On Saturday night, 44 special design items were auctioned at Sotheby's Jony and Marc's (RED) Auction to raise money to fight AIDS in Africa. Brought to you by Marc Newson, Bono & Jony Ive, the event raised an incredible $12,883,000 USD (more than double that when you add the Gates' Foundation donation) with many items going for far above the estimate.
The 44 items in the auction were a combination of specially designed items by Jony Ive and Marc Newson and their favorite vintage and new design items.
The hugely successful (RED) auction raised $26.2 million to fight against AIDS in Africa. The auction was 100% sold and three lots were sold for more than $1.5 million each. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matched the auction total of just over $13 million.
From Steinway Grand to custom Airstream trailer, here's a look at the 10 (actually there are 11, since a few went for the same price) items that sold for the most money at the auction.
1. $1,925,000:
2. $1,805,000
3. $1,685,000
4. $977,000
5. $845,000
6. $485,000
7. $461,000 (tied with #8)
8. $461,000 (tied with #7)
9. $425,000
10. $365,000 (tied with #11)
11. $365,000 (tied with #10)
Other items worth noting, because I like them and hey, this is my blog, are the following:
George Lucas Signed Stormtrooper Helmet:
A Stormtrooper Helmet from the "Star Wars" Series Signed by George Lucas for the (RED) Auction 2013. ABS. In original cardboard "Star Wars" Stormtrooper box.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 245,000 USD
Cosmonaut Suit That Went Into Space:
A "Zvezda" Cosmonaut Suit Worn on a Soviet Space Agency Mission into Space
Fabric with rubber lining
1990, Produced by RD & PE Zvezda, Russia
Estimate 50,000 — 75,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 305,000 USD
Dom Perignon with Special Label and Case:
Dom Pérignon Œnothèque 1966 Magnum in Custom Red Cooler Designed by Jony Ive and Marc Newson. The red cooler is unique to, and created for, the (RED) Auction 2013. The cooler is edition 01/01. Dom Pérignon has created a unique red foil label for the Œnothèque Magnum.
Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 93,750 USD
Christian Louboutin's Custom Boots:
Unique to, and created for, the (RED) Auction 2013. Edition 01/01. The pair of boots will be made to size for the buyer.
Patent leather, 2013
Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 50,000 USD
Quadrophenia Lambretta Scooter Replica:
An Exact Replica of Jimmy's Lambretta from the film "Quadrophenia"
Signed by Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey for the (RED) Auction 2013.
Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD
LOT SOLD. 209,000 USD
The star-studded crowd of more than 1,000 guests was treated to a number of surprises throughout the evening including an appearance by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who took to the stage to sing ‘Perfect Day’ and ‘Beautiful Day’ with Bono.
above: Bono and Chris Martin from Coldplay performed at the event
The performance inspired more than a dozen bidders to compete for the Steinway & Sons unique “Red Pops for (RED)” Parlor Grand Piano, which was finally won by philanthropist Stewart Rahr for $1.9 million.
Later in the evening, the Azzedine Alaïa pink couture long ruffle dress was revealed in the salesroom worn by supermodel Christy Turlington before it sold to applause for $149,000.
above: Christy Turlington models a custom Azzedine Alaïa dress onstage that was sold for $149,000. Next to her is a "Zvezda" Cosmonaut Suit which sold for $305,000.
After the sale, guests made their way to the 10th floor for a private concert with Bono, The Edge, Nile Rodgers, Chic, and Angelique Kidjo:
Jony and Marc's (RED) Auction highlights prior to the auction were shown in this 'teaser' video:
All information and images courtesy of Sotheby's