Sotheby’s will auction the only pair of LV Trainer Louis Vuitton|(RED) prototype sneakers designed and signed by Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, to raise funds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and the impact of COVID-19. In the scope of its ongoing collaboration with (RED), the non-profit organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, Vuitton is donating the one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton I (Red) Trainer sneakers, expected to fetch a value between $30,000 and $40,000 during the online auction open for bids from February 23rd until March 4th. Personally signed by Virgil, the sneaker, a unique piece, is a UK size 9, the standard size for Louis Vuitton prototypes, and the side grid on this pair is in bright red monochrome, later adapted to white by Virgil Abloh for the production release. “As a designer, I am truly proud to use creativity and design to drive positive change. The partnership with (RED) for the auction of the Louis Vuitton I (RED) Trainer shoes from Sotheby’s is intended to help fight AIDS and COVID,” says Virgil Abloh.

“Virgil’s creative genius and support for the work of (RED) are an inspiring example of how art and philanthropy can come together to make a real impact. (RED) is honored to collaborate with Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, and the team at Sotheby’s in this exciting auction in support of our mission to fight AIDS and COVID-19,” comments Jen Lotito, President and COO of (RED). The entire proceeds from the sale will be donated to support the relief work of the Global Fund. The footwear will be exhibited in Sotheby’s galleries in New York and visible by appointment.

Brahm Wachter, Director of eCommerce Development at Sotheby’s, adds: “Virgil Abloh is one of today’s most visionary and innovative artists, and has definitively transformed the landscape of design and streetwear. We are extremely pleased to present this special LV Trainer prototype, signed by Virgil himself, especially for such an important cause. Sotheby’s has a long history of partnership with (RED) over the past 10 years and we look forward to continuing to support their crucial work in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We hope this special auction will excite collectors and help raise funds to support (RED)’s mission.”

Introduced for the first time during Virgil Abloh’s Spring-Summer 2019 runway show for Louis Vuitton, the LV Trainer has become a flagship model among the maison’s sneakers. With a nostalgic flavor inspired by basketball shoe lines, the Louis Vuitton I (RED) Trainer is decorated with the Monogram pattern in bright red and embossed details on white leather. The logo flowers are incorporated laterally into the sneaker’s sole. Made in Italy, at the Louis Vuitton Shoe Manufacture in Fiesso D’Artico, in the Riviera del Brenta, the LV Trainer includes the signatures and powerful messages of (RED).