Swarovski The Brave Heart Pin

Swarovski's Brave Heart Pin was created as a tribute to the courageous men and women who gave their lives to save others during the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.

Swarovski goes on to state that they will donate $100,000 from the sales of these pins to the September 11th Fund, which was established by United Way and the New York Community Trust.  Another example of "corporate curating," and a company creating a product and tying it to 9/11, forever connecting themselves to this event and its material culture impact.  Overall, great example of the impact of 9/11 and its use for driving consumerism.

911 2001 memorial pin Fleur de lis Enamel pin Twin Towers sterling

 

Unusual 9/11/2001 memorial pin.  It features a Fleur de lis top with an enameled egg shaped bottom.  The back of the Fleur de lis is marked 925, there are no other markings. 

 



Salt Lake City Olympics 9/11 pins

 

Tribute September 11th pins from Salt Lake City Olympics.

September 11 pin

 Handmade September 11 pin. Features various objects, including clock with time set when the first tower was hit.  Marked on back by maker and has 9/11/01.

Liz Claiborne 9/11 Tribute Pin

 

Liz Claiborne patriotic tribute pin to September 11th.  Label on pin relates that "Liz Claiborne will donate 100% of our proceeds to the Twin Towers Fund."  The pin sold for $12.00.

The Donation Question:

I've raised this issue numerous times with other items from this collection: What were the actual donated proceeds to the 9/11 or in this case, the Twin Towers Fund?  Was that an actual fund?  The press and investigative reporting on the abuses of nonprofits that started up after 9/11 or implied a connection to 9/11 is warranted, but what about companies who promoted the sale of goods and merchandise tied to donations of proceeds to 9/11 victims, funds, etc?  There have never been any public accounting of these donated funds.  Were they actually donated?  It would be interesting to see what kind of accountably there is amongst the corporate sector for such sales driven by charitable motivations.  Let's label this consumer and charity mix.  Possible names: consumercharity sales; feel good consumption; or donation spending.  Have your own suggestions?  Share them here, or e-mail me.

Silver Tribute Pin

Silver brooch Twin Towers tribute pin. Handcrafted by artist in Maine.

INFINITE HOPE Sterling Artisan Signed R. Lugosch Limited Series Pin Twin Towers

Ronna Lugosch Artisan Silver Pin Date Signed 9-11-2001

Description I was given about pin:
This is a lovely limited edition pin crafted by Maine artist/jewelry designer Ronna Lugosch. This sterling silver pin was designed by Lugosch and a clergy person just after the bombing of the Twin Towers in 2001 and part of the profits of the sale of this pin when it was originally released were donated to the relief efforts made on behalf of that event. Lugosch is very well known for her unique and inspirational jewelry which is crafted by the piece to this day. This pin is beautiful in its simplicity and is signed on the back 'Lugosch Simonds' which is the name of the artist and the last name of the clergy with whom Lugosch worked during the creation of this piece. At the top of the pin the piece is stamped 'Infinite Hope' and dated 9-11-2001. It is also stamped 'STER'. The Twin Towers are done in a cutaway design inside the oval in the middle of the pin. A truly collectible piece.

September 11th stuff

Here's an interesting grouping of "stuff" related to 9/11. Pins, key chains, magnets, bookmarks, and golf balls are represented here. After September 11, cheap and mass produced items like these were visible and available everywhere.

Hard Rock Cafe Tribute Pin

9/11 tribute pin from Hard Rock Cafe, which donated a portion of the proceeds form the sale. This pin demonstrates the impact of 9/11, and how mainstream September 11th was reflected through material culture.

Patriotic Spirit

Nothing says or shows patriotism better then a music playing flag button. One of my few examples (car flag post coming soon), there was a dramatic increase in patriotic goods after September 11th.

Selling 9/11

I obviously purchased this directly from an individual. I found it a little surprising that it was a commemorative September 11th pin. But, you pick what is going to sell, and 9/11 clearly was an economic force and spending motivator.

Flair

This pin is one example of the many tribute pins that have flooded the market and are available to consumers.

Mickey Mouse: American Symbol

Mickey Mouse in a NY firefighter's uniform? Disney's Mickey Mouse, arguably one of the best known symbols of America, would be expected to reflect September 11th. This pin continues to support the argument that September 11th influenced material culture (goods, products, everyday materials, etc) beyond anything or any event that American history has ever seen. One can argue that Mickey Mouse has appeared in many different forms, such as Santa Claus or wearing your favorite baseball team's uniform, but Mickey paying tribute to the victim's of a tragic event in American history? This object also provides further evidence of how September 11th was used as a marketing tool by corporations. Mickey Mouse wearing a NY firefighter's outfit will probably resonate more with people after seeing the tragic events of September 11th unfold, and they can consume this item and help make a difference because a portion of their purchase will be donated to the victims. A win-win for everyone. Is this idea way off?