Kenny Scharf and Kiehl's Create Holiday Collection for Children's Causes

Mark Thompson READ TIME: 4 MIN.

NEW YORK, NY - In support of organizations that work to create safer and more sustainable environments for children, Kiehl's continues its philanthropic tradition this holiday season. Kiehl's proudly announces its high-profile collaboration with New York Pop artist Kenny Scharf.

Having raised $600,000 through previous global holiday initiatives, Kiehl's invited Scharf to design its 4th Annual Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection, with 100% of proceeds to benefit over 40 children's causes around the world. In the United States, 100% of net profits will support RxArt, a non-profit national organization, committed to fostering artistic expression and awareness through the challenging, yet rewarding task of engaging young patients through contemporary art in pediatric hospitals.

Best known for his paintings, performances and installations that incorporate pop and comic imagery in evocative and nuanced reconfigurations, Kenny Scharf is a pop surrealist art legend. Scharf burst onto New York's eclectic East Village art scene in the early 1980s and joined the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. The sole living master amongst a group of artist elite, Scharf continues to produce his instantly recognizable "creatures" on renowned building facades and low-key urban surfaces with the playful Pop aesthetic that has distinguished him internationally. Regardless of location, Scharf's work remains public, accessible and brilliant.

Scharf's newest, unconventional medium is Kiehl's 4th Annual Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection featuring his vibrant work Globo Mundo. Created for Kiehl's, Scharf describes Globo Mundo as "representing the whole world or globe; inspired by Kiehl's, its patrons and their work in communities around the world."

"Kiehl's is providing a vehicle to share my beliefs, bringing attention to worthwhile causes around the world. Collaborating with Kiehl's to benefit children's charities is a dream come true. It is also extremely gratifying to know that this project will affect young men and women in over 40 countries worldwide. Together, we are making a difference one bottle of Creme de Corps at a time," shares Kenny Scharf.

Of RxArt, he says, "The work they do is inspiring. I'm flattered to be in the company of their existing list of creative partners."

"As a board member of RxArt, I'm thrilled that we are continuing our work together. Sharing optimism in otherwise sterile environments can really brighten a child's day," shares Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl's USA. "We believe our iconic Creme de Corps body products are the perfect palate for Kenny Scharf - this limited edition collection is an ideal gift. It's a piece of New York City, a collectable work of art and a luxurious skin care product - all in one."

This four-piece Creme de Corps Holiday collection with the Limited Edition Kenny Scharf-designed label includes:

Creme de Corps (classic formula):
Considered the most hydrating body moisturizer in the Kiehl's line, this super-enriched, nurturing body treatment is formulated with Beta-Carotene, Squalane and nurturing oils; ideal for extremely dry skin. Leaves skin soft, smooth and elegantly hydrated. The original, classic formulation and customer favorite for decades.
8.4 oz. $29.50; 16.9 oz. with Pump $48.00; 1 liter $75.00

Of the Creme de Corps classic formulas - Scharf designed the first ever fully-wrapped Kiehl's product, the 16.8 oz Creme de Corps classic body moisturizer.

Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter:
Luxuriously scented cream - light on skin, yet rich in 24-hour hydration. Decadently air-whipped for instant penetration to restore, protect, and soften skin. Quickly absorbed to deliver deep moisturization and leave a light, addictive scent on skin. No parabens, glycols or silicones. $38.00

Limited Edition Kenny Scharf Exclusive "Squirt" Collectible: Kiehl's and Scharf are offering Kiehl's customers an opportunity to own an actual piece of his work with the Limited Edition Kenny Scharf Exclusive "Squirt" Collectible. "Squirt," is an emotive character designed by Scharf and often featured in his artwork. Each "Squirt" is individually numbered (only 1,000 in the United States, 2,000 collectibles worldwide) and includes a signed certificate of authenticity; a perfect gift for the art enthusiast. $50.00

RxArt, a non-profit organization, is committed to fostering artistic expression and awareness through the challenging yet rewarding task of engaging young patients through contemporary art in pediatric hospitals. By curating installations in hospital settings, RxArt provides a humanistic and creative surrounding that helps to relieve stress and anxiety, while increasing appreciation for contemporary art. Kiehl's Since 1851 has been supporting RxART since 2002.

For more information on RxART visit www.rxart.net.

Kiehl's Gives, a philanthropic platform, is a celebration of Kiehl's causes, customers, and communities around the world. Since its early days, Kiehl's Since 1851 remains committed to improving the communities where it serves its patrons.

To mark the company's 160th Anniversary in 2011, Kiehl's established "Kiehl's Gives" to promote philanthropy around the world. Visit www.Kiehls.com or www.KiehlsSince1851/facebook.com today to learn more about Kiehl's charitable efforts in the United States.

Kenny Scharf was born in Hollywood, California and studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts. Known for his pop art characters and use of vibrant color, he quickly set himself apart with his larger-than-life paintings and installations. He currently runs studios in Brooklyn and Los Angeles.

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by Mark Thompson , EDGE Style & Travel Editor

A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.

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