“I heard someone say once that their home was their home because they know which way the grass grows there. There isn’t much grass in New York, but I know how the wind whips up leaves into perfect, unexpected cyclones when it goes around corners. I’m sure that happens everywhere, but every time I see it in New York I feel whole, happy and home.”
This sentiment, articulated beautifully by actress Anne Hathaway, is her reflection on what home means, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s devastation. It seems hard to believe that nearly three months have passed since this post-tropical cyclone hit the east coast of the United States, destroying homes and public places. In these ensuing months, volunteers, organizations, public servants, and private citizens have devoted their time and resources to helping restore order and begin rebuilding. There is still much to be done, especially considering how the public attention can wander to other worthy causes.
Fortunately, a group of luminaries in the creative industries have banded together to participate in a series of high-profile eBay auctions, with the proceeds benefitting New York Cares. This organization has the mission of meeting “pressing community needs by mobilizing caring New Yorkers in volunteer service.” New York Cares has several ongoing campaigns, a number of which concern Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath. The news and events section of the website states, “Hurricane Sandy response projects are being posted on a rolling basis.”
Hathaway, the author of our quote in the introduction, has set the bar high with her item up for auction. Hers is a Miu Miu Dress signed by Anne Hathaway:
Scroll down the full listing so you can see the photograph snapped of her wearing the dress to The Museum of Natural History Gala. This item is certainly garnering eBay shopper attention—it’s currently at 62 bids and a high bid of $1,000. What an excellent way to raise money for a worthy cause.
Nearly as many bids have rolled in for this Kate Moss Book, Signed & Kissed by Kate Moss:
And, yes, you read that listing title correctly. Here is the description from the listing:
“A personal retrospective of one of the most iconic models of our time, Kate Moss. Edited by creative director Fabien Baron, Jess Hallett, and Jefferson Hack.
The book has been personally signed and kissed by Kate Moss.”
Kate Moss also has a notable quotable about Hurricane Sandy on her item listing, but we’re a family blog so we won’t repeat it here.
Fashion director and editor Nicola Formichetti has some wise words to share on the subject. The Italian/Japanese visionary says, “NY is the place I choose to live and the place where I get the most inspired. I create and recreate here. It is my new home.” For this series of auctions, he has donated a fabulous NICOPANDA Mugler Bag Customized by Nicola Formichetti:
The brilliant blue bag, which is not formally released until later this year, features black cartoon drawings on every side.
One fashion designer who defines chic New York fashion is Donna Karan. She is also participating in this benefit auction series, and has this to say:
“I was born in New York, so the city is a part of everything I do. It’s my creative fuel, constantly changing and evolving with the times. My design studio looks out at Times Square with all its energy and lights. I love the city’s colors, diversity of people and cultures. It’s a very sophisticated city, and I’ve always designed clothes for that urban lifestyle, whether it’s the executive woman who works on Wall Street or the jeans customer who loves to walk the streets.”
Her item, of course is a Handpicked Bag & Book signed by Donna Karan:
It’s heartening to browse all the auctions in the series here, and get a sense of the scope of this cause and the diversity of people who are pitching in to raise funds for New York Cares. It’s also inspiring to see how the eBay community has responded to these auctions, knowing that they afford a unique opportunity to own a collectible item from a creative star while helping people in need.
