What a day!
We taped Oprah for the official U.S. launch of (RED) tomorrow. The entire audience was dressed in INSPI(RED) t-shirts -- the beautiful, iconic items that Gap is making in the Mountain Kingdom of LeSotho.
Oprah opened with the comment, "This is the most important t-shirt I've worn in my life." And she ended with, "Shop (RED)," before getting behind the wheel of a red Thunderbird for her shopping trip with Bono down Michigan Avenue.
They hit Gap's completely (RED)-branded flagship first. Penelope Cruz and Christy Turlington were in-store to tout the amazing collection and the impact of (RED) dollars on women and children in Africa. (Converse) RED, which is selling in Gap, looked amazing too. The racks were empty within hours. Motorola created a pop-up (RED) experience in a former museum. The Razr rocks, as Kanye West himself discovered. Emporio Armani shined with 20 models in Armani's signature (RED) wear. I'm now wearing my Armani (RED) watch and switching it to New York time as we're about to land.
A more serious note... after taking over Chicago, the (RED)heads marched up the steps of Air Force One. The President was in town so we carried up the bag of (RED) goodies to show him. Bono and Bobby used the moment to emphasize the critical importance of U.S. contributions to The Global Fund, its G8 commitment, and the need to renew a trade bill with sub-Saharan Africa. I won't mention what Bobby was doing at the back of the plane, but don't be surprised if policy wonks and the White House Press Corps start wondering about phrases like, "We are the people we've been waiting for!"
xo,
Tamsin
P.S. There is so much more to mention, including our new partner, but I don't want to blow tomorrow's news. Tune into Oprah Friday. Look out America -- prepare to accessorize your compassion.
For a preview of what you may see on Oprah tomorrow, click here and watch some video coverage of today's shopping trip.
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45 comments:
I am so excited...and getting my credit card ready to shop!
I saw the pics of Bono and Oprah and I may confess that I got even more excited, because now I can buy the products too.
Good luck and lots of success on sales, because that means lifes saved in Africa.
GOD BLESS U ALL!
Ale
No mention of the red iPod. The deal is up, pictures and news are out. :)
Very exciting things going on I see. It is great to see (Product) RED doing so well. However some lazy reporting from local news was calling it Project Red.
On a side note, I am a mobile dog groomer and one of my clients recently relocated to Paris because the husband is a higher up with Tupperware and is in charge of Europe and Africa for them. She was mentioning how big a presence Tupperware has in South Africa and deploring the fact that many of the workers simply disappear of the face of the earth and they never know what happens to them. We spoke briefly about Bono and his work and late I got to thinking if Tupperware is doing business in Africa wouldn't it make sense to get them involved in (Product) RED? So anyway that's just a suggestion to toss out as I don't know how you determine what companies you approach. Good luck, and keep up the good work.
Dana
thank you for showing how to love
others with desperate needs
it's one thing to listen to
teachings on that subject
ACTION is all that matters
Bono, Bill, Warren, Oprah, et al
are the high profile role models
showing all humanity that if you
can't give of your time or talent
then give of your treasure
i pray that this will inspire many
others to do likewise what a wonderful world this would
be, oh yeah
the air1 mission statement says it all,
BY ANY MODERN MEANS...
i pray with absolute confidence
your goals will be met beyond
all of your wildest dreams
I was in Downtown Chicago on Thursday and saw Oprah, Bono, Penelope and Kanye promoting the new Motorola "red" cell phone.
I noticed a car with a camera mounted on the hood so I decided to watch what was going on and before I knew it, Bono got out of the red T-Bird convertible Oprah was driving and started waving at everyone! I will have to say, it was pretty cool!!
Oprah was in the Motorola store for about 5 minutes before she was wisked away in a car. Bono, Penelope and Kanye however were in the store about 20 minutes before coming outside to talk to reporters. I believe MTV was there too! I was kinda fun walking down Michigan Avenue and seeing Oprah and Bono!!
Yeah, it is kinda funny that they aren't mentioning that Apple IS going to begin to sell the new "red" ipod nano!
this really is quite exciting. i got to see the chicago news reports online and it looks like geat fun for everyone.
that is great about the visit aboard air force one. Bono seems to have this virtual all access pass to anywhere in the world. glad it's for the good of the children.
have a great week. i know you're on adrenaline, ride this wave as long as you can. we'll be here when you get back.
stay safe, stay close,
sammi
SO exciting!! Can't wait to see the show tomorrow. I went and saw the taping last time Bono was on, but I wasn't able to make the trip today. What a fantastic pair those two make!
Hey! I've finished my video for the wall -- Just in time for America! haha! I've posted it on my blog and sent you guys a copy!
Cheers! WOOHOO!
I'm excited by the whole effort and very much look forward to participating. I hope it succeeds in stirring awareness for the desperate needs of our fellow humans.
I'll probably head to the Gap tomorrow to get involved.
I must say though, that I'm not nuts about the credit card participation. I'm not sure that encouraging people to go into debt to help relieve the debt of others and ease their suffering is the right approach.
I hope more companies will be getting involved very soon.
This is a great idea. Donating to charity while buying a product you were going to have anyway at the same price - is inspired.
We'll do what we can to help show the red products over on Crowdstorm.
I'm happy that we can finally buy (RED) in the States!
Great to know that both are there working against HIV... I miss my days in the US, in the BIG Apple.
Now I need to find a way to get at least a RED Gap T-Shirt..!
God Bless U All!!
The mission is very clear and very inspiring: to motivate the global collective that is "us" to do some good and to realise that for every action (purchasing goods and services) there is a reaction (flow of benefits to those in need).
Let's all have fun and continue buying nice stuff (as I do every day), but could we possibly tone down the rampant consumerism just a bit? Isn't that at least part of the global (mal)distribution of wealth problem .. against which we are now fighting?
Wouldn't it also be nice if Microsoft (which runs the RED Website) got involved? Better yet, wouldn't it be great of RED supported free and open access to information by supporting truly open source technologies .. as Google, Apple, and Blogger (just for example) have done?
One can only hope for a brighter, more enlightened day .. and continue fighting the good fight, no?
Sing me .. Jaded Technology Guy (Yin), Phassionista (Yang).
"If someone says "can't", that shows you what to do." John Cage
"Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living." Anais Nin
Is there any way people like myself, that live outside the US, will be able to buy (RED) products and contribute?
Are there plans to have (RED) products shipped around the world, and those also being able to support (RED)?
i am watching the show now while my wife runs to the mall to buy red. i am a pastor and i'll be wearing red on sunday.
Bono thanks a million - u making a difference.We appreciate you.
Yeah thanks for making "RED THE NEW BLING".
let's keep saying it - RED'S THE NEW BLING.
I'm setting up a link on my sites and blogs.
This is a great move
Thank you Bono
I don't think I can remember the last time I was so moved! With tears streaming down my face, I just watched the Product RED launch with Bono on Oprah. This man wears his heart on his sleeve - he can have mine to wear there too.
Every time I get frustrated with the sheer mass of the challenges in front of me as an activist, ONE local organizer, and Product RED supporter, I will to remember this moment.
This is huge and inspirational.
Thank you Bono, Bobby and Product RED. Thank you Oprah for taking an entire show to share this amazing product with the nation.
Nancy
Great work! (from the Virginia- the blogger on ONE's Blog!)
Just ordered my RED Nano. The inscription on the back re(a)ds . . .
Mathew 25:40
the least of these
Buy RED!!
Innovation is key for today's society. I think (RED) embodies the idea that we have to work with the evolution of business to make the world a better place.
It is easier for most to point a finger than it is to find a solution, kudos to (RED) and all of it's founders for finding a way to make social activisim "cool", almost a status, and for making it possible for everyone to feel that they can contribute by simply buying goods they would have anyways, by choosing an amex, or by upgrading thier cell phone.
I can't wait to go christmas shopping, (RED) for everyone!
-Jennifer Blake, St. Catharines ON
this is a great cause! i bought my red iPod this morning.
I live in Canada.
I'm annoyed that yet again, I see something on TV and thought 'hey cool, I should look online to see if I can get one of the red Motorola phones!".
Then I get to the site.. it says one phone avail in USA, one in UK. NONE FOR CANADA.
Hey Motorola! yoo hoo.. yes, we'd like to support this project by buying red phones too. Canadians like to help!
I am happy to report that Apple has the red Nanos though!
I could not be more impressed with this project. I have always wanted to help people in Africa but I never knew exactly how. I am 16 and I couldn't think of a better way to get the youth of America involved. I've been meaning to buy a new ipod and now I have a great excuse.
I'm a fan of both Oprah and U2 and this is a great concept. All the products are wonderful, so I'm purchasing the shirt, watch and ipod for myself.
Thanks guys for doing what you do best. :-)
Yes, it's frustrating that we can't get any of this stuff in Australia, too. But good on you for making a splash in the US and UK anyway.
Without wanting to pour cold water on your efforts, it would be nice if campaigns like this could be combined with a rise in consumer consciousness and a shift away from rampant, mindless shopping culture. AIDS is undeniably a huge issue; however, equally important is the environment and the ability of our planet to sustain these patterns of consumption.
I know this is kind of clichéd but I just wanted to mention it anyway. In the interests of balance, reflection, and all of those other important things.
Anyway, best of luck with the campaign. I certainly hope it's a success.
+
This is absolute utter genius. Use the best, trendiest products that countless consumers would buy, anyway, and use them to save lives. The manifesto says it all: This is not a charity, it is a business model. And what a brilliant business model it is.
Everyone wins. Consumers, companies making the products (including their shareholders, employees, and communities), and those in desperate need of relief from the AIDS epidemic. Who could not love this idea? From the Internet buzz already, this is destined to be a major, major success.
I'm already eyeing Gap clothing for Christmas gifts, and waiting for the iTunes RED Gift cards to hit Apple's online store. For me personally, I buy all of my music via iTunes, and plan to stock up on RED gift cards for myself. And why not? I'd be spending the money at iTunes, anyway. Why not do so and help save lives in the process? (Would someone tell Apple to get those gift cards on their site already??)
Again, this is absolute genius. Best wishes on continued success. Show the world that a "business model" and the idea of "win win" can save far more lives than trying to convince people to change their ways. Play to peoples' consumerist ways, sell cool stuff, and save countless lives in the process.
TiVo'd the Oprah show and just watched it. Very moving. I'm going to get my iPod Nano tomorrow.
Brilliant! I feel hopefully when I see these ideas materialize for such a monumental cause. This is going to be big, very big. We are going to see a lot of people coming out to support this movement, that otherwise did not know how to help. This is going to start an infectious trend in retail. Thank you.
Amazing idea! I'm ready to do all my Christmas shopping -- (Red) shirts for everyone!
RED is a Very Very Very Very cool project...I saw Bono and Oprah yesterday and i was really excited to see them running across town to get those very cool RED articles.
And now, i just want to know WHEN IS IT GONNA BE AVAILABLE IN CANADA...Quebec...Montreal!!! Please we want the Red things here too...!!!! We (in canada) want to help the cause too!!! And BONO...if you read this...i just want to say good luck with the new recording session for the next album and say HI! to the rest of the band!! :)
And you should come to Canada to promote the RED thing too!
See ya!!
A project that brings people together for the sake of an important humanitarian issue is simply fabulous.
The world seems bleak for millions and millions of people...but angels on earth are constant reminders that good people exist every where.
Wishin' all the best to those that participate in this wonder cause.
*CHEERS*
Xavier in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
when will products from Armani be available..... frustrating not to have them available now...
I am wondering where the Product Red sunglasses that were shown on Oprah's show by Georgio Armani can be purchased at. If there is a web site that would be better than the store.
Achei formidável a idéia de Bono criar mais esta iniciativa para o combate a AIDS. Parabéns Bono, verdadeiramente sou um de seus maiores fãs.
Marcelo Turra - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
I think this is an amazing undertaking and I support Bono, Bobby and all of the participating companies for all they're doing! I will do my part to support/buy RED!
I hope too, that in addition to providing the pills to keep people alive, that (Product) RED is also teaching people about AIDS and doing what they can to prevent it in the first place. Because without the knowledge and the education of what AIDS is all about and how it can be prevented, the need for pills will never end.
Now...I've wanted an iPod for a long time now but I've been putting off making the purchase. However, knowing that my money will be for a greater good, I'm going to go right now to place my order online. Thanks, Apple, for participating!
On Oprah's show she said you could download Bono, and Alisha Key's song, and the money goes to (RED). How do we get this song? It was a beautiful and amazing song!
Also, (I know I'm not the first to say this but..) What about your friendly neighbors to the north. We'd like to help too.
I've wanted an iPod for soooo long but I've been putting off making the purchase. However, knowing that my money will be for a greater good, I'm going to go right now to place my order online. Thanks, Apple, for participating!
I was ready to transfer my balance to American Express (RED) but, it's not in the US yet. I hope it gets to us soon.
Thank you very much to the founder members and Sponsors of RED, and every persons involved in this Project,
The depressing shame of poverty, suffering and human degradation of my continent Africa is a blight that we share.
Whoever we may be, whatever our immediate interest, however much we carry baggage from our past,
The time has come that we say, we have to win the war against HIV/AIDS.
We must, together and without delay, begin the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Many thanks BONO you are doing magnificent things for Africa’s Future.
Odette Krempin
Wow! Thanks Bono. You really do rock, Bro! I think this is going to be a great way for the public to show their support for the AIDS relief effort in Africa.
And this is pure genius ...after all, it's what we do best in the USA isn't it? ...consume? But now at least we can put some actual thought behind what we buy and why.
This has the potential of showing the rest of the World that we as Americans really do care, even if our Gov't clearly doesn't.
Thanks Bono!!!
Saludos. Me parece una excelente iniciativa. Managua, Nicaragua se prepara para el V Congreso Centraomericano de VIH/SIDA y el V Encuentro de personas que viven con VIH/SIDA del 4 al 9 de Noviembre del 2007, cómo obtener apoyo para América Latina? por favor contactar graciella@cablenet.com.ni, concasida2007stecnica@yahoo.com
saludos. Graciella Marsal
Are there personal care products under the (RED) label? I buy a lot of hair care, lotions, and cosmetic products but I have not seen any leading brands supporting the (RED) cause. Maybe I just haven't been at the right stores, but it seems like Body Shop and Philosophy, brands with a conscience, would gain a lot of customer loyalty by going (RED). If anyone knows of brands I should be on the lookout for, let me know and I will definitely buy them!
Will the red motorola razr come to canada and rogers soon? Or will I be able to buy the product red razr in the untied states and then use it with rogers in canada? PLEASE COME OUT WITH IT IN CANADA! Its a great thing you guys are doing and i would love to buy one of these phones but if they are not in canada i cannot. I'm sure that many other people would love to have this phone and they live in Canada so please, please very soon come out with this amazing phone in canada!
i was just thinking.... i would be great if the red ipod nano could come out in 4GB but even more soon could it PLEASE come to australia!!!! PLEASE?!?!?!?!?
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