In a bid to fight AIDS in Africa, the wealthy can, well, bid for “masterworks of design and innovation” to be auctioned off at Sotheby’s New York. Come November 23, the sale will showcase creations by many big names from the design industry. Pioneered by Sir Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson, the event collaborates with humanitarian musician Bono, the proceeds of which will go towards The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. “Each bang of that hammer will be raising critical dollars to fight AIDS… by getting medication to mothers with HIV, which means they will not pass the virus on to their newborns,” declared the U2 frontman.
“It’s been a thrilling journey for Jony and me to curate this collection of pieces that celebrate extraordinary design that we love, that transcends all boundaries of time and place,” said Marc Newson. The auction results from keen curating on the part of the dynamic duo over the past year and a half.
Gadget freaks with a heart can have a gleaming pair of Apple EarPods in 18K Solid Rose Gold in a custom display case, specially designed for the (RED) Auction.
Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1966 Magnum marries its oeno opulence with rouge luxury courtesy Marc Newson and Jony Ive. Based on Marc Newson’s 2006 design of the limited edition Dom Pérignon green cooler, the red cooler is another custom creation instead of the auction.
This Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni “Snoopy” Lamp by FLOS S.p.A., Italy, features a fantastic red shade in an ode to (RED) besides being absolutely one-of-a-kind in its luminous nature.
The unique ‘Red Pops for (RED)’ rendering of the Parlor Grand piano adds to Steinway & Sons’ already existing elegant repository, a serenading star for charity.
In addition to these editions labeled 01/01 and produced particularly for the (RED) Auction are a 2012 Range Rover, a ravishing rendition of Hermes’ iconic Cavale saddle created in red leather with custom red stitching; a Russian cosmonaut suit; a pair of Damien Hirst ‘Spin Chairs’ designed by Jasper Morrison and a custom Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos “561” Clock with unique red accents.
The highpoint, however, remains two design innovations by the two greats. “What we create for each other is not only a comment on our culture but, of course in many ways, defines it. (RED) is making a difference in the lives of millions of people, and we’re humbled to make this contribution to such an important and worthy cause,” said Sir Jonathan Ive. The two Jony and Marc creations are an exclusive Leica Digital Rangefinder Camera and an exceptional aluminum desk produced by Neal Feay Studios.
Also, limited-edition-ed is an auction catalog by star illustrator Richard Allan, featuring photographs of the collectibles by renowned photographer and filmmaker Andrew Zuckerman. Introductory essays by actor, poet, and author Stephen Fry and Bono accompany the content alongside commentary from Jony and Marc themselves. Highlights from the auction will light up London and Hong Kong in advance of the sale before the entire collection illuminates New York in a public showing beginning 18 November.
[Via – Newswire]
