It’s been nearly two months since the legendary-in-life fashion designer Virgil Abloh passed away suddenly after a personal battle with cancer, and yet the Louis Vuitton creative director and Off-White founder continues to shape our world.
Just the other day, it was announced that a mini-documentary about would-be Olympic runner Sha'Carri Richardson is set to be released, with Abloh listed as executive producer. Now, Sotheby’s announces an auction in tandem with Louis Vuitton and Abloh’s family, offering fans and fashion lovers a chance to bid on special edition Nike Air Force 1s designed by Abloh and housed in Louis Vuitton pilot cases.
See also: A Tribute To Virgil Abloh: The Fashion Icon Who Started A Cultural Revolution
The shoes were originally designed as part of the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 Collection, and Abloh was involved in the auction’s planning before his passing. Proceeds from the auction will benefit The Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund which—in collaboration with the Fashion Scholarship Fund—supports the academic journeys of Black, African American and African descendent students.
Only 200 pairs of the sneakers have been made, ranging in sizes from 5 to 18. Starting bids are placed at $2,000, and the auction will run from Wednesday, Jan. 26, to Tuesday, Feb. 8.
The sneakers are made from precious calf leather and are embellished with Louis Vuitton’s monogram and damier patterns. The Nike shoes pair with Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 men’s collection, incorporating many of the same materials and making a nod to the hip-hop culture that served as a constant inspiration. All in all, Abloh designed 47 pairs of sneakers for the Nike Air Force 1 and Louis Vuitton collaborative line.
The pilot cases are made in the brand’s signature orange colorway and continue in the monogram leather theme. They even include a Nike swoosh luggage tag.
Those wishing to sneak a peek at the shoes can catch them on display at Sotheby’s New York during a free and open-to-the-public exhibition from now until the auction’s close on Feb. 8.
See more images of the limited edition sneakers and the pilot cases below, and learn more about the auction at sothebys.com.
