There’s a new Avon lady at the door
It used to be that the title of Avon lady usually meant the friendly, practical next-door middle-aged lady who was always dropping by with pamphlets of affordable products for sale.
But since 1999, when Andrea Jung took over the reins as the Avon Products Inc. president and CEO, the Avon lady became a chicer, slimmer and more glamorous figure, starting with Salma Hayek and now global ambassador for Avon Foundation Reese Witherspoon lending their celebrity sparkle to the giant women’s brand. Locally, Lea Salonga and Angel Locsin have become the faces of Avon. To add another beauty to the brand’s roster of high-profile endorsers is controversial actress, TV host, former beauty queen and mother Ruffa Gutierrez.
At a lunch held by Avon in celebration of Ruffa Gutierrez being Avon Fashion’s style ambassador for its accessories and jewelry line, she reveals that it was natural for her to say yes to endorsing Avon products. Growing up in the United States, she was always browsing through Avon pamphlets for perfume and accessories. “I was introduced to Avon’s latest accessories and I liked what I saw,” she adds, stating the Genuine Gem Collection — a new series of stones like amethyst, citrine, jade, crystal agate, and rose quartz made into earrings, bracelets and necklaces — as an instant favorite. Wearing a pendant of cut amethyst, jade and rose quartz with matching drop earrings and bracelet, she reveals one of the main reasons why she just loves the line she is endorsing: “The stones also repel negative energy and represent positive symbols — that is exactly how I want to live my life right now.” That, plus the fact that the accessories are made from nickel-free material that won’t tarnish or irritate sensitive skin.
Ruffa was an obvious choice, according to Avon, when it came to selecting the right woman to embody the kind of stylish modern woman they want the brand to represent. “She is known for her impeccable taste in fashion and up-to-date wardrobe,” says Sarah McIntosh, Avon’s commercial marketing director for Southeast Asia cluster. “She has made countless best-dressed lists and is among the country’s top celebrity trendsetters.”
Although Avon is being represented by some of the most glamorous faces around the world, it still highlights versatility and affordability in its products for other women who aspire for beauty and style at an affordable price. Their stylish multi-way bags, reversible belts, multi-way wallets, multi-function jewelry, watches and footwear cater to the daily needs of each woman as she fulfills her different roles throughout the day. Ruffa herself leads a multi-faceted life. She loves how each Avon Fashions product can provide different looks without breaking the budget. “I go for pieces that marry fashion with function,” she declares. As for the perception that she, like her mother, has a penchant only for luxurious goods, she says, “Avon products cost less but they are as good as the expensive brands.” With a number of endorsements and projects on her plate, Ruffa refuses simply to lie on her (cushy) laurels and live lavishly. She cheekily answers a question from the media about her multi-million net worth: “Actually, no, because I have to pay for the kids’ school. School is so expensive now.”
Seems like while this new Avon lady has the glamour factor to the max, she still carries the good old qualities of sensibility and practicality from the Avon ladies of old.
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Ask your Avon lady for the latest styles of Avon Fashions jewelry and accessories. For more info, call 864-AVON (2866) or e-mail helpdesk@avon.com
