"Do the (red) thing"

Yes. Let's all do the (red) thing.

Have you walked down Bloor lately? It is nearly impossible to walk down the street without, even for a second, glancing at the bit**in' amount of red that is just plastered all over the windows of GAP.

Ok. I get it. Red is in. Now shut it!

GAP has its ways with advertisement. From their 'Audrey' theme (used prior to the current (red) image) to the whole 'black-and-white-in-your-face-celebrity-endorsement-posters', they continuously manage to catch your interest. To me, this whole 'red' thing didn't seem any different from their previous attempts (and success attempts at that) to lure me, and my ever-thinning-wallet, in. Before moving on the my next point, let's just emphasize. GAP has an awesome advertisement/marketing team on their benches. C'mon, Audrey Hepburn (may she rest in peace) posters? They rocked several socks, along with other inner wearables (boxers or briefs? ... Yes, you have to pick one of the two).

My initial reaction, above, now seems shallow, now that I know what was actually represented in the still photos of celebrities dressed in, well, red.

Africa and AIDS. We all heard about it, whether it be through magazines, papers, TV and the not-so-frequently-used-radio but not a lot of us take action or the initiative to help the cause. Well, I, as much as I am embarrased to say, haven't done anything on my part to solve the ever-growing problem. But GAP has just opened my dilemma encrusted door and gave me a true opportunity to do my share (as well as satisfy my need to shop).

Project RED is a charity venture started by Bono (of U2), partnered with several brand-name labels: Motorola, American Express, Emporio Armani, Converse, Apple and the ever so growing GAP. With exclusive product lines designed specifically for this 'charity', a percentage (or a fixed sum) of the profits made on the sales of these merchandizes will be donated to finance the AIDS-relief-effort in Africa, Global Fund. Personally I am not a big fan of Bono. I think of him as a two-faced-hypocrite; playing the whole 'globally thoughtful' individual in the major medias, while playing his financial cards against the governmental support systems behind the curtains. But my dislike towards on being should not deter me and my desire to do good. And it hasn't.

To those who are wondering what I bought for this 'philanthropic' spending of mine, it was this sexy, and well needed, number. I would've bought myself a jacket, or anything more expensive to support this campaign, but this little piggy is empty. Insert more coins to continue.

For those who are truly interested in giving to the needy through this well-advertised project, I would highly recommend that you do buy something from GAP over the other handful of labels. Reason? Simply put, GAP is giving a generous 50% of the profits to the cause, while others are giving much less (ie. Apple with their dingy $10 per iPod sales - do they not realized how ridiculously overpriced they are?). Who am I to judge, however? These brands, regardless of the amount, are doing something for the global-well-being. So kudos to all those participating.

For those who are interested in checking out the products of each label, I have collected the link for you to abuse, I mean use, below. Clickity click.



And for those who didn't agree with me in regards to GAP's amazing advertisement imaging, enjoy the below thumbnailed goodness. If I see these posters up on the TTC, I will have to take them, for that is what I do - take pretty posters without consent. *runs from the TTC police*