Exclusive Access: A Day at New York's Top Auction Previews
Christie's Heritage & Sotheby's Holiday Preview Review
In an era where digital platforms dominate, the enduring appeal of in-person auction previews shines bright. These events offer more than just a visual feast; they are multisensory experiences filled with excitement and discovery. Our journey through New York's premier auction houses - Christie’s, Heritage, and Sotheby’s - revealed the distinct charm of these previews, transcending the limitations of online browsing.
Imagine an in-person auction preview as the captivating prelude to an orchestral symphony. It's a physical space where auction items come alive, allowing attendees to closely examine and truly appreciate each piece's craftsmanship. This tactile experience, unattainable through digital screens, provides a deeper understanding of each item's quality and intricacies.
Our exploration began at Christie’s, nestled beside Rockefeller Center. The welcoming atmosphere, complete with complimentary quality coffee in their lobby, set the stage for a day of discovery. Christie’s displayed an extensive collection of handbags, almost the entirety of their online auction which closes for bidding on December 12, offering a tangible insight into items often overlooked online. This tangible experience revealed hidden gems and underscored the value of in-person inspection.
Photographs often fall short in capturing the essence of an item, masking imperfections or misrepresenting colors and scale. In contrast, in-person previews allow for a comprehensive assessment of an item’s condition, which is especially crucial in the world of collectible handbags where details are paramount.
One bag in particular that struck us at Christie’s was a spectacular Hermes Bleu Izmir Porosus Crocodile Birkin 30 with Gold hardware from 2019. Blue Izmir crocodile is not uncommon, though it is known to be quite multifaceted, with some examples much brighter than others. This bag had such an impressive color, along with exceptional scales, many of which exhibit two or even three pores. All of the pores are bright and clear on the front and back, and to make things even better, the base is center-cut and equally stunning. It will be very interesting to see how this one performs in comparison to a more normal-looking Blue Izmir Nilo Croc Birkin 30 with Palladium hardware going up in the Sotheby’s auction a day prior.
Auction previews are not just about the items; they’re social events in their own right. They attract a diverse crowd, from seasoned collectors to first-time buyers, all sharing a common passion. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and learn from fellow enthusiasts. The conversations and connections made at these events can be as enriching as the auctions themselves.
After we finished at Christie’s we fought our way through the thronging 5th Avenue crowds, past the glittering Bergdorfs windows, and over to Heritage’s Park Avenue vitrine, which was showcasing a selection of highlights from their upcoming December 7th auction in Dallas. Of particular interest was the 2008 Hima Birkin 30, which, at a current bid of only $26,000, could prove the cheapest Hima ever sold at auction. Himalayan bags, though, are naturally wear-resistant. The ombre coloring hides most marks and discolorations and the matte crocodile has a natural slouchiness that is enhanced with use. So what could be so wrong with this Hima to make it so cheap? Upon close inspection, we found…nothing. It was a little slouchy and a little used-looking, but the hardware wasn’t terribly scratched, the interior wasn’t dirty, it didn’t smell. In a short time, we realized that this was a real opportunity to snag a sleeper that might be getting overlooked simply because it’s undervalued. We’ll just have to watch the auction and see.
There's an undeniable thrill in stumbling upon an unexpected treasure during a preview. It’s the excitement of discovering a rare piece or noticing a detail that others might have overlooked. These moments of serendipity, often lost in the uniformity of online listings, add an element of surprise and delight to the auction experience.
Attending auction previews is also an educational journey. It’s an opportunity to learn from experts, appreciate the history and story behind each item, and gain insights into the valuation process. For enthusiasts and collectors, this learning aspect is invaluable, deepening their understanding and appreciation of their interests. Typically live previews are staffed by the auction house’s specialists who are well versed in the auction’s offerings and can answer any question you might have, but sometimes less experienced preview staff are on duty.
The atmosphere at a live auction is electric – a blend of anticipation, competition, and camaraderie. The energy in the room during a bidding war is palpable, and the satisfaction of securing a sought-after item is unmatched. This dynamic environment, full of drama and excitement, is a far cry from the solitary experience of clicking a bid button online. But in today’s world of digitized experiences, live handbag auctions are all but gone, with Paris and Hong Kong the primary remaining locations for such events. In their stead, though, we still have previews, which pepper cities worldwide as the auction season moves around the globe in its ever-circling swirl. The previews we saw this weekend in New York City are all for online sales except for Heritage, which holds a live auction at its headquarters outside Dallas.
In-person auction previews offer a unique blend of practical benefits, educational opportunities, and enjoyment. They are not just about inspecting items but about experiencing them, connecting with others, and indulging in the thrill of discovery. As much as digital platforms have their place, they cannot replicate the full sensory and social experience of a live preview.
After we left Heritage we walked up Park Ave and over to the East River to see the preview at Sotheby’s. A selection of highlights from their online sale ending on December 11th was on display in a dramatically lit room. It is interesting to see these previews in sequence, as the differences in experience become clear. At Christies - a well-lit fully-stocked room with mirrors and comfy chairs and long standing tables to inspect items. At Heritage - A light-filled glass vitrine populated with crystalline cases and mirrors, utilitarianly set on a concrete floor. everything behind glass and on glass (which particularly helped in seeing the base of these bags). At Sotheby’s: a moody corner amidst jewelry cases with big posters and a tv cycling ads for other Sotheby’s sales amidst bag-related footage.
On another floor at Sotheby’s, we spotted a pair of 1938 Jean-Michel Fank chairs, which, though these originals were produced by Comte, are today produced by Hermes. These are the type of ancillary items, objects of timeless design from designers like Frank or Dunand or Adnet that further color the daily lives of us collectors.
In-person auction previews, today, stand as a testament to the irreplaceable value of physical interaction in an increasingly digital world. They are not merely about inspecting items but about immersing oneself in a world of tactile experiences, social connections, and the sheer thrill of discovery.
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