Paulo Coelho and the fashion brand Mango have created a collection of T-shirts illustrated with sentences by the author.
More than half of the earnings from the sales of these T-shirts will be destined to the Paulo Coelho Institute in Brazil, where 450 children study and get food, love, education and the possibility to develop their artistic skills. The Institute is exclusively financed by the author’s copyrights.
“I knew it was impossible to change my country, Brazil. It was impossible to change my state and my neighbourhood, but I thought I might change my street at the end of which there is a favela,” claims Coelho.
40,000 T-shirts have been marketed in 450 shops in 68 countries with 6 different sentences by the author such as “Never give up on your dreams, follow the signs”, “The path to wisdom is not being afraid to make mistakes” and “The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back”.
The T-shirts were launched on April 22nd are already the top-selling item at all Mango shops around the world.
UPDATE: I could find an online Mango shop, but in US (please go to News tab). Probably if you browse the page you will find the one close to you.
On a side note, I decided to post it in my blog because I do believe that the medium is the message, and MNG was the first one to really be commited to my texts.
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Thanks Paulo for your kind words on book reviews. The latest is of The Winner Stands Alone, which I hope to update early next week.
http://www.heureka.clara.net/books/the-winner-stands-alone.htm
I hope Dasha et al are ok with my using their pictures.
I also hope to have a review on Brida out next week. I read Brida last year but never got around to publishing the review.
A copy of Brida was sent last year to my lovely Russian friend Alissa as a birthday present. Sadly it was never received, it was either lost or stolen in the post.
Keith
A very thoughtful piece by Savita Vega. I have similar misgivings myself. Same too to Claire McLaughlin.
Good news though that they are selling so well and yes they look stylish. But ….
I would hope that Mango donate all that they raise, less costs. They could even contribute their costs as a charitable donation (after all they would get tax relief).
I wonder how long it will be before pirate copies hit the streets?
Keith
In the case of pirate copies, the message will prevail, Keith. Warm regards, Paulo
Yeah! I love this idea. T-shirts with good writing on them, imagine that! It sure beats some of these negative things people are wearing plastered on their chests. Señor Coelho, I wish you great luck with this project. I will try to buy them as gifts and let other people know about them.
This time with the “”Warrior of the Light” Logo?
It is a good idea.
Just proves that “Out of little things, big things grow”.
Raising funds for a children’ worldwide cause might come next, perhaps?
Love
Will look for Mango this afternoon in London!
What a beautiful idea! I live in London so I hope I can get them here!
Peace, Mary
I think this is a brilliant idea! I am looking forward to having it here in South Africa and I am sure it will sell out quickly. Paulo Coelho – everything you touch turns to gold, I believe you have that touch of ALchemy. Please come to South Africa you need to visit our country.
Love & light
Vimtha Rajbansi
wheeeeeee- thankyou Alex for the UK info!!!
now the next problem – which of the magnificent quotations to select ;o) LOL xxx
I live in Aruba & haven’t heard about the T-Shirts until now. I will go tomorrow and see if the MNG here has them. Your books & words have always been an inspiration, they’ve opened up my mind to dream more…. keep the beautiful books coming…
it seems Mango has only womens Clothes..Does that mean no T-shirts for men with Your Quotes??
Thank You David
I was also surprised, David. I wish I could wear one but no – only for women.
I’ve always been a fan of Paoulo’s books & messages..
I’m suddenly confused & somewhat disappointed in this turn of events with the Mango deal.
Yes it’s a worthwhile cause, but the alliance with a brand..? said brand is also making a huge profit from sales.. why aren’t ALL profits going to cause?? I feel Coelho has misunderstood his market..
On all the updates I’ve recieved this week, the biggest headline is not the charity, not Coelho, but Mango!
Sold out, or souled out, methinks..
Catherine, The link for the uk online store is
http://www.mangoshop.com/shop.faces?state=she_001_006_IN
Hopefully readers from other countries can also navigate their online stores from http://www.mangoshop.com
Paulo, I think it is wonderful what you are doing to raise money and awareness for this institute as it will make the world of difference to the people who are going to benefit from it. The people from the institute must be so excited about this project, I hope the t-shirts are a huge success, which I am sure they will be as they are already selling out fast here in the UK.
I adore the designs and styles, but even more important is the message which lies behind the t-shirt, bringing social issues to the spotlight. This also happens within your books. It is not always what is said but the hidden magic behind the words that teaches about problems in society and social causes in such a mystical way.
For example, in The Winner Stands Alone and the lesson about Blood Diamonds, you talk about such a serious problem in the world and also blend it so gently into the story that raises awareness in the simplest of ways.
Love
Alex
Muito boa a idéia, e melhor ainda a causa. Merecia até o nome Paulo Coelho debaixo da frase, mesmo que discreto. Nota 1000!!!
Thanks Paulo I will look into it and suport your cause – and I am both flattered and honoured by your personal response
Love Anthony
Parabéns!!
MARG,
CA
Hi Paulo
I was being tongue in cheek on is it the same Paulo Coelho?
Pleased to hear I do not have to wear the message, I prefer to spread by word of mouth. Though that was a rhetorical question.
I agree with you, the medium is the message, and if it gets people thinking and raises money for the kids that is great.
My main concern was were the t-shirts organic and fair trade?
But it is great, that since the launch of the t-shirts a few days ago it is already a Mango number one best seller.
Dear Keith, as far as I know, it is organic. I cannot swear to you, but MNG is very concerned about the quality of their products. That’s why we decided to join forces. You can imagine how many propositions during all these years we had (as for T-shirts), and we never endorsed any of them. Today these companies are accountable for everything, and they are very concerned. You remember what Nike faced (better saying, deserved) a few years ago, when a TV program tracked down the assembly line of their products to child labor. As far I could see, the T-shirts are made in Turkey, where there is no child labor (the only Turkish slave labor I know is my webmaster, Suphi, who works non-stop to keep this blog online. But it is his choice). BTW, I already tried to contact you by email to thank for your posts, and it never worked. You used this totally outdated @mcaffe.com. Now I can see your email here, but it is better to have this public conversation, as we are discussing relevant issues. Love Paulo
Those are in Estonia, too!! :)
I bought 2 yesterday, and tomorrow I will buy one for a friend of mine. :)
Savita: at one point I agree with You, that Yes, it’s ‘consuming more’. But at the same time: most of the people that don’t know or haven’t read Paulos works would buy the T-shirt anyway. Although Yes, I do understand where You are steering in Your thoughts.
A year ago, I stopped to buy out of impulse. I stopped to buy because “it was cheap”. I stopped to buy when I wanted to. I am talking about clothes here. I actually browsed my whole closet like You did, and gave away like half of it, to a childrens shelter that is just over my street from my house. They always need clothes.
This time, yes. I went impulsive again. But on a different thought. I wanted to get at least one of those shirts. It does not make me a better person when I wear it, but at the same time I will not start to consume more, because of this one buying.
I agree, that probably, a lot of people, who love Paulo, WILL buy these. But since half of it will go to this project, I will be willing to do this. I get a shirt and I also possibly get to “donate” some money by doing it. Two in one, as they say in marketing. Yes, if a lot of people do it, it will mean more consuming.
Maybe I’m very stupid but I believe that when I walk around the street and my friend comes up to me, looks at the T-shirt and reads the message, that possibly we will engage into a conversation from first where it comes from, and what does it represent to me, as an individual (this text that has been printed there). And this conversation will be able to make people think about these things. It may not change their lives, but it may make them think about it.
I agree, what You said about under consuming and the idea of this shirt, wearing it does not make You better. I agree with that.
But sometimes You just buy a new shirt, anyway. :D
Oh well.
Love,
Liina L.
can you get theses shirts in the Uk??
Yes, for sure. My agent was in UK for the Book Fair, and the collection was in the window of Mango. Love, Paulo
To bad it seems impossible to buy that black t-shirt online -
only the others….???
“to wear one’s emotions on one’s sleeve”
… so, indeed… a great platform!!
hoping i make it to a mango shop before the sell out ;O)
so an online sales link WOULD be great.
I would be proud to own one
and to be able to support your institute for your local neighbourhood kids too
and … as we say in the UK… to wear on the sleeve what is believed in the heart.
;o)
Me parece una muy buena idea, es fantastico por donde la mires! Primero y principal porque el dinero va a ir destinado a una causa muy noble. Aparte los mensajes que tienen las T-shirts son especiales y capaces de mejorar el dia de cualquier persona con solo leerlos! Asi q asi no compren los libros igual la gente puede ver estas ‘quotes’ ambulantes y el mensaje va a llegar a mas gente. Y aparte son bellisimas y super modernas.
Te felicito Paulo, una vez mas me sorprendes! :)
Me parece una muy buena idea, es fantastico por donde la mires! Primero y principal porque el dinero va a ir destinado a una causa muy noble. Aparte los mensajes que tienen las T-shirts son especiales y capaces de mejorar el dia de cualquier persona con solo leerlos! Asi q asi no compren los libros igual la gente puede ver estas ‘quotes’ ambulantes y el mensaje va a llegar a mas gente. Y aparte son bellisimas y super modernas.
Te felicito Paulo, una vez mas me sorprendes! :) (added by Mobile using Mippin)
Is the Paulo Coelho who has launched a range of clothes in partnership with a fashion chain, the same Paulo Coelho who wrote The Winner Stands Alone, a savage indictment of the fashion industry?
I am no follower of fashion, though I have no problem with people being stylishly dressed, following their own free will. What I hate is people being manipulated by the fashionistas. The t-shirt looks good.
I have though some questions. The cause is good, to raise money for Instituto Paulo Coelho, of that I have no doubt. Of what are the t-shirts made? Is it organic cotton? Industrial cotton is one of the most environmentally damaging crops that Man grows. Organic cotton is much pleasanter to wear. Organic cotton is biodegradable and can easily be recycled. Are the t-shirts fair trade? It would be the ultimatum irony if a critic of fashion, links with a fashion chain to raise money to help street kids and the clothes come out of a a sweatshop employing child labour.
Who will wear these t-shirts? Will it be fans of Paulo Coelho, readers of his blog or a wider public?
Do I now chat to people wearing Paulo Coelho t-shirts?
My intro to Paulo Coelho was meeting a very attractive girl sat reading The Zahir outside a pub by the river in Guildford. We got chatting as I was curious as what had her so engrossed. The tables were turned a few weeks later when I was in Brighton sat outside Iydea, one of my favourite eating places, and my reading matter became a topic of conversation. [see Synchronicity and Paulo Coelho]
The High Street in Guildford has a lot of trendy fashion shops, but I cannot recall ever seeing a Mango, though I must admit, I only frequent the bookshops and Ben’s Records, so I probably would not have noticed even if there was one.
Is a t-shirt bearing meaningful words from a critic of the fashion industry the ultimate chic?
Synchronicity: I wrote these thoughts last night. In the post this morning came news from Labour Behind the Label of their Clean Clothes Campaign and their report Cashing In. Labour Behind the Label works to improve the conditions of garment workers worldwide by raising awareness of their conditions. Companies shamed: supermarket chain Tesco, supermarket chain Asda, cheap clothing chain Primark, fashion chain Prada.
Yes, Keith, it is the same Paulo Coelho ( that’s me). You are the one who wrote very interesting reviews on my books, and I thank you for that. But no, Keith, you don’t need to wear Mango, and no readers of mine need. But as I answered before to Savita, we need to use every single platform to pass the message. And although Paulo Coelho Institute will get the money from the sales of the T-shirts, this was not my only concern when I accepted the idea. As McLuhan once said, the medium is the message. I am glad that Mango accepted the idea. Love, Paulo
Mirela-Good to read your comments today-missed you!
Love,
Breda
Thank you Paul. I am an artist and I have seen first hand how art can transform the lives of the underserved kids in my own neighborhood. Please, sell your tees on-line.
In Argentina, there´s no Mango store. How can I bought the shirt? I´ve already checked online, but, Argentina does not apeared there as an option.
Please I´m really interested. Good luck!
Fantastic Paulo
I`ll LOVE to wear them
Thank U*
Wonderful! But it would be even better if you could buy them online! I’m sure lots of people would buy them that way! :-)
I have to admit that I am still struggling with this a bit – the idea that even Paulo Coelho’s sayings are marketed in neat little packages (printed on T-shirts) for mass distribution and consumption. Is there nothing sacred in this world?
I suppose there is not – the market consumes everything. Even the Dali Lama himself is a “product” these days, his face for sale on everything from T-shirts and coffee mugs, mouse pads to refrigerator magnets. There is something about this process that cheapens and profanes even the most sublime of subjects – the idea that everything is for sale these days. For a price, one can buy and “possess,” even declare themselves to “be” most anything. Whole lifestyles are sold and bought in this way.
To be a “yogi,” for example, in our modern society, means subscribing to “Yoga Journal,” buying yoga books and DVD’s and proudly displaying them on one’s shelves, buying trendy “yoga-wear,” furnishing one’s house with fashionable decor from India, maybe hanging a framed poster of some guru on the wall…. In doing this, one assumes and externally displays the aura of a “yogi.” But does this make one a “yogi” in spirit, or is it contradictory to the whole spirit of yoga?
Similarly, does wearing one of these T-shirts grant one the internal wisdom suggested by the saying printed upon it? Does drinking out of a Dali Lama coffee mug make one “spiritual,” or has even our spirituality become an object of and an end to the market that absorbs and regurgitates anything and everything that promises a profit?
The only saving grace of this project, I would say, is the fact that a portion of the profits go to support a very worthy cause. I would be more pleased, and perhaps a little less disturbed by it if 100% of the proceeds went to support the children in The Paulo Coelho Institute. And I’m not sure that I’m understanding this correctly, either. As described above, “more than half of the earnings” go to this project, but does that mean half of the total sales (which is essentially all of the profit), or does it mean half of the profits? And if it is only half of the profits, where does the other half go? And is Mango allotting a portion of their profits off of this project to the children as well, or are they simply using this to make money and to market their brand by associating it with the name “Paulo Coelho”? Undoubtedly, a very good marketing strategy on their part.
It may seem that I am being rather “nit picky” about this, but these sorts of marketing projects are much more complicated than they may seem on the surface and, therefore, require a great deal of analysis before one can determine what really is going on and who, precisely, is profiting from it. I trust Paulo, implicitly, and I am not at all suggesting that he is, in any way, using this project for his own benefit or even to assume monetary gain from it. I am also sure that all of this, on his part, has been well thought out from the start. Still, I am always hesitant and, admittedly, quite skeptical when confronted with projects such as this. They are not all as benevolent as they may seem on the surface, and, as consumers, we have a responsibility to ask questions that get to the heart of the matter.
This is not to say that we should not all buy a T-shirt (or many, if possible) – the need of these children and the fact that any percentage of the profits goes to their benefit is enough to warrant that. Still, I think we should take this as an opportunity to investigate and come to understand what marketing is, how it works, and how it effects our decisions on a daily basis, indeed, even how it effects our concept of who we are and what we represent in this world. I go back to one of my initial questions: Will wearing one of these T-shirts make you wise? Will it make you spiritual? Is wisdom merely a product that can be purchased and possessed? Is spirituality for sale? So what does it mean to wear one of these T-shirts? How does it make you feel when you put it on? Does it make you feel “wise”? Does it make you feel “trendy” or “fashionable”? According to certain market theories, it might make you feel “Paulo Coelho.” Even a person, a great author for example, can become a marketed “lifestyle.”
I realize that I am probably an extremist when it comes to resisting market pressure to buy this or “become” that: I try to avoid all clothing that carries a slogan, a logo, or any identifiable image. I prefer solid colors, simple. For a number of years I only wore the color white. As Paulo says, it certainly makes buying clothes a lot less stressful, and getting dressed a lot easier. No difficult choices – everything matches! And although I do not necessarily advocate that anyone adopt that manner of dress, it certainly is one avenue out of the fashion whirlwind that surrounds us and perpetually bombards us with the message: BUY THIS. All I am trying to say, really, is just that we should be aware – take the responsibility to become aware – of what we are buying, why we are buying it, and who precisely is profiting from the choices that we make. Are we purchasing products for our genuine benefit and use, or is the market merely using us and our desires, to turn a profit?
DEAR SAVITA: FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRONG SUPPORT TO THIS BLOG AND THIS COMMUNITY. HAVING SAID THAT, I PUT THE MANGO T-SHIRT HERE, INSTEAD OF SIMPLY GOING TO MADRID, DO THE LAUNCHING, AND GO BACK HOME. I AM VERY PROUD OF THE PROJECT, NOT ONLY BECAUSE THE MONEY GOES TO PAULO COELHO’S INSTITUTE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE WE NEED MORE AND MORE PLATFORMS TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT ISSUES. A T-SHIRT IS ONE OF MANY (LIKE THIS BLOG ALSO IS ONE OF MANY). ALL MY LOVE, PAULO
Wonderful idea! Would love to be able to purchase these online!
Great project and fun too! I admire your work for the children in St Joseph’s Institute so much. Here is one of my favorite quotes;
‘If I give bread to the poor, they call me saint. If I ask why there are poor, they call me a communist’ Dom Helder Camara
i’m from italy, is there a way to buy them on the net? i dont know any mango store!
For anyone interested, I just checked out Mango’s website
and shirts CAN be bought online!
http://www.mangoshop.com
This is the direct link to the shirts for US customers;
http://www.mangoshop.com/shop.faces?state=she_400_400_US
Good luck with this project Paolo!
About Horizons.To widen them when we can.
You and your wife,are so wonderful!When I’l come back to Vienna I will look to buy some for me and the children!
Love you,bouth for your beautyful ideeas!
Mirela(the woman in elevator)
Please make these shirts available online soon! I’d love to buy some but unforunately there isn’t a Mango store anywhere nearby!
Dear Paulo,
Good luck for your “Mango” Project. I know this will bring some money for your charity and those 450 children’s whom you are taking care of through your organization.
Sending you warm wishes and good luck from Himalayas.
God blesses you
and
God bless you all !
can the shirts be bought online?
It looks good. Hope there is my size. I am not a thin one now…
Hi!
So happy that you came up with another brilliant idea like this. The shirt is also a token from the author who inspired his readers..
God bless!
Mylene
Dear Paulo,
Our consciousness and desire for more love in the world is finding expression – this is a lovely manifestatio of this.
Hermosisimo,
Karen xxxxx
it’s great idea … i’ll get it for myself and my friends … wish to find it here in egypt
I think its an absolutely brilliant idea. Would we be getting it in Nigeria and where can i get it in the UK?
GOD bless you Mr. Coelho,may the fruitfulness of this effort for you neighbourhood surpass your dreams.
P.S Finished “Brida” not too long ago but its “Like a flowing river-thoughts and reflections” ive fallen in love with. it speaks to me in so many different ways. each time i go back to it i find something to fall in love.Simply want to say thank you.
I didn’t find these T-shirt in Mango store here in Zurich, but I hope that will be there soon. I love this idea and hope for more actions like these that are for a good couse.
Hugs from Zurich
Dear Paulo,
I hope that some shop in Croatia will have them, otherwise I’ll have to get some through my friends. I love the idea and the messages they cary.
Love
Luce
The idea is so beautiful,smart, and amazing!!!!♥
Coelho,
Would you like to think about setting up an online shop for the T-shirts? I am sure Mango would love to explore an alternative revene channel for their merchandise.
Since you are doing this all for a good cause, explore all channels possible to motive people to contribute. A shopping link at the end of your posting will let the reader do the good deed immediately. In this time of recession, buyer should be enticed into making a good decision :-D.
The philosophy behind this online shop should be, just don’t read my (Paulo Coelho’s) postings, but ACT NOW!
Dear Paulo,
I´ve bought 5 t-shirts for me and my friends and really hope that this will make a difference for the children in favela..
I´ve just read Brida, and i´ve got so inspierd, as your books always do.
lot´s of blessings from Stockholm
/
Katti
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