Louis Vuitton Hosts Celebration Dinner at Sotheby’s Headquarters in New York to Launch the 'Louis Vuitton Unity Time Object' Auction

The Maison celebrated the 10th anniversary of the 'LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF' partnership by hosting a celebratory dinner at Sotheby’s headquarters in New York, officially launching the auction of the 'Louis Vuitton Unity Time Object.'

The dinner was co-hosted by Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby’s, Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director of Partnerships at UNICEF, and Jean Arnault, Watch Director at Louis Vuitton. The event welcomed a diverse range of guests, including Pat McGrath, Cosmetic Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, Erin Walsh, Lauren Santo Domingo, Leandra Medine, and Derek Blasberg. Partners, media, and notable figures gathered at the restaurant 'Marcel' to show their support for this charitable initiative.

Specially crafted to mark this milestone, the 'Louis Vuitton Unity Time Object' is a unique piece that merges watchmaking expertise, design, and craftsmanship. Inspired by the world of soccer, this time object reinterprets the geometric form of a soccer ball through an openwork structure combining hexagons and pentagons. It features a custom mechanical movement visible through a skeleton structure, highlighting its precise finishing.

Born from the collaboration of 'La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton,' L’Epée 1839, and Louis Vuitton’s trunk-making atelier, this piece is housed in a trunk handcrafted at the historic Asnières atelier. It embodies the fusion of watchmaking and trunk-making expertise that Louis Vuitton is renowned for. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to UNICEF to support programs for vulnerable children worldwide. This initiative reaffirms Louis Vuitton’s commitment to UNICEF, which began in 2016.

This time object is featured in a 10-day online auction starting June 9, alongside other items related to this initiative. These include a Louis Vuitton soccer ball signed by celebrities and a special edition of the book 'REBONDS.' Additionally, it will be open to the public for free at Sotheby’s in New York from June 11 to June 18, with the online auction concluding on June 18 at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time).

This initiative celebrates creations where art, watchmaking excellence, and the Maison's heritage merge, demonstrating Louis Vuitton's commitment to supporting UNICEF by leveraging Sotheby's expertise.

For more details, please visit sothebys.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: LOUIS VUITTON

About Louis Vuitton

Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has consistently offered unique designs combining innovation and style, always with the highest quality. Today, the Maison remains true to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who created a genuine 'Art of Travel' through luggage, bags, and accessories that are creative, elegant, and practical. It was boldness that shaped the Louis Vuitton story. Staying loyal to its heritage, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers over the years, developing ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, beauty, and fragrances. These carefully crafted products testify to Louis Vuitton's commitment to fine craftsmanship.

For more details, please visit the official Louis Vuitton website at https://www.louisvuitton.com.

About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s facilitates access to, ownership of, and preservation of fine art and rare items through auctions, private sales, e-commerce, and retail channels. Its trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, including Contemporary Art, Modern & Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine & Spirits, and Interiors.