Sabrina and Idris Elba Join Forces With Christian Louboutin In Support of Not One, But Five Non-Profit Organisations
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the new Walk A Mile In My Shoes collection – co-created by the actor, his wife and the iconic designer – will be donated to various initiatives that fight social inequality around the world
The bond between a designer and their muse has always been a special one, but actor Idris Elba and Christian Louboutin share a unique kind of friendship – one that runs far deeper than simply being photographer together on the red carpet or being “spontaneously” caught by the paparazzi in-between fittings. Built on a foundation of mutual respect, support and allyship the pair are joining forces to give back to the wider global community, combating inequality with a new collection they’re co-creating together with Idris’ wife, Sabrina.
“We met about 5 or 6 years ago, the day following Sabrina’s birthday. We quickly became really good friends and I feel so enthusiastic now about working on a project with them,” Christian says, recounting the story of how the two became acquainted.
“This is something I really love about my job is to be able to collaborate with people that are close to me and that I admire.”
When Idris and Sabrina started actively participating in conversations surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement back in May 2020, speaking candidly about global inequality and sharing their own experiences with discrimination, Christian was actively listening; when they took to Instagram Live to host a discussion with one of the co-founders of the movement, Opal Tometi, the designer tuned-in.
Now the trio have unveiled Walk A Mile In My Shoes, a line that can best be described as an initiative within its own right: a two-chapter collection where one hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to not one, but five non-profit organisations: Immediate Theatre, Be Rose International Foundation, Purposeful, the Somali Hope Foundation and Gathering For Justice.
From reimagining house classics like the iconic Hot Chick pump and Louis trainer, with the words “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” incorporated into the design; to a brand new print inspired by the Strelitzia reginae flower – better known as “Mandela’s Gold” as it symbolises empathy, hope and freedom; to a range of bold tote bags and accessories, the collection calls for all of us to be compassionate, more understanding of others and to act as advocates for equality within the global community.
“The freedom flower represents… the struggle of South Africa for a long time – and that flower became a symbol in many ways. Then, in true African spirit we put it on a print,” Idris notes, referring to the colourful designs within the collection. “In Sierra Leone we call it Ashobi. The design aspect of the freedom flowers, which Christian elevated, came from few ideas that Sabrina and I had. Christian went away and did something else, and it’s just our Ashobi because it’s beautiful… For us, it represents the flagship of the collection.”
“I think it’s a beautiful way to unlock empathy,” says Sabrina, referring to the entire collection as whole. “It’s not necessarily walk a mile in our shoes or Christian’s shoes, or your shoes… [it’s about thinking] about your neighborhood or the person next to you, who might not have the same equality in life based on such meaningless things.”
“Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to these subjects. In a way, everyone can participate at its own level. In a sense, I asked myself ‘How do you [want] to be remembered?’” Christians says. “In a way, I believe that I do not want to be remembered as a designer necessarily, I would rather be remembered as a nice guy who actually tried to help people when he could.”
For more information, visit christianlouboutin.com/en