The partnership between SOS and Swarovski dates back to the founding of SOS in the Tyrol region of Austria (also home of Swarovski’s world manufacturing headquarters) in 1949. The company’s founder, Daniel Swarovski, was a humanitarian who personally supported the charity and the crystal maker is happy to have continued the relationship through today.
In 2007, Swarovski partnered with SOS Children's Villages - USA to create a celebrity denim jacket auction on eBay. David Gruning, Director of Communications for Swarovski North America Limited expressed his pride in the partnership:
“Swarovski is proud to continue our relationship with SOS Children’s Villages through their World Orphan Week campaign. By contributing to SOS Children’s Villages, Swarovski encourages hope for orphaned children around the world.”
When 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks was asked by a relative who works for SOS Children's Villages in Florida to design a jean jacket to support orphans, she jumped at the opportunity.
Many other celebrities joined Jordin in creating jean jackets with Swarovski crystals in support of World Orphan Week. The celebrities included:
- Finola Hughes
- Jessica Alba
- Laila Ali
- Eric Dane
- Rebecca Gayheart
- Angie Harmon
- Reba McEntyre
- Katharine McPhee
- Sara Ramirez
- Carrie Underwood
- Vanessa Williams
Jordin Sparks felt strongly about the role that she played in furthering the cause of orphaned and abandoned children, and shared her thoughts through this letter...
"A relative of mine works for SOS Children's Village in Florida, so when she asked if I'd be interested in supporting the children by designing a jacket with Swarovski crystals, I said yes! It was lots of fun ironing on the crystals! I decided I wanted to have the jacket's design reflect something about who I am, so first I used geometric patterns that remind me of my home state of Arizona and the American Indian culture there. If you look closely, you'll see the letter "S" in the pattern. That stands for 'Sparks'. And you'll also see little hearts placed here and there. Throughout my run on American Idol, I made a 'heart' sign with my fingers over my heart to let my fans and family know how much I love them! I've also signed the jacket on the back. I hope you like it!"