Haute Off The Press: May J. Blige Teams Up with Gucci for Women’s Charity

Mary J. Blige and Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini (Photo credit: google.com)

Mary J. Blige teamed up with Gucci to celebrate the opening of The Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, New York, the singer’s hometown. The non-profit organization, whose mission is to educate, empower, and encourage women, is a partnership between The Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN) and Westchester Jewish Community Services. Blige and Steve Stoute, a record executive, cofounded FFAWN in 2007 after a conversation the two had at the 2007 Grammys regarding the singer’s desire to help women in need.The award-winning songstress is no stranger to tough times and often in her prolific lyrics she sings about overcoming troubles in her life. “As a child, I never saw a confident woman — I only saw women being abused,” Blige told Women’s Wear Daily. “There was so much pain growing up — it would have been in vain if I didn’t put myself out there. That’s why I am here; that’s why FFAWN exists”

Gucci, a luxury fashion and leather goods brand, has partnered with the charitable organization to raise money. Frida Giannini, Gucci creative director and board member of the PPR Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights, designed a limited edition watch that retails for $1,895, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting FFAWN. Blige and Stoute eventually plan to expand the outreach of FFAWN and provide scholarships programs to fund tuition for educational degrees and vocational training.

Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy