Celebrating Visionaries: Where Artistry Meets Patronage
The Transformation of a Landmark
Since the mid-20th century, the structure at Madison Avenue and 75th Street, known as the Breuer Building, has served as a beacon for cultural institutions. Initially housing The Whitney Museum, then The Met Breuer, and briefly The Frick Collection, it has now commenced a new epoch as the primary hub for Sotheby’s International. This significant transition was underscored by a monumental $700 million acquisition of Leonard Lauder’s collection, signaling a robust new direction for the esteemed auction house.
An Evening of Cocktails and Creativity
The inaugural Creators and Collectors dinner party commenced with an elegant cocktail reception in the building's main foyer. Guests were treated to an array of Negroni cocktails, expertly crafted by The Lake Como Edition, while admiring large-scale installations by Damien Hirst. Kristina O’Neill, Sotheby’s media director, articulated the event’s core philosophy, emphasizing its role in honoring both the innovators who propel fresh concepts and the patrons whose faith and inquisitiveness enable these visions to flourish.
Distinguished Guests and Artistic Dialogues
The celebration attracted a diverse assembly of notable personalities, blending global luminaries with local figures. Among the attendees were Carolyn Murphy, Iman, Gabriela Hearst, and Tory Burch. The event also saw the presence of all five cover stars from the latest issue of Sotheby’s magazine: Jen Rubio, Thelma Golden, Peter Marino, John Batiste, and Julian Schnabel. Schnabel, in an impromptu address, reflected on his personal connection to the venue, recalling an exhibition he held there in 1987 and the building's enduring significance to his artistic journey.
A Connoisseur's Delight: Art and Atmosphere
For the evening, the grand hall was adorned with pieces from the Anne Schlumberger collection, featuring works by Dale Chihuly and Francois-Xavier Lalanne. Lalanne's renowned copper hippopotamus-shaped bar later fetched an astonishing $31,430,000 at auction, significantly surpassing its initial $7 million estimate. Guests playfully interacted with the bar, highlighting the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Conversations and Culinary Creations
Amidst the artistic splendor, Lily Allen humorously shared her recent credit card woes, joking that retail therapy was not on her agenda despite her appreciation for art. She recounted a recent acquisition from artist Tomo Campbell, emphasizing her continued engagement with the art world. The evening concluded with a unique dessert by pastry artist Paris Starn, a conceptual tribute to the Breuer Building’s distinct exterior. This polarizing yet delicious creation, featuring pourable grey chocolate mimicking cement, sparked lively discussions among the attendees, much like any compelling work of art.