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ifteen years ago, the nonprofit organization (RED) was founded to combat a persistent, deadly global health emergency: the AIDS pandemic. Today, (RED) continues to partner with businesses and people around the world to fight the spread of AIDS; but the organization is now choosing to take on a second pandemic, as well – COVID-19. As COVID-19 threatens to undo the progress of the AIDS fight, (RED) is supporting the fight against both deadly pandemics, AIDS and COVID-19, by partnering with the world's most iconic brands to generate money for the Global Fund through (RED)-branded goods and experiences.
Louis Vuitton and Sotheby's are pleased to partner with (RED) and support their fight against two pandemics by auctioning off the the Louis Vuitton I (RED) LV Trainer Prototype.
Designed and personally signed by Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh, this one-of-a-kind sneaker stays true to its name: men’s size 9 UK is the standard Louis Vuitton prototype shoe size, and the side grid on this pair is unicolored in bright red, later adjusted to white by Virgil Abloh for the actual production launch.
The LV Trainer were first presented at Virgil Abloh’s debut Spring-Summer 2019 show for Louis Vuitton. Flirting with nostalgia and borrowing its lines from basketball shoes, the LV Trainer is innovative and entirely embellished with Louis Vuitton House codes while nodding to (RED)’s signatures and powerful messaging.
“As a designer I am really proud to use creativity and design to spur positive change. This partnership with (RED) to auction my Louis Vuitton I (RED) LV Trainer sneakers at Sotheby’s aims to help to fight against AIDS and COVID.”
Virgil Abloh, Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton
On offer with no reserve, full proceeds from the sale of the shoes will be donated to support the life-saving work of the Global Fund.
“Virgil’s creative genius and support of (RED)’s work is an inspiring example of how art and philanthropy can come together to make a real impact. (RED) is honored to partner with Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh and the Sotheby’s team on this exciting auction in support of our mission to fight AIDS and COVID-19.”
Jen Lotito, (RED) President and Chief Operating Officer