It began as a small town California Perfume Company founded by David McConnell with just one representative selling a single product. One hundred twenty-five years later, it has become a global leader in direct-selling with a portfolio ranging from cosmetics, fragrance, skincare, jewelry and accessories to intimate apparel. That’s the story of Avon, the company for women. In the course of 125 years, Avon did not just bring beauty to doors but also offered the best earning opportunities for
approximately 6.5 million independent Representatives across the globe and empowered them to find financial independence.
In the Philippines, Avon celebrates this milestone by staging one Big, Bold, Beautiful Party!
Held at Manila’s trendiest night spot, Republiq, the event gathered the most beautiful and fashionable celebrities, VIP media guests and Avon’s top executives and Representatives. Hosted by Avon Fashions Style Ambassador Ruffa Gutierrez and singer-songwriter Billy Crawford, the evening was a celebration of everything that has helped Avon become a global leader: empowered Representatives, breakthrough beauty products and championing of women’s causes.
“Tonight is a momentous occasion for Avon as we celebrate 125 years of empowering women, which has always been and continues to be our commitment, our reason for being and the power behind our success,” said Avon Philippines President and General Manager Mike Gudgin. “Our success is anchored on our belief in our purpose to help make a significant difference in women’s lives. This purpose remains and we boldly step forward believing in the strength of this purpose: providing women with the best in beauty products, helping them become the best through our earning opportunities and being their best champion when it comes to causes that are important to them.”
Avon’s Big, Bold, Beautiful Party was the perfect venue to see this purpose come to life. The celebration was highlighted by the introduction of amazing new products from Avon’s Color, Skincare, Intimate Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories lines as well as its newest initiative in support of the domestic violence crusade.
AVON COLOR
Kicking off the festivities was the big, bold, beauty news from Avon’s Color line. The evening took on a dramatic color as Avon introduced its latest lipstick: Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick. The FIRST lipstick of its kind, Moisture Seduction has rich creamy color intertwined with visible ribbons of hydrating moisture for seductively dewy lips. Moisture intensely hydrates lips and activates color to rise to the surface so color blooms richer cleaner and bolder. Moisture saturates, color captivates... In one seductive lipstick.
“As the company for women, Avon is committed to find ways to fulfill women’s beauty needs by providing them with the best beauty products,” said Christa Jacinto-Sarao, Avon Southeast Asia Cluster Associate Category Manager for Avon Color. “Our newest Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick is in perfect keeping with that commitment. We are also happy to fortify Avon’s makeup leadership as the No. 1 makeup brand in the country with primetime TV celebrity Angel Locsin as our Color Ambassador and now with makeup expert, Lala Flores, who steps onboard as Avon Color Creative Consultant. Avon deserves no less than being partners with iconic and credible names in the realm of beauty.”
Lala Flores and Angel Locsin were on hand to launch the Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick. Lala boldly declared this lipstick as a makeup kit must-have because of its versatility – as it keeps the lips moisturized and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. “Women nowadays are getting more practical about their makeup. If you are looking for a lipstick that will stick with you through any weather, help you keep your lips looking youthful despite the cold winds or the summer heat, Avon’s Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick is the IT lipstick. It provides intense moisture and rich color for captivating lips,” said Lala.
The makeup expert also shared that the focus on lips is trending in the makeup realm this year. Avon’s Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick is a woman’s perfect companion for this rising trend.
AVON SKINCARE
The Color beauty launch was tailgated by another exciting introduction from Avon’s skincare arsenal. The evening set the stage for the unveiling of the newest addition to Avon’s Anew 360° White line, the Anew 360ยบ White Ultra UV Shield SPF 50/PA+++. This lightweight SPF50/PA+++ formula protects the skin from darkening, boasting of Double-Shield Sun Protection Technology
that will form the ‘3D auto-security system’ to actively defend the skin from its first contact with UVA/UVB.
“As the pioneer in transformative, anti-aging breakthroughs since 1992, Anew has been making multi-million dollar investments in skin research and innovation and working with an international team of experts to give women only the best and latest from the world of scientific skincare in every Anew product,” said Carla Enage-Cruz, Avon Southeast Asia Cluster Category Head for Skincare. “Once more we take whitening to a new dimension through the Anew 360° White Ultra UV Shield SPF50/PA+++. Our whitening approach provides non-stop whitening and skin vitality.” Anew 360° White has the exclusive 360° Whitality Technology for brighter, healthier and bouncy skin that glows and whitens from within. The concept of ‘whitality’ synergizes whitening and vitality that results in flawless, vibrant white skin aglow with health.
International stage actress and Anew Ambassador Lea Salonga, looking all aglow and blooming, sang for the guests to introduce this new skincare breakthrough. Lea shared she has been able to maintain her youthful glow despite a busy career by trusting Avon, having been involved with the brand since 1994. Now, she entrusts her skin care needs to Avon’s Anew. Anew has helped her gain fairer, more revitalized and more vibrant skin.
SPEAK OUT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Since its launch here in the Philippines, the company for women’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign has continually led initiatives to encourage awareness on the reality of domestic abuse, help end the cycle of family violence through education, and raise funds to aid selected Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who have existing programs and services that
support this critical issue.
On its 125th year, Avon drives the crusade forward, enlisting the help of ace photographer Raymund Isaac. Isaac garnered the participation of A-list celebrities ― including Ruffa Gutierrez, Boy Abunda and Amanda Griffin-Jacob ― as subjects of a series of photographs that underline the realities of domestic violence.
One of the summit’s highlights was a ‘preview’ of the anticipated exhibit, in the form of an impactful, sensory video created by Isaac himself. The video showcased 3 domestic violence survivors who bravely shared their stories. It was a touching moment when Ruffa Gutierrez revealed that the 3 women were actually present at the event and called them onstage.
With the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence campaign and through Isaac’s imagery, Avon hopes to rein in more support from the public and encourage victims to break the silence and speak out.
The Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Exhibit by Raymund Isaac is scheduled for June 2011. Avon is offering SSS Soft & White Cellulite Minimizer Hand and Body Lotion for the same month; the proceeds of which are earmarked for the fund.
AVON FASHIONS 2011 SUMMER COLLECTION
Captivating the guests was the sizzling summer collection of Avon Fashions. Models sashayed down the runway donning stunning pieces of intimate apparel, jewelry and accessories. Five fashion collections namely, Retro in the City, Plaid and Plenty, Shimmer Sensation, Blissful Moments and All That Blossoms featured statement pieces that let you shift from classy and sophisticated to casually funky.
“Avon Fashions remains true to its promise of delivering exclusive and quality fashion pieces at exceptional value. Aside from using only quality material, our intimate apparel pieces are especially Asian-fitted. This same commitment is what makes Avon Fashions the No. 1 Intimate Apparel brand bought by most women in the country,” said Patricia de Leon-Rodriguez, Southeast Asia Category Manager for Avon Fashions Intimate Apparel.
The Avon Fashions 2011 Jewelry and Accessories Summer Collection offers the Avon woman with an array of pieces perfect for every occasion, from casual to sophisticated wear.
Ending the event on a truly jubilant note, Avon Philippines President and General Manager, Mike Gudgin, joined by Avon’s roster of celebrity endorsers, shared a toast signaling the mark of a new milestone in Avon’s history.
It was indeed a night to remember – from the event’s star-studded celebration to the prompting of the advancement of women’s causes – and Avon, without a doubt, is set to plot out more years of being the only company that best understands and addresses the needs of women all over the world.
