NEW YORK.- Together with Uma Thurman, TAG Heuer, one of the top world’s leading luxury watch brands, hosted last night a unique photo exhibition and event celebrating 15 exceptional women from 15 countries as seen through the eyes – and lenses – of the world’s top female photographers.

“Strength & Beauty Embodied by Avant-Garde Women” is a project created by TAG Heuer to raise funds for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). Through a series of 35 beautiful portraits, the participants contributed their time, celebrity and creativity to support UNIFEM’s global mission to promote women’s rights and gender equality.

The photographs will be on tour around the world for the rest of the year and available for auction in 2007. All proceeds will benefit UNIFEM.

TAG Heuer President and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin introduced the event ensued by Uma Thurman who, as TAG Heuer’s ambassador, officially launched the project that is so close to her heart. Several of the initiative’s accomplished women including Australian performer Delta Goodrem and French actress Emmanuelle Seignier just to mention a few also attended to reinforce their support.

Following the remarks, queen of burlesque and the United States portrait representative, Dita Von Teese unveiled her new “Bird of Paradise” show to an enthusiastic crowd that included TAG Heuer ambassador and NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, actress Drea DeMatteo, R & B artist Eve, actor Jared Leto, actress Carmen Electra, and Jade Jagger. Sports icons and TAG Heuer ambassadors Sebastian Bourdais and Tanya Streeter also joined for the evening.

DJ Eve and her soulful spinning ensured a lively, champagne-soaked after-party that lasted late into the night.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor Women and ensure gender equality than with this international project and last night’s amazing celebration”, noted Babin. “I am truly proud of our homage to Women’s inner strength and beauty.”