The Telegraph. " I do not believe that

>any fashion editor would be unhappy

> about this decision. I am sure they will be delighted

>when they learn of the cause the money

> will support.

>

>

>

>

> " It felt more appropriate to think beyond the

>sometimes self-indulgent worlds of fashion and

> the media, and instead to make an attempt to help

>others. "

>

>

> Sue Buckley, the director of the Down's Syndrome

>Educational Trust, which will receive

> £40,000 from the Italian designer, applauded his

>decision. Prof Buckley, who has adopted a

> child with Down's syndrome, said: " I am delighted he

>is raising the profile of our charity

> and the condition. "

>

>

>

>

> The donation by Armani, who owns the international

>fashion house that carries his name, will

> match the money raised in the overall campaign, to be

>launched tomorrow. Mr Armani said that

> he had been moved to support Down's syndrome after he

>was photographed with Antonella for Io

> Donna, the magazine supplement of the Italian

>newspaper Corriere della Sera.

>

>

> " Until I met Antonella I had never come close to

>Down's, " he said. " After I spent time with

> her I really started to understand. I was captivated

>by her sweet personality and moved to

> start playing a more active role in supporting Down's

>charities. "

>

>

> He said that he had also been inspired by the story of

>a Sage, a British actress who

> starred in the film Afterlife, which had its premiere

>last month. " a has Down's syndrome

> and she plays a character with Down's, " explained

>Armani. " Historically, directors have cast

> actors without disabilities to play characters with

>them - such as Day in My

> Left Foot - but the director of this film, Alison

>Peebles, decided to cast a. This is

> true progress. "

>

>

>

>

> Sally Brampton, who launched and edited Elle magazine

>between 1985 and 1990, said that the

> culture of giving generously to fashion editors was " a

>hangover from the 1980s " .

>

>

> " I think most fashion editors actually find it

>embarrassing and anachronistic. In the past

> editors would receive very expensive gifts of clothes

>or bags, " she said.

>

>

> " The purpose of sending them was not just to ensure

>good publicity but to ensure that the

> fashion leaders were wearing or carrying the latest

>'must have' designs. I think that, among

> the new generation of editors and writers, the

>attitude to receiving gifts is changing. "

>

>

> Armani, however, refrained from criticising rival

>fashion houses which continue the

> practice. " I think each fashion designer will make his

>or her own decision about whether to

> continue this tradition of saying 'Thank you' to the

>fashion press for their support over

> the previous year with a small gift. "

>

>

>

> He added: " I just felt that the past couple of years

>have highlighted that we live in a

> tough and complex world. It is important to me to give

>something back - I have been very

> lucky in life. "

>

>

>

>

> andra Shulman, the editor of Vogue, described the

>move as " terrific " , while Jo Elvin,

> the editor of Glamour magazine, believes that Armani's

>campaign reflects well on the

> industry.

>

>

>

>

> " The fashion industry is often accused of being

>vacuous, trivial and faintly ridiculous, so

> it is refreshing to see someone like Giorgio Armani

>coming up with an idea like this, " she

> said. " Inevitably there will be cynics who will say

>it's a good PR stunt because he is so

> vocal about charity, but how do you change people's

>perceptions of what fashion can do

> unless you are public about it? "

>

>

>

>

> Last night both a Sage and Alison Peebles welcomed

>Armani's support. While Miss Sage,

> 23, who acted alongside Duncan and Shirley

> in the film, confessed that she

> did not know who the designer was, she said: " I'm

>flattered that he was moved by my story

> and has chosen to raise awareness about Down's

>syndrome. It's great. " Among the children who

> will benefit are Wainhouse, a 22-month-old

>toddler who attends the Down's Syndrome

> Educational Trust's centre in Portsmouth once a

>fortnight.

>

>

> His mother Nicola said: " I think it's superb news that

>they are donating the money as the

> charity, like many charities, is in desperate need of

>funding.

>

>

> " Everything takes so much longer to learn for a child

>with Down's and interactive toys -

> such as the ones this money will provide in the

>playroom - are particularly important. "

>

>

> Armani's campaign will begin with a series of

>full-page advertisements in publications such

> as The New York Times, asking people to give to seven

>Down's syndrome charities worldwide.

> He will continue to raise funds for Down's syndrome

>and will launch a charity calendar next

> year.

>

>

>

>

> The Down's Syndrome Educational Trust can be contacted

>on 0 or via its website:

> www.downsed.org

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>Judi Grossman

>Contracting Officer (7PMA)

>Program Support Division

> - Phone

> - Fax

>judi.grossman@...

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, one of the 'beneficaries' is the Down's Syndrome

Educational Trust based in Portsmouth, UK but also very near to us in

Southampton. I take my twins to an Early development group there once

a fortnight and they are brilliant. Check out their website if you

haven't heard of them. http://www.downsed.org/

I did ask Professor Buckley when she told us that the Trust was

getting get £40K from Armani whether parents would also get a discount

on the clothes! Unfortunately, not! Well I had to try didn't I, lol?

Anyway, having DS could be the new 'cool'. It's brilliant

Cheers

Francesca

> Click on the link to see a picture of Georgio Armani w/Antonella.

Let's

> hope other rich designers jump on a similar band-wagon!

>

> Judi-Mom to Sam & , Almost 7! Identical Twins

>

>

>

>

>

>

> www.telegraph.co.uk/news/...fash30.xml

>

> Armani snubs fashion editors and gives cash to help Down's

children

> By Charlotte es

> (Filed: 30/11/2003)

>

>

> Giorgio Armani has decided not to give his traditional Christmas

gifts to the world's

> fashion editors and will use the money instead to donate nearly a

quarter of a million

> pounds to Down's syndrome charities.

>

>

> Giorgio Armani with Antonella, six

> The 69-year-old Italian designer said that instead of their usual

" self-indulgent " presents,

> which last year included luggage and handbags, fashion writers

would receive a Christmas

> card supporting a new campaign on behalf of Down's syndrome

charities.

>

> The card will carry a photograph of Armani, who is instantly

recognisable with his white

> thatch and tanned complexion, with his arm around Antonella, a

six-year-old girl from Rome

> who has Down's syndrome.

>

> Armani's decision has provoked a mixed response from fashion

writers. Most have openly

> applauded him but others - perhaps stung by the loss of their

annual perks - have dismissed

> his gesture as a " cynically-motivated marketing campaign " .

>

> One senior fashion writer, who did not want to be named, said:

" This is supposed to be

> giving to the needy rather than the greedy, but I think it is

cynical.

>

> " The money for the gifts came from marketing budgets and so does

this campaign. I don't

> believe it will make Giorgio Armani more popular in the fashion

world, whether or not others

> follow his example. "

>

> Armani shrugged off the criticism, however, and insisted that his

campaign in support of

> Down's children would be popular. " Even fashion editors have

hearts, " he said in an

> interview with The Telegraph. " I do not believe that any fashion

editor would be unhappy

> about this decision. I am sure they will be delighted when they

learn of the cause the money

> will support.

>

> " It felt more appropriate to think beyond the sometimes

self-indulgent worlds of fashion and

> the media, and instead to make an attempt to help others. "

>

> Sue Buckley, the director of the Down's Syndrome Educational

Trust, which will receive

> £40,000 from the Italian designer, applauded his decision. Prof

Buckley, who has adopted a

> child with Down's syndrome, said: " I am delighted he is raising

the profile of our charity

> and the condition. "

>

> The donation by Armani, who owns the international fashion house

that carries his name, will

> match the money raised in the overall campaign, to be launched

tomorrow. Mr Armani said that

> he had been moved to support Down's syndrome after he was

photographed with Antonella for Io

> Donna, the magazine supplement of the Italian newspaper Corriere

della Sera.

>

> " Until I met Antonella I had never come close to Down's, " he said.

" After I spent time with

> her I really started to understand. I was captivated by her sweet

personality and moved to

> start playing a more active role in supporting Down's charities. "

>

> He said that he had also been inspired by the story of a Sage,

a British actress who

> starred in the film Afterlife, which had its premiere last month.

" a has Down's syndrome

> and she plays a character with Down's, " explained Armani.

" Historically, directors have cast

> actors without disabilities to play characters with them - such as

Day in My

> Left Foot - but the director of this film, Alison Peebles, decided

to cast a. This is

> true progress. "

>

> Sally Brampton, who launched and edited Elle magazine between 1985

and 1990, said that the

> culture of giving generously to fashion editors was " a hangover

from the 1980s " .

>

> " I think most fashion editors actually find it embarrassing and

anachronistic. In the past

> editors would receive very expensive gifts of clothes or bags, "

she said.

>

> " The purpose of sending them was not just to ensure good publicity

but to ensure that the

> fashion leaders were wearing or carrying the latest 'must have'

designs. I think that, among

> the new generation of editors and writers, the attitude to

receiving gifts is changing. "

>

> Armani, however, refrained from criticising rival fashion houses

which continue the

> practice. " I think each fashion designer will make his or her own

decision about whether to

> continue this tradition of saying 'Thank you' to the fashion press

for their support over

> the previous year with a small gift. "

>

> He added: " I just felt that the past couple of years have

highlighted that we live in a

> tough and complex world. It is important to me to give something

back - I have been very

> lucky in life. "

>

> andra Shulman, the editor of Vogue, described the move as

" terrific " , while Jo Elvin,

> the editor of Glamour magazine, believes that Armani's campaign

reflects well on the

> industry.

>

> " The fashion industry is often accused of being vacuous, trivial

and faintly ridiculous, so

> it is refreshing to see someone like Giorgio Armani coming up with

an idea like this, " she

> said. " Inevitably there will be cynics who will say it's a good PR

stunt because he is so

> vocal about charity, but how do you change people's perceptions of

what fashion can do

> unless you are public about it? "

>

> Last night both a Sage and Alison Peebles welcomed Armani's

support. While Miss Sage,

> 23, who acted alongside Duncan and Shirley in

the film, confessed that she

> did not know who the designer was, she said: " I'm flattered that

he was moved by my story

> and has chosen to raise awareness about Down's syndrome. It's

great. " Among the children who

> will benefit are Wainhouse, a 22-month-old toddler who

attends the Down's Syndrome

> Educational Trust's centre in Portsmouth once a fortnight.

>

> His mother Nicola said: " I think it's superb news that they are

donating the money as the

> charity, like many charities, is in desperate need of funding.

>

> " Everything takes so much longer to learn for a child with Down's

and interactive toys -

> such as the ones this money will provide in the playroom - are

particularly important. "

>

> Armani's campaign will begin with a series of full-page

advertisements in publications such

> as The New York Times, asking people to give to seven Down's

syndrome charities worldwide.

> He will continue to raise funds for Down's syndrome and will

launch a charity calendar next

> year.

>

> The Down's Syndrome Educational Trust can be contacted on 0239 285

5330 or via its website:

> www.downsed.org

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Judi Grossman

> Contracting Officer (7PMA)

> Program Support Division

> - Phone

> - Fax

> judi.grossman@g...

[Guest guest]

Hi Judi!!!

My computer wasn't working for a while thanks to my precious little . Thanks for the great information and story on Armani. That's just so beautiful and you Judi are just a wealth of great information.

Thanks and I hope all is well with you and your family.

Sherrill