Sotheby’s New ‘Buy Now’ Platform Makes Rare Sneakers Accessible.
Sotheby’s, the world renowned auction house, has launched a ‘Buy Now’ platform. The new platform allows users to purchase luxury items without a bidding process or auction fees.
This is a significant new direction for the traditional auction house. Not only does the ‘see now, buy now’ style of shopping diversify Sotheby’s business model, it keeps the institution with the times as they cater to a fast-moving consumer world. Collectors no longer need to feel intimidated by the bidding process, nor will they be surprised by the pricing of rare items. Instead, they can see prices transparently and check out for items quickly with no communication required.
In a statement by Managing Director of Sotheby’s Luxury Division Josh Pullan, he said that the new marketplace was created to “connect collectors with beautiful objects easily and quickly and provides a complete luxury experience across fine jewels, contemporary art, collectible sneakers, watches, designer handbags, decorative objects, interiors and pens.”
The prices vary on the new platform, with limited-edition sneakers starting at around $800 all the way up to Hermès vintage bags that start at $36,000.
Below is a list of our favourite picks from the newly launched ‘Buy Now’ online store.
Nike Tinker Hatfield Signed Air Max 1, $20,000
In celebration of the first Air Max Day back in 2014, legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield signed five pairs of Air Max 1s and one of them is up for grabs on the Sotheby’s site. This pair; in a red and white design with a neon green midsole has been specially packed in an air bubble to keep them crisp and fresh.
Nike Air Force 1 High Mr. Braindwash ‘Just Did It’, $5,000
These Nike Air Force 1s are number seven of thirteen painted by street artist Mr. Brainwash, who gained notoriety as the central figure of Banksy’s film ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’.
Nike Dunk SB Low Premium Green Spark Hoop Orange, $800
Following the renewed interest in the Nike Dunk after Travis Scott’s collaboration, it’s no surprise that there are a pair of vintage Nike Dunk’s on Sotheby’s. This pair is from 2009 and features a ‘playful Halloween-like colour layout’ featuring a yellow midsole, a green and orange upper and purple laces.
Hermès Orange Poppy Matte Mississippiensis Alligator Retourne Keyy 35cm Gold Hardware, $36,000
This Hermès bag is made out of alligator, featuring an orange chèvre interior lining as well as tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, clochette with lock and two keys, single rolled handle and a removable shoulder strap. Made in 2014, the bag has been rated as ‘Very Good’ in its condition report.
This incredibly rare Nike boat boxed set was never sold to the public, instead, it was gifted to Nike employees in the 1980s. The set includes a two-person boa, two ores, pump, repair kit and comes in its original box.
More on CULTED
See also: WEDNESDAY NEWSRUSH FEATURING SOTHEBY’S AUCTION OF RARE NIKE SNEAKERS
See also: THE RAREST NIKE SNEAKERS OF ALL TIME
