Published:
Montblanc Celebrates Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday With 46664 Bangle
NEW YORK, July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Commemorating the momentous 90th
birthday of international human rights icon Nelson Mandela, global luxury
brand Montblanc proudly announced today that it will support sales in the U.S.
of the 46664 bangle, a bracelet introduced during the 46664 star-studded
concert series hosted inLondon in late June. Distributed in platinum, gold,
and silver, the bangles bear Mandela's Robben Island five digit prison cell
number, 46664, along with a 3D imprint of his hand and have already been met
with an overwhelming reception.
"Already, bangle sales have exceeded our expectations," says Robert
Coutts, CEO of Coutts Inc., and social justice entrepreneur behind the bangle
initiative which aims to significantly contribute to the eradication of
HIV/AIDS inSouth Africa by pumping up to 48 percent of the bangle sales
proceeds into 46664, the Foundation's initiative for the campaign for the
prevention of HIV/AIDS.
46664 has already become a powerful international symbol and brand for
social justice in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Projected to sell 250,000
bangles a year through 2010, each wearer who purchases this special bracelet
will be able to track online how the funds will be used in alleviating
HIV/AIDS through a unique serial number imprinted on the bangle.
"We have had to take necessary steps to boost production to meet the
astounding demand from the international public," said Coutts. "Scale is
critical to the success of this project as the goal is to raise sufficient
funds to sustain HIV/AIDS prevention projects for the next 16 years for the
Nelson Mandela Foundation.
"Montblanc North America is very honored to be a part of this major
international initiative," said Montblanc North America President and CEO,
Jan-Patrick Schmitz. "Our brand is one that takes as much pride in promoting
worthwhile causes around the globe as we do in creating our hand-crafted watch
and jewelry collections. The 46664 initiative and the impact that a leader
such as Nelson Mandela has had in society is important to helping create a
stronger, healthier world."
Produced using "fair trade" precious metals fromSouth Africa suppliers
and with workmanship accomplished by local craftsmen, many of whom are living
with HIV, the 46664 bangle will be available in the U.S. at select Montblanc
boutiques inNew York,Las Vegas,Miami,San Francisco, andCosta Mesa.
"This project is far more than creating the latest fashion statement,"
said Coutts. "Becoming the owner and wearer of a 46664 bangle is an
affirmation of responsibility. As Madiba himself has instructed us: 'The
future is now in our hands,' these bangles represent a commitment to bringing
about a future forSouth Africa that is true to the vision of the man whose
prison number they bear."
Achmat Dangor, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said that they
"welcomed the innovative social business model of the 46664 Bangle Initiative
that ensures that local artisans and workers benefit" and added that, "the
Initiative also has the potential to raise significant revenues for the 46664
campaign."
About Montblanc
Established in 1906, Montblanc has built an unrivalled reputation for
precision in design, materials and craftsmanship and today is one of the
leading worldwide, diversified luxury brands, owned by the Swiss holding
company, Richemont. For more information about Montblanc, please visit
http://www.montblanc.com.
SOURCE Montblanc
Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze,
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