Sotheby’s is hosting an auction next month to raise funds for the people of Beirut following the tragic explosion on August 4. Titled "To Beirut with Love," the fundraiser has been organized in partnership with Creatives for Lebanon and Art for Beirut, two non-profit organizations created by the Lebanese diaspora.
“Lebanon is home to an artistic community whose contributions to the cultural landscape cannot be overstated," said Edward Gibbs, Sotheby’s Chairman for the Middle East. "The explosion in the Port of Beirut this summer sent shockwaves through the city and the world, impacting every sector of society in Lebanon with countless tales of loss, damage and displacement. Sotheby’s has come together with our partners to host the auction ‘To Beirut with Love’ to provide much-needed relief and funds to aid the healing process.”
"To Beirut with Love" consists of fashion, jewelry, and art donations from the likes of Dior, Prada, Damien Hirst, Naomi Campbell, Mick Jagger, and many others. Standouts from the auction include Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran’s matador-inspired costume made for Madonna, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell’s sequined outfit worn in the group's standout "Wannabe" music video, an Elie Saab gown worn by Emma Stone on the Oscars red carpet in 2015, Mick Jagger’s jacket from his 2017 European Tour, and a beloved Naomi Campbell portrait by photographers Rocco Lapasta and Charles DeCaro.
Fans will also be able to bid on a woven yellow gold My Dior cuff, a Bulgari rose gold coin necklace, Damien Hirst’s 2013 gold Pill bracelet with diamond skull, and the chance to create a custom-made pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.
“After the success of our first drop with Beirut ReStore we were again so humbled and grateful to see how so many fashion and jewelry brands stepped forward to donate iconic pieces towards our Sotheby’s charity auction," Creatives for Lebanon added. "From archive and limited edition pieces that are no longer available, to real fashion history worn by creatives we admire - our over 60 lots are a testament to all those who are as eager as we and our partners are to help those who need it most in Lebanon."
"To Beirut with Love" will be open for bidding between December 7 and December 15. Proceeds from the auction will be split among five charities to ensure the funds are allocated where they are needed most. The organizations include Nusaned, Beit El Baraka, Baytna Baytak, Al Fanar, and House of Christmas.
