Taunina Teddy Bear Auctions For $5,500

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A hand-embroidered Taunina teddy bear sold for $5,500 (55,000 Rand) at Opulent Living's "Chefs who Share – the ART of Giving" September black tie gala in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to celebrity auctioneer Iain Banner, "We had a bit of a bidding war over Taunina teddy bear, Violet. There were several people who wanted her, so the competition was strong. Given that the Taunina bear was a very beautiful piece and we had a warm audience ready to donate to worthy causes, the whole affair was a stunning success," said Banner.

The successful bidder, Sue Main, owner of Grand Africa, insisted on taking Violet home with her that night. "I'd looked at all the auction items online before the evening and just loved the fact that the bear is such an unusual piece of art. Considering the time, effort, and craftsmanship involved, the exquisite embroidery, stunning colors, and the fact that she really is one of a kind, from the first minute I saw this bear I was adamant I had to have her," said Main.

In London, a teddy bear from Taunina's Velvet Collection garnered $800 (£500) at Bell Pottinger's November charity dinner attended by Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Another Taunina teddy sold for $1,600 (16,000 Rand) at an October auction managed by Strauss and Co. in Cape Town.

"Every Taunina teddy bear is a work of art of the highest standard of craftsmanship, a vehicle for social awareness, and a gift of substantial meaning. We are delighted to further change lives for the better by contributing to the wonderful causes supported through these auctions," said Tracey Chiappini-Young, co-founder of Taunina.

Taunina's teddy bears are available for purchase at taunina.com, Barneys, Selfridges, Harrods (2015) and Neiman Marcus (2015), starting at $375.
Info: taunina.com, +1 646 761 8621 / +27 21 461 7719, [email protected] 
Videos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH99ch3a6i4 
Twitter: @twitter.com/taunina 
Facebook: facebook.com/taunina 
High resolution images available upon request

Celebrated for its iconic hand-embroidered teddy bears, Taunina is a luxury house synonymous with timeless artistry and social upliftment. The name Taunina is an anagram of the African word "tau", meaning "lion", and "NINA", an acronym for "No Income, No Assets". Taunina gives women who were once without income and assets the power to become lions of their own destinies.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131115/AQ17844-a

SOURCE Taunina

Related Links

http://www.taunina.com