In this era of increased social consciousness, bad economy, and general empathy towards our fellow human beings, where does luxury spending fit in? For those who are fortunate enough to be in a position to support high end designers, does the media make you feel guilty about your personal heroic mission of a fashion stimulus package?
Fear not, there are several companies out there have made an effort to do good, and help out causes they believe in while providing luxe style.
For the month of November, Louis Vuitton is donating a percentage of sales of four of their iconic pieces to the American Red Cross in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Asnieres workshop.  The Keepall, Speedy, Noe and Alma styles can be purchased on the website.  The Asnieres workshop was the sole production facility for Louis Vuitton from 1859 to 1977 and is where all hard-frame luggage, special orders, exotic leather and limited-edition bags are still made today.
Daniel Lalonde, President of Louis Vuitton North America cited “The Red Cross is committed to preventing and appeasing the sufferance of people weakened by instability and ever-growing de-humanization of our society. Louis Vuitton is honored to be aligned with such a significant and impactful organization.”
Louis Vuitton is also collaborating with Marc Jacobs, Annie Leibovitz, Damien Hirst, Ferran Adria, Gustavo Santaolalla and Patrick-Louis Vuitton to create pieces will be offered in a charity auction held at Sotheby’s in London on November 19th.  The sales of these will also be donated to the Red Cross.

Worshipped by shoe and handbag fans around the world,  to launch the Project PEP collection to support the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.
The capsule collection is inspired by punk rock motifs representing the individualistic spirit of the Jimmy Choo customer.  The company will donate 25% of the net sales from Project PEP to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The proceeds raised by Project PEP will enable the clinic to stay open day and night providing 24 hour/7 days a week access to the vital life saving treatment that has to be administered within the first 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
They don’t just want your money either.  If you cannot purchase the pieces, the company would like your participation in a photo competition and social networking to raise awareness of this cause.  Winners of this competition can win a grand VIP Jimmy Choo experience.