Stars For A Cause, a uniquely creative charity auction campaign, is set to showcase its collection of custom-made, hand-crafted jewellery and fashion accessories designed by a who’s-who list of Hollywood celebrities and worn on the red carpet by the likes of Goldie Hawn and William Shatner, among others. A preview of the collection begins an international tour on Sunday 26 April departing New York aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 on a Transatlantic Crossing en route to England.

The collection will preview in an exhibit at Bonhams (New Bond Street) in London on 5 May during an event organized by The Prince’s Trust, one of the benefitting charities. Then, it arrives back to New York for an exhibit at Bonhams (Madison Avenue) on 18 May before the tour and final preview culminate at a live auction with more than 100 lots at Bonhams & Butterfields, in Los Angeles on 28 May.

“Cunard Line has long offered a most civilized mode of travel across the Atlantic for scores of celebrities, royalty and stars alike, and now their dazzling jewellery and fashion accessories will travel in-style. We take great pride in being the official liner transporting the Stars For A Cause collection to its unveiling in London,” shared Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

This year’s campaign was made possible by the generous contribution of acclaimed jewellery designer Robyn Rhodes, who guided the celebrities on their designs and oversaw manufacturing of the one-of-kind pieces. Grabbing attention on the men’s footwear-scene, Auri Footwear lent its expertise for celebrity “leading men” to design excessively-comfortable leather shoes. Other unique items in the auction include:

* A collection of purses embellished with a celebrity “kiss” and autograph by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Reese Witherspoon, and more.

* One 12-litre “Balthazar” and one 6-litre “Methuselah” bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne signed in gold by Golden Globe Award winners, nominees and presenters, including the cast of “Slumdog Millionaire,” Colin Farrell, Susan Sarandon, Ricky Gervais, and more.

* Limited-edition posters celebrating the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards, individually autographed by Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars, including Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver and Kate Winslet, among others. Copies of the commissioned poster were generously donated by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Half of the money raised will go to charities chosen by the endorsing celebrities and half will benefit The Prince’s Trust, a youth-services charity based in the UK and supported by Cunard Line, the campaign’s founding sponsors.

“The red carpet at Hollywood’s major awards events is recognized worldwide as the premiere locale to showcase high fashion,” said George Braunstein, co-founder of non-profit organization, STARS. “We’ve given this year’s award season nominees and presenters a chance to show their creativity by designing jewellery to wear on the red carpet. Most importantly, the one-of-kind designs will be sold at auction to raise money for their favourite charities,” added Braunstein.

According to Carolyn Mani, director of Sunset Estate Auctions at Bonhams & Butterfields Los Angeles, “We anticipate an international audience will express interest in the jewellery and fashion accessories designed by the stars – and bidding could be quite competitive. Bonhams & Butterfields is honoured to join this effort.”

To register for bidding at the 28 May auction in Los Angeles, visit Bonhams & Butterfields online at www.bonhams.com/us or call (323) 850-7500.

About Cunard Line

Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company’s first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilized adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922. A new Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in October 2010.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

SOURCE Cunard Line / PR Newswire