On May 19, The Spotted Pig hosted the French Bull + Cheeky launch party in the West Village. The event celebrated the collaboration of two innovative home lines—French Bull, established in 2002 and designed by Jackie Shapiro, and Cheeky, founded in 2014 by PJ Brice. The new products are sold exclusively at Target and all of the proceeds go to Feeding America, a catalyst that provides meals for the hungry.
“Cause has always been central to Cheeky and that’s what really attracted French Bull to the collaboration. Our fans always tell us that we make their lives happier and brighter with our prints and products. Helping end hunger really makes us feel the same way,” said Ephraim Diament, French Bull Public Relations Vice President.
Colorful designs have been central to French Bull’s philosophy since its inception in 2002, so merging with Cheeky to create kitchenware that would in turn help a good cause was a no-brainer. The charitable aspect of the French Bull + Cheeky products have attracted many to the new brand, including Chef Mario Batali, Chief Culinary Ambassador for Cheeky and a partner of the collaboration.
Chef Batali has been prominent in launching the product line in the media, as well as through personal outlets. He is a member of the entertainment council for Feeding America and the Food Bank for New York City, and on the day of the launch party served dinner to senior citizens alongside French Bull + Cheeky colleagues PJ Brice and Jackie Shapiro. Chef Batali is also a co-owner of The Spotted Pig where the event was held.
Today, the French Bull + Cheeky products have already generated revenue to supply close to 3 million meals. Although the brand is still new, the collaboration has several ideas for how they could expand on the charity in the future.
“French Bull and Cheeky have a great synergy—we love color and fun and giving back. We’ve got a million ideas of how we might work together beyond this collection. You’ll have to stay tuned,” Diament said.
by- Katie Garry
