Ali Hewson and Bono's Eco-Conscious Edun Brand Ceases Operations As LVMH Divests

/

LVMH is divesting its 49 percent stake in the eco-conscious made-in-Africa Edun brand, founded by Ali Hewson and her husband Bono in 2005. The luxury conglomerate is selling its shares back to the founding couple with ambiguity surrounding its future. For the present, all business operations for the brand will cease. “In light of a joint review of the business, Edun is restructuring its operations in preparation for its next chapter and LVMH will transfer its shares back to the founders,” said LVMH in a statement.

The move follows news that Tomas Maier is shutting down after Kering withdrew its support, and that Christopher Kane is also in talks to buy back stock in his own company. 

AOC joined many in applauding the socially conscious brand with psychological and emotive ties to Africa. In reality, the brand saw high creative-director turnover as it struggled to create a style and product reality inspiring supporters to get out their wallets. 

Emmanuel & Brigitte Macron Meet With Bono & Rihanna On Global Poverty Aid

/

Emmanuel & Brigitte Macron Meet With Bono & Rihanna On Global Poverty Aid

France's First Lady Brigitte Macron and French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Irish superstarBono to the Elysee Palace on Monday, where they had an hour-long meeting on key topics in solving global poverty. Bono, appearing with Brigitte Macron, said that a strong focus of the dialogue was educating girls and women in Africa. 

Bono met with the Macrons in his capacity as founder of the NGO ONE, dedicated to fighting extreme poverty. Bono said that the French president, who has seen a 10 pt pt. drop in ratings since he assumed office, will boost its aid budget to 0.55 percent of gross domestic product by 2022.

'Eclipsed' Tony-Nominated Danai Gurira Joins The Edit's The New Hollywood Lineup

/

'Eclipsed' Tony-Nominated Danai Gurira Joins The Edit's The New Hollywood Lineup

Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele joins stylist Tracy Taylor for The Edit's May 12 issue with its focus on 'The New Hollywood'. Photographer Bjorn Iooss flashes six creatives including Gillian Jacobs, Sonoya Mizuno, Elizabeth Debicki, Meera Menon, Ellie Bamber, and Danai Gurira in the all-Gucci feature.

Of special interest to AOC readers is Danai Gurira, a Zimbabwean actress and playright, who has mounted Broadway's first-ever all-female, women of color production called 'Eclipsed'. Our beloved muse Lupita Nyong'o is quoted by The Edit, describing Danai:

“In Eclipsed, Danai exposed the true pain of war. Performing it has been one of the most emotionally exhausting and rewarding experiences of my life. I thank the brilliant Danai for writing such an essential, powerful, funny and moving story, which forces me to dig down to my core every night.”

U2's Bono joined 'The Walking Dead' actor and 'Eclipsed' playwright, who also serves as an ambassador of the ONE Campaign, an organization he co-founded. The human rights activist was introduced by Lupita Nyong'o:

"We’ve asked (Bono) to join us today to launch our effort to bring direct attention to the challenges faced by millions of girls all over the world living under the tyranny of war, in poverty and being denied their human rights simply because they are female," Nyong'o told Saturday's audience. "From here on out, each performance will be dedicated to specific girls from around the world who have been kidnapped and are still missing."