The friendship between Christian Louboutin, Idris and Sabrina Elba is one of laughter, joy and mutual respect. Upon meeting several years ago the trio struck an instant kinship that goes beyond public appearances, one that is built on solidarity and shared values.
Editorial by Julien Vallon
@louboutinworld with @idriselba @sabrinaelba
christianlouboutin.com
The global outcry that occurred in May 2020 sparked a worldwide conversation about privilege, systematic injustice and racism. Idris and Sabrina felt compelled to add their voices, and as a visible Black couple, they spoke candidly about global inequality and shared their first-hand experiences of discrimination. Using their social media platforms as a vehicle to call for change, the couple engaged in an Instagram live discussion with one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, Opal Tometi. They were unaware that Christian was listening in at the time and after the talk, he expressed to them how powerful, moving and hopeful he had found their discussion – “I’m proud of you, and I’m here for you” he told them.
Taking the thought-provoking conversation offline, the three friends were certain that they wanted to give back in a way that would be truly impactful. To raise awareness directly benefitting the lives of the individuals and communities whose voices matter yet are often unheard, they looked to historic leaders Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. Their dedication to the fight for justice, equality and freedom offered design inspiration.
This inspiration was channelled into co-creating an uplifting two-chapter collection. The collection features styles showcasing Strelitzia reginae “Mandela’s Gold”- a beautiful plant that has come to symbolise empathy, hope and freedom.
For Christian and the Elbas, it is important that they use their positions to champion organisations that are already creating an unbelievable difference to those within their communities.
A hundred per cent of the proceeds made from this collection will go directly to five non-profit organisations. Humanitarian relief charity Be Rose supports vulnerable people in need of emergency assistance and empowers widows to care for their families through agribusiness. Close to Idris’s heart and rooted in his Sierra Leonean heritage, Purposeful is a grassroots organisation that provides mentorship for girls. Idris’s patronage of The Immediate Theatre in East London reinforces the message that access to the arts should be available to all. Sabrina’s roots are reflected in The Somali Hope Foundation’s continued efforts to provide access to education for underprivileged children. Founded by Harry Belafonte, Gathering for Justice’s mission to end child incarceration, centring nonviolence as a foundation for civic and social justice engagement makes it an organisation that is close to Christian’s heart.
The friends want to instigate meaningful change through practical solutions. They are optimistic that the action taken by individuals and communities alike will help to steer a strong course towards a global message of equality and, as Christian notes: “A true sense of responsibility”.
All Proceeds from the Walk a Mile in My Shoes collection will be directed to administrative partner, GlobalGiving, for distribution to all five charities benefiting from this campaign under the name Walk a Mile in My Shoes Fund backed by Christian Louboutin and Sabrina & Idris Elba.
GlobalGiving is a non-profit that supports other non-profits by connecting them to donors and companies. Since 2002, we’ve helped trusted, community-led organizations from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe (and hundreds of places in between) access the tools, training, and support they need to make our world a better place.
Editorial by Julien Vallon
@louboutinworld with @idriselba @sabrinaelba
christianlouboutin.com
