New Delhi, June 4 (IANSlife): Inside the Orange Box: A Lifetime of Collecting, an online sale of extraordinary handbags, will have its public preview at Christies Palazzo Clerici, Milan, June 17-19, 2022.
This sole proprietor auction represents a celebration of a collector’s passion, featuring an encyclopedic collection of Hermès handbags, accessories, lifestyle items, textiles, jewelry, watches and more. Comprising a total of 257 lots, including 145 handbags, the auction is open for bidding from June 14-23, 2022.
Lucile Andreani, Head of Handbags, Christie’s EMEA: “We are delighted to present Christie’s first-ever handbag and accessories auction in Italy, following the success of our first handbag and Proprietorship, which was held in Paris earlier this year. truly unparalleled offering illustrates a lifetime of collecting by a passionate connoisseur of all things Hermès. Never before has such a large and dynamic collection been auctioned and we are delighted to present these highly coveted limited edition pieces at Christie’s Milan this season.”
Rachel Koffsky, Global Head of Handbags, Christie’s: “This auction is a celebration of a collector’s passion. It presents a colorful and whimsical range of Hermès creations over the decades, amassed by a shrewd collector, patron and true connoisseur, whose passion and knowledge resonate through the designs.”
A highlight of the auction is a rare Birkin Shadow Birkin 40 in denim and black Evercalf leather from 2010 customized by Petit H (estimate: 10,000-12,000 euros). The Shadow Birkin was first introduced in 2009 by renowned French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, creative director of Hermès from 2003 to 2010. Gaultier marked the house by reinterpreting classic styles in a contemporary way. For Ombre, he sought to create a trompe-l’oeil effect through the illusion of a flat top and angles. In reality, the design is an embossed print, making it the only Birkin to deviate from the traditional structure. The piece was personalized by Petit H in collaboration with the collector, who, as a patron of Hermès, could choose personalized designs in the workshop.
The innovation and reinterpretation of materials by the Hermès workshop is evident in the artistry of the Picnic series. The delicate nature of wicker, or wicker, means that it is only used by the most skilled craftsmen. The resulting basket pattern is paired with Barenia leather, the material used in the saddles. The collection will feature a Osier Kelly 35 (estimate: €18,000-24,000), seen for the first time in 2011 as part of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring Summer Collection. The Spring/Summer 2016 Picnic Party collection saw the introduction of an expanded variety of wicker items, and the auction will feature designs from this period, including the Picnic Farming Bag (estimate: 4,000-6,000 euros) and Picnic Garden Party (estimate: 3,000-4,000 euros).
A 2013 limited edition in natural Barénia leather and Ghillies Birkin 35 canvas (estimate: 6,000-8,000 euros), one of Hermès’ most coveted models, will be presented. Introduced in 2012, the Ghillies was an extension of the Haute Bijouterie collection created in 2011 by Pierre Hardy, artistic director of jewelery at Hermès. The design stands out with its decorative border, inspired by the broguing of the men’s Scottish dress shoe of the same name.
A 2014 limited edition in string, paprika canvas and Barénia leather Flag Birkin 35 (estimate: €6,000-8,000) is one of Hermès’ sportiest creations. Featuring bold colors, the bag features a fiery combination of orange Barenia leather stripes with a red crinoline panel.
The auction will feature the highly sought after 2011 candy collection. Available in four colors; Kiwi, Celeste, Lime and Tyrian Rose, this design has only been produced in Epsom leather with bright colors set against a darker contrast shade on the inside.
Other highlights include a fine selection of Sac a Malice handbags, first introduced in the late 1980s. These wearable works of art feature different themes, with the clasp playfully incorporated into the designs. , for example in the form of a parachute, a champagne cork or a flag pole.
A selection of Hermès accessories will be on offer, including the latest edition of the Rodéo Pégase charms. Inspired by the mythical winged horse, this design has been coveted by collectors since its launch and can be even harder to find than a Hermès handbag.
From the scarves collection, beautiful editions from iconic collaborations will be offered, including the Hermes x Colette J’Aime Mon Carré. Overseen by Hermès artistic director for silk, Bali Barret, the bold, graphic designs were released in 2010 and were available for three weeks. Hermes x Comme des Garcons, a 2013 capsule collection of six scarves, was reinterpreted by Comme des Garcons founder Rei Kawakubo. Released in limited numbers with only 200 of each design, the scarves feature elements of the Comme des Garçons line, including the iconic polka dots, nylon gingham and the brand’s motto “Live Free with Strong Will”, combined with the prints Traditional Hermès.
Petit H is the upcycling line created by Pascale Mussard at Hermès to create unique objects, designs and shapes by reusing materials from other Hermès businesses. The inspiration in the workshop is a playful creativity, based on surprise and the ephemeral and the creations are unique pieces or only available in very limited editions.
