A fashionably cleansing affair

On Nov. 9, Shu Uemura, Motorola and Smart Infinity – three brands known for producing iconic products – celebrate a collaboration signifying the synergy of beauty, art and technology for the benefit of charity. Marking the launch of Shu Uemura’s limited-edition cleansing oils by Japanese artist Ai Yamaguchi and Motorola’s newest must-have phone, the PEBL, the event is a true celebration of luxury and Japanese design.

A love affair that began in 2004 between Shu Uemura and Takashi Murakami protégé (of Louis Vuitton fame), Ai Yamaguchi produced the worldwide hit limited-edition cleansing oils. In the spirit of elevating beauty products to the status of art, the two artists drew inspiration from the beauty of nature, which resulted in a collection that pays tribute to the cycles of life – with the story depicting the maturity of a fairy as she emerges from a flower in springtime, discovers the world around her in summer, gains a deeper appreciation of nature in autumn and lays her head to rest in winter before rising again in spring on each bottle.

Motorola’s newest product also represents the perfect marriage of design and innovation. Inspired by the feel of a stone worn smooth by water, the PEBL is a significant evolution in the cellphone giant’s mobile design ethos. Simple and rich, smooth and sophisticated, elegant and luxurious, it’s an object of desire exactly like the Shu by Ai cleansing oils. They both signify the perfect blend of science, art and nature.

Adhering to Mr. Shu Uemura’s philosophy of "beauty without boundaries" and that "children are the artists of the future," a portion of the sales of the cleansing oils will be for the benefit of the L’Arche Foundation, a charity organization for special children. The mission of L’Arche is to rescue mentally handicapped children by providing them with homes where they can live with people dedicated to their care.

A highlight of the evening will be an auction of limited-edition Ai Yamaguchi works not available for regular sale. With Ai Yamaguchi’s works becoming more and more difficult to acquire due to her growing popularity, this is a chance Shu fans should not miss! The proceeds from the sale of the items will go completely to the L’Arche Foundation. In order to show more support for the foundation’s cause, Motorola has put in additional efforts by commissioning young Filipino artists Kiko Escora, Jason Moss and Maria Taniguchi to create their own interpretations of the PEBL phone to be unveiled and auctioned off along with Ai Yamaguchi’s work. And since no event is complete without pushing the envelope of fashion, guests are asked to come glamorously-dressed for their favorite season. The best dressed of each season will be the first in the country to receive the sought-after phone.

Capturing the boundless beauty of nature and its constant progression, which reflects our own existence, the 2005 limited-edition cleansing oils and Motorola PEBL are not simply consumer products. They are a part of a greater vision: beautifying the world around us.

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The Shu by Ai 2005-Motorola PEBL launch is presented by Shu Uemura, Motorola and Smart Infinity with the support of The Loft at Rockwell Land, Smirnoff Vodka, Bailey’s, Tanqueray, and Jose Cuervo Tequila. The Shu by Ai limited-edition cleansing oils are now available at Shu Uemura counters in Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall. The Motorola PEBL will be available in November.

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E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.