Charitable Cheer

(NEW YORK) It's not quite Thanksgiving, but Cartier is exceptionally prepared for the holidays. The luxury brand's Fifth Avenue boutique celebrated the beginning of the season (and the 29th anniversary of the Cartier holiday bow celebration) with a ceremony Monday afternoon that literally lit up the building. Crowds gathered on the sidewalk, snapping photos as Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos joined Cartier North America's president and CEO Frédéric de Narp (and Santa Claus, of course, complete with a Cartier logo belt) for the festivities. Cartier's holiday card collection was unveiled, designed by children from The Art of Elysium. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the charity.

"We started the whole story with The Art of Elysium three years ago with the Love Day," said de Narp. "It takes place in June, when we celebrate commitment, love and passion. We recognized the commitment, love and passion of Eva Mendes to The Art of Elysium. We have two main values in common, I believe: a commitment to the arts, which is very dear to Cartier and The Art of Elysium too, and a commitment to children." The charming French exec knows a thing or two about commitment to children--he has six of his own. (Five girls, one boy.) On his Christmas list this year? "That is the best gift, to have six little children in good health. But for the children we have the iPods, and the American Girl dolls!"

Consuelos and Ripa also raved about the organization. "We have friends that have done this charity in Los Angeles and we know how many kids they help there," said Consuelos. "And the fact that they're teaming up with Cartier is really important." Regis' other half chimed in. "We have three healthy kids, so we know what a gift that is. These are kids that are worrying about their blood cell counts and their cancer treatments--they should be worrying about their Santa Claus lists, or putting on a play, or acting out High School Musical. The Art of Elysium really allows them to be kids."

So was Ripa engaged in a bit of pre-holiday shopping? "I'm not really a jewelry person," she confessed. "I'm not really responsible enough, as we say, to actually wear anything valuable! They let me borrow something, and I'm very nervous about it," she said as she showed off her Cartier panther bracelet. "I can't wait to get it off, because I'm afraid I'm going to lose it!"
EMILY GYBEN