Online luxury fashion store, LuisaViaRoma.com launches a charity auction of customised Steiff pug toys in aid of children’s charity UNICEF.

Steiff are known for their beautiful, classic teddy bears but in recent years have moved in to fashionista territory with their range of cute stuffed pug toys. This week, the luxury e-tailor launches a charity auction of 21 Steiff pug toys customised by some of the biggest names in fashion. The ‘Pug Dogs for Happy Kids’ auction runs on eBay from March 19 – 6 May with proceeds going to UNICEF’s Project ARISE – which helps to reintegrate Bangladeshi street children in to society, educating them and homing them.

Designers involved in the charity auction range from London’s girl of the moment, Mary Katrantzou to fashion royalty Valentino and Versace, as well as shoe designer Guiseppe Zanotti. Mary’s design gets the StyleNest vote with its sparkling floral covered fur and multi coloured crystal embellishments – it doesn’t really resemble a real pug but it’s certainly as cute as one.

Valentino’s offering is more understated with just a classic Valentino red studded harness and lead, whilst Balmain’s pug rocks the style of the brand’s SS12 collection in lavish rhinestones and heavy embroidery. Three new pugs will be available to bid for each week beginning with Balmain, Mary Katrantzou and Valentino.

The Pug Dogs for Happy Kids are available to bid for from Monday 19March – Sunday 6 May 2012. For more information or to place a bid visit www.luisaviaroma.com.