Perfect Pairing: Armani Exchange + Liberty United
What’s the best use for a gun? Peter Thum of Liberty United has a novel idea. Recycle the brass bullet casings and the steel from illegal weapons to create jewelry. The collection, created with Armani Exchange, is his solution to reducing gun violence here in America. This partnership has wrought Torc bracelets, a collection that includes two new designs made of a piece of twisted brass with steel end caps. Each bracelet is stamped with the serial number of an illegal gun that’s been recycled by Liberty United, and sells for $98.50 at Armani Exchange boutiques and online. If Thum’s name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s also the social entrepreneur behind Ethos Water and he’s worked to remove over 35,000 assault rifles from use in Africa since 2009. The parts were used to make jewelry and inspired Thum to turn his attention to the United States and its illegal arms problem. Twenty percent of profits from the bracelets fund American nonprofits aimed at reducing gun violence such as the Mural Arts Program. Armani Exchange is also donating additional profits including $1 for every person who posts on Twitter and Instagram with #OpenArms during the month of June. It’s a partnership that gives new meaning to the right to bear arms.
By Elizabeth Varnell
Pictured: Liberty United and Armani Exchange Torc Bracelets made from recycled illegal guns and bullets.
Photo courtesy of Armani Exchange