Barneys New York has long had a reputation for carrying an assortment of the most coveted brands, and for a period of time, they also threw some of the most talked-about events in their store. This was especially true in the '80s, when the city's art scene was thriving thanks to artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. In 1986, both artists, along with Keith Haring and Yves Saint Laurent, customized denim jackets for Barneys' AIDS fundraiser auction, which became one of its most famous events, attended by Madonna and other bold-faced names of the time.
Now that Barneys has moved back to its original location in downtown Manhattan, it is hoping to channel the energy of that iconic event. Barneys is teaming up with some of the most influential designers and artists today to get their take on a leather motorcycle jacket, which will be auctioned off through Christie's Auction House. Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, Dries Van Noten and Tim Coppens are just a handful of those who will be participating. All of the proceeds will be going to The LGBT Center and White Columns, New York's oldest alternative art space.
Check out a preview of the jackets below. Bidding is open here through March 22.
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