Be Cycle & Fashion. 12 Designers Customize Bikes For Charity.

above: Kenzo Takada's custom Peugeot is one of twelve bikes that will be auctioned off in September

Idenium PR agency, web-tv channel The Heart and Sylvie Burger Council have garnered several big names in fashion and design: Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Ylan Anoufa, Gabriella Cortes (founder of Antik Batik), Karim Bonnet, Francois Duris for Peugeot, Marithe and Francois Girbaud, Kaori Ito for Elieux by Jean-Claude Jitrois, Jerome L'Huillier, Ora-Ito, On Aura Tout Vu for Swarovski and Kenzo Takada to design and execute custom Peugeot Bikes which will be auctioned off and whose proceeds will benefit ACT Responsible, whose aim is to promote environmental and social causes.



above: 4 of the 12 designers pose with their bikes, which are shown in greater detail below

A cult object and symbol of a responsible attitude, cycling has recently made its comeback in many major cities. Very likely, it became the flagship of the new eco-committed generation. Meanwhile, fashion, luxury and design have established a real dialogue for several years with creative and sustainable development, turning it even more attractive. Therefore it made sense to these French and International fashion designers to participate and customize one of the famous "fixed gear" bikes made & provided by Peugeot.



Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, who designed more than one bike as well as the logo, for the project:




Antik Batik (Gabriella Cortes):



François Duris:



Kenzo Takada:



Karim Bonnet:


Jean-Claude Jitrois:


Marithé & François Girbaud:



Ylan Anoufa:



Kaori Ito for Elieux and Jerome Huillier:


By transforming these twelve bikes into true pieces of art, artists expressed their vision of an ethical fashion, in line with the times, in order to sensitize the public to experience the daily life and sustainable development in a friendly and creative way.


For Caroline Saslawsky (shown above with Herve de Clerck), founder and President of Idenium, Sylvie Burger, project consultant (SB Conseil) and Anna Neneman, co-founder of OHC: "It appeared obvious to combine our expertise to create a unique event gathering ecology & glamour marrying these two worlds increasing then both values: sustainability and fashion."

The bikes were revealed for the first time this past week at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes from June 21-26th. The bikes will be auctioned off in Paris in September by Mr. Cornette de Saint-Cyr.

all photos by Guillaume Malheiro

The bike customization concept has been created by the Press agency IDENIUM and co-produced by Sylvie Burger Conseil and ONE HEART CHANNEL, a TV channel dedicated to solidarity and environmental causes.

all images, press release information courtesy of Idenium and ACT Responsible

Artist Decorated Eames Chairs For Auction Benefit Operation Design

above: Ideas Are Cheap Eames Chair by Joe Iurato

If you're like most design lovers, you either own or have always wanted to own a molded Eames Plywood Chair. Well, now's your chance to have a very unique one and benefit a good cause, all at the same time. From May 11 Through June 1st, the Public Works Department is featuring Eames Inspiration, an online ebay auction of customized Eames molded plywood chairs to benefit Operation Design.



Curated by Billi Kid and Luna Park, each chair has been decorated by various street and graffiti artists and the reserve price is set at $1,000 each. The chairs will also be featured in the windows of Barneys New York on Madison Ave and 61st.

Here's a look at all the chairs available for auction.

Left: Aakash Nihalani and right: Billi Kid

Left: Blanco and right: Cake

Left: Celso and right: Cern

Left: Damon Ganandes and right: Darkcloud

Left:David Cooper and right: Elbow-Toe

Left: James and Karla Murray and right: Joe Iruato

Left: Matt Siren and right: NohJColey

Left: Peru Ana Ana Peru and Skewville

Left: Sofia Maldonado and right: Stikman

Left: UR®New York and right: Veng


some detail shots for you...

above: detail of Elbow Toe's On The Wings Of Desire Eames Chair

above: detail of Sofia Maldonado's Caribbean Clouds Eames Chair

above: detail of Joe Iurato's Ideas Are Cheap Eames Chair

above: detail of UR® New York's Nyc Layers Eames Chair

above: detail of Matt Siren's Skullboy Takes A Seat Eames Chair

above: detail of Damon Ginandes' Awaiting Eames Chair

above: detail of James and Karla Murray's STORE FRONT: The Disappearing Face Of New York Eames Chair


Start bidding here.


About Operation Design:

Operation Design offers students direct interaction with professionals and challenges young people in public schools, grades K-12, to put their creativity to practical, important, and real use.

Operation Design organizes architects, graphic artists, design professionals, construction professionals and related professionals to work with public school students to create motivating and inspiring spaces and projects.

Operation Design is an independent 501c3 not-for-profit organization based in New York City.