Attention Fragile ! by Sarah Andelman for Sotheby’s

In search of the perfect Christmas present? Look no further, Sotheby’s and Sarah Andelman got it covered. The trendsetter, culture icon and mastermind behind the Colette concept store and Just An Idea consulting agency, has curated a special selection for the Sotheby’s Salon, a space in the newly opened Parisian headquarters of the auction house at 83, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, with exceptional pieces and objects, available for immediate purchase.

Entitled “Attention Fragile” (meaning, “Caution, Fragile!” in English), the pop-up is inspired by the omnipresent skateboarding culture and features a bunch of vintage skateboards, and a curated selection of exquisite handbags, luxury watches and jewellery. Other highlights include artworks by Parisian artists Andy Picci and Ines Melia, artisanal glassware by Jonathan Hansen, Maison Balzac, Massimo Lunardon and Agustina Bottoni, Gohar world design objects and gourmet delights signed by La Cavalerie, Sant Ambroeus, Palomas.

Sarah Andelman gave a private tour of the exhibition for HD Fashion, where she explained the idea behind the project, why she loves Paris and where she will shop for her Christmas presents.

How did you come up with the idea of this project?

Sotheby’s invited me to do something in Le Salon, their new space dedicated to the “buy now” Luxury selection. I proposed to present my publishing company. Then, it became all the First floor of the new address, and then I developed this skateboard story along with glass makers Helle Mardahl, Jonathan Hansen, Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Agustina Bottoni, Maison Balzac, and Massimon Lunardo, and a mini gift shop for the holidays.

Was it the first time you were working with an auction house? And what was the biggest challenge?

Actually, in the past, I curated the auction Just Phriends for the new auction platform of Pharrell Williams, Joopiter. The challenge? The timing! As it was quite last minute and I was also doing the Miami Art Basel Shop and a project for Landmark in Hong Kong, but everything finally happened nicely.  

Tell us more about the name of the exhibition “Attention, Fragile!”. Why did you decide to pick up a French expression? And how does it reflect the spirit of the exhibition?

When I connected the skateboards and the glass makers, I thought of “Attention, Fragile !”, because you can imagine a skater breaking all the glasses! This title is also about paying attention to fragile things, like the Inés Mèlia bookmarks made of claws. I think it’s nice, nowadays, to just take the time and admire creative talents.

You decided to make a special focus on skateboarding. Why do you think it’s important today for culture and collectors? Do you skateboard yourself?

I have never skateboarded but I always loved the culture around skateboards. We did lots of exhibitions at Colette with artists from the skate community, we used to sell skates, and to sell t-shirts from skate companies. I noticed Sotheby’s had some skateboards in their BUY NOW online selection, at the same level as luxury bags and jewellery and I think it reflects the importance of this culture. I also did a few projects with The Skateroom because I really love their idea of inviting major artists to do boards and to use the money from the sales to build skateparks in countries where it makes a real social impact.

There is a great variety of objects present in the show space: from Andy Picci and Inés Màlia’s artworks to Massimo Lunardon glassware and Pannetone from Sant Ambroeus. How did you choose them?

It’s a very subjective curation of artists and things I like. For Sant Ambroeus, it’s a teaser as they’ll finally open in Paris in 2025. For Andy Picci and Inés Màlia, I consider they’re very talented artists to follow. I often compare my curation to a puzzle, where each piece complements each other.

Have you ever participated in an auction sale? And what did you buy?

It’s pretty rare but I actually bought a Grateful Dead property from Sotheby’s in late 2021.

I feel it’s a full-time job to follow all the auctions…

Are you an avid collector? And what do you collect?

I collect books and “stupid artists stuff”, from a rubber stamp to a Rubik’s cube, I also love artist merch, like a Jenny Holzer eraser or a Yayoi Kusama capsule.

A lot of Parisians and guests of the City of Lights will drop by the Sotheby’s salon to choose Christmas presents for their loved ones. And where did you shop for presents? And what is the most memorable present you have ever received?

I really think our Gift shop is the perfect place to find nice presents for all the family. I will shop for presents there and online. I particularly love the A24 eshop. My husband is very good with special presents, but one day, I came back home and discovered a Daniel Arsham mural artwork, that was something very special!

For fashion aficionados all around the world, you have always been a symbol of Paris and its trailblazer culture. How would you define your relationship with Paris?

I really love Paris. There’s nothing better than biking along the river with the sunset behind the Grand Palais. There’s always a new restaurant to try, a fantastic exhibit to visit, a secret garden to dream at… I only hate people not picking up their dog’s poo (laughs)!

What are your plans for 2025?

I plan to work on my new books’ releases, I have a project in Tokyo with Edifice and I am helping Peanuts for their 75thAnniversary show in Paris.

Courtesy: Sotheby’s

Text: Lidia Ageeva