On October 16, 2013, Michael Kors took to the bright lights of Times Square to announce the launch of WATCH HUNGER STOP, a worldwide campaign in support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). Designed to help WFP provide school meals to children in food-insecure regions of the world, Watch Hunger Stop was the fashion brand’s first global philanthropic initiative—and the start of an enduring partnership.
A decade after its launch, Watch Hunger Stop has supported more than 30 million school meals through WFP’s school meals program, an incredible achievement made possible by the extraordinary support and generosity of people all over the world.
“I’m very proud of everything Watch Hunger Stop has accomplished over the past 10 years. It’s a reason to celebrate and a challenge to do more,” says designer Michael Kors. “I truly believe that the fight against global hunger is one we can win, and I’m grateful to everyone who has joined our cause over the years.”
This year’s Watch Hunger Stop campaign features Halle Berry and Kate Hudson, in imagery shot by photographer Cliff Watts. Both women have visited WFP-supported communities, with Berry traveling to Nicaragua and Hudson to Cambodia.
“My trip to Cambodia was really an eye-opening experience, to be in the field, and see first-hand how much needs to be done,” says Hudson. “It was also amazing to see the life-changing work that the World Food Programme does, which is not only about feeding children but also about teaching communities to become self-sufficient. WFP’s work is so much more than just feeding people, it’s about strengthening families, rebuilding communities, and ensuring everyone, everywhere, has access to the food they need to not only survive, but thrive.”
“Visiting Nicaragua was very moving,” agrees Berry. “It was sad, certainly, to meet children who hadn’t always had enough to eat. But it was also hopeful because the school meals program is working. I left feeling inspired because I saw for myself that each of us can in fact make a difference in children’s lives. For me, supporting Watch Hunger Stop, supporting the work that WFP does, is a way to feel effective and turn my good intentions into tangible results.”
For the 10th anniversary, Berry and Hudson are pictured wearing a special-edition watch, a nod to the very first Watch Hunger Stop product, as well as an organic cotton T-shirt. The Watch Hunger Stop collection also includes a recycled canvas tote. The tote and T-shirt were designed in collaboration with creative agency Sang Bleu, led by creative director and tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi, who, for this collab, brought his signature touch to a futuristic graphic that features a globe in the shape of a heart. The heart symbol—indicating Michael’s belief that “food is love”—has often been a part of Watch Hunger Stop designs, and the bright, optimistic blue is WFP’s identifying colour.
“At Sang Bleu, we are thoughtful about what we put out in the world,” says Plescia-Büchi. “When we talked with the team at Michael Kors about Watch Hunger Stop, the collaboration made sense. Optimism can feel radical right now, but it’s at the core of the Michael Kors brand. Watch Hunger Stop offers optimism that is more than just escapism, and I wanted our design to be a celebration of the community it takes to build a better future.”
The Watch Hunger Stop 2023 special-edition watch ($475) features a blue face with a tonal globe design, while the back is engraved with Michael’s signature and the line “10 Years And Counting” to acknowledge the brand’s commitment to continuing its partnership with WFP. The white, 100 per cent organic cotton T-shirt ($48) and the tote made from recycled canvas ($128) feature the same blue heart graphic and the WFP logo. Michael Kors will donate 100 meals to WFP for the sale of each T-shirt and the equivalent of 216 meals for the sale of each tote. Two hundred meals will be donated for each watch sold. The brand looks forward with pride and optimism to achieving WFP’s goal of Zero Hunger.
The special-edition Watch Hunger Stop watch, T-shirt and tote are now available online and in select Michael Kors Lifestyle stores globally. Plus, throughout the month of October, Michael Kors customers can donate to WFP at select Michael Kors stores around the globe. Just $5 USD feeds a child in school for one month. Or go to online and follow the on-screen link to donate to WFP directly (select countries only).
In addition to the sale of these special-edition products, the brand will be introducing other ways for people to help achieve WFP’s goal of Zero Hunger, including the Share Your Heart Instagram filter and special donation opportunities for KORSVIP members. Stay tuned! —Vita Daily
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