Taunina Telegraph

Taunina teddy bear sells for R55 000 at auction

A hand-embroidered Taunina teddy bear sold for R55 000 ($5 500) at the “Chefs who Share – the ART of Giving” black tie gala charity event on Thursday night.

Aptly named Dowager Countess Violet and dressed in the finest quality poppy-red velvet, this bespoke Taunina treasure is the epitome of old-world opulence. Adorned with exquisite hand-embroidery in threads of emerald green, cerulean blue, jacaranda and indigo violet, and embellished with Swarovski crystals, Violet is a delight to behold and 
a celebration of all that is glamourous.

According to celebrity auctioneer Iain Banner, “We had a bit of a bidding war over 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 amazing thing is that there was an immediate ‘take’ on the bear,” added Florian 
Gast, Creative Director at Opulent Living. “At least four people had earmarked it up front, so it was easy for Banner to work the price up,” said Gast, who summed up the sale 
as “quite brilliant”.

The successful bidder, Sue Main, owner of Grand Africa, was delighted with her acquisition and insisted on taking Violet home with her on the night.

Sue Main, Violet and Florian Gast at the Chefs who share – The ART of giving auction

“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 colours 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. She plans 
to add Violet to the Grand Africa Foundation’s collection of artwork.

“She’s a unique treasure – not just a teddy bear, but a work of art of the highest standard of craftsmanship. And given that it has been made at Atelier Taunina, Violet is a vehicle for social awareness and a gift of substantial meaning,” said Tracey Chiappini-Young, co-founder of Taunina. “Both MAD Charity (Make A Difference) and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation support disadvantaged children, so it’s wonderful that the luxury industry is helping change lives for the better,” said Chiappini-Young.