Hannah Martin Exhibition at Sotheby’s Salon

Discover Hannah Martin’s rebellious fine jewellery at Sotheby’s Salon, Mayfair—bold, gender-fluid designs on show until 5 September.

Located in the heart of London's Mayfair district, Sotheby's Salon continues to serve as a cross-category luxury destination and interactive space for art lovers, collectors and all those who like to gather at New Bond Street to indulge in their passions for all things luxury –&nbsp; in true Sotheby’s spirit. 

For the past two centuries, the auction house has been the gold standard at the heart of the art world, appraising masterpieces and handling high-profile consignments which are later hammered down to the highest bidder. Beyond redefining the presentation of art auctions worldwide, Sotheby’s has also expanded into an auction market for fine jewellery and other luxury collectibles, leading record-breaking sales for rare watches, gemstones and limited edition handbags. 
This summer, the Salon is presenting British designer Hannah Martin’s jewellery collections, available to purchase for a limited time – August through September 5th. 
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<h2>Hannah Martin is Not Conventional Jewellery</h2> 
The artist’s creations embody a raw energy and the spirit of rebellious punk, with works inspired by political upheaval, radical honesty and personal transformation. 
From Constantin Brâncu?i’s sculptures to surrealist artist Man Ray and the queer erotic art of Tom of Finland, the unlikely inspirations behind Hannah Martin’s collections gave shape to jewellery crafted by unfiltered emotion, self-expression and reinvention. 
Donning a perpetually black punk-rock wardrobe and a signature mohawk haircut, Martin studied jewellery design at Central Saint Martins, where she fully embraced the college’s cultural and sonic riches. After graduating, she moved to Paris and spent time apprenticing at the bench in Cartier’s Paris ateliers on Place Vendôme. Having won the esteemed Cartier Award, she was also commissioned to create complete high jewellery collections for other legacy brands, including Louis Vuitton and Chaumet. 
Equipped with finely tuned high jewellery making skills, Martin returned to her soul city, London and founded Hannah Martin Jewellery brand in 2006. 
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<h2>Challenging the Notion of Luxury</h2> 
Hannah Martin was set on breaking rules and rocking the status quo around the notion of luxury.&nbsp; 
She first touched base with this concept while working at Cartier, in the heart of Parisian jewellery heritage, where she first fell in love with precious metals – gold, especially.&nbsp; 
Persistently questioning the gender bias in the jewellery world, she could not understand why jewellery had to be so different for men and women. On that note, she launched her very first collection in 2005, which laid the foundation for her cross-gender, bold, androgynous and sculptural style that still sets her apart in today’s highly competitive luxury landscape. 
Armed with a distinctive brand identity and avant-garde designs that blur the boundary of gender, Martin is well placed within the broader industry trend of niche jewellery. 
Says Hannah: “Although luxury jewellery isn’t about to save the world, I believe very strongly that creative output in any form is an essential part of our survival as humans.” 
“I wanted to make pieces of jewellery that felt like they were oozing with life. Getting to the essence of who and what we are – flesh, bone, skin. Real. Human. Messy and beautiful and full of life.” 
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<h2>It Is Hannah Martin’s Time at Sotheby’s Salon</h2> 
The Queen of Punk takes centre stage at Sotheby’s London, where a bespoke curation of her most significant jewellery creations will be on display this summer. 
Martin’s best-known collections – It’s Only Rock n Roll, Aguila Dorada, The Perfect Drug and Vincent – are available worldwide and have attracted her a loyal celebrity clientele including musicians and designers such as Cara Delevigne, Erin O'Connor, Zaha Hadid, Madonna and Rihanna. 
Sotheby’s capsule showcase includes creations from the A Vanitas collection and Martin’s tenth collection, The Perfect Drug. 
A Vanitas was the result of a resounding collaboration with Guy Berryman, Coldplay’s bassist, who founded the fashion label Applied Art Forms. 
Inspired by the moody stillness of 17th-century Dutch Vanitas paintings, the collection draws from centuries-old symbolism to craft something utterly modern. 
Created in both silver and gold, the gender-fluid capsule features razorblade motifs and pearls hand-carved into delicate skulls – each piece more provocative than the previous, enveloped by an aesthetic that is unmistakably Martin’s: subversive, expressive and brilliantly composed. 
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<h2>The Perfect Drug and Other ‘Addictions’</h2> 
Martin reinforces the same signature rebel aesthetic (that made her one of the most singular voices in high jewellery creation), with The Perfect Drug. 
Coming on the back of a visceral response to what she calls the “numbness” of the digital age and the assault of information and stimuli, the collection embraces physicality and emotional rawness. These are not just jewels, but a celebration of life – with pain and pleasure as dual realities – resulting in pieces that are risky and risqué, taking her edginess even closer to the edge. The Perfect Drug is a fierce tribute to living, loving, hurting, and healing – one razor-sharp design at a time. 
Sotheby’s Salon will also show other pieces from Hannah Martin’s core collections, including the sculptural Ring of Fire from White Heat, vivid emerald-set jewels from Delirium, and select works from Somebody’s Sins, Aguila Dorada, and It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll. Among them, the golden shackle bangle, originally from Aguila Dorada, evokes the allure of hidden treasure, with its piratical theme. Yet, as Martin notes, it is less about captivity and more about a “bid for freedom”. These are pieces that come alive on the skin – sensual, provocative, and emotionally charged – to deliver a visceral experience through their suggestive references of music, myth and memory. 
<h2>Final Note</h2> 
In a perfect fusion of refinement and rebellion, Martin pushes the art of goldsmithing to new heights, exploring with renewed ingenuity to achieve her signature contrasts and create jewellery that is as technically striking as it is poetic. 
Her creative reach extends beyond jewellery, into design collaborations that resulted in crafted medals for the London Design Festival, designed cocktail sets for Grey Goose Vodka, and hand-blown glass hip flasks for Hendrick’s Gin. 
In an industry often fixated on the idea of polished perfection, Martin’s work offers a deliberate counterpoint. Embracing authenticity, individuality and emotional depth with resolute conviction, her jewellery challenges conventions, marking her as one of the most resounding voices in contemporary design. 
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Located in the heart of London's Mayfair district, Sotheby's Salon continues to serve as a cross-category luxury destination and interactive space for art lovers, collectors and all those who like to gather at New Bond Street to indulge in their passions for all things luxury –&nbsp; in true Sotheby’s spirit.

A Stellar Collection of Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Monterey

Discover rare Ferraris at the 2025 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction, including one-off supercars and historic prototypes.

For car lovers the world over, the summer heat reaches its peak at Monterey Car Week. Running over 10 days during the second week of August, this annual extravaganza celebrates the best of the automotive world with an exhilarating lineup of events. Chief among them is the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, a long-running partnership with the revered auction house that marks its 28th year in 2025. This year’s lots offer a stunning variety of classic cars throughout the decades, as well as some distinctive and very rare modern examples. Below, we take a look at an intriguing selection of Ferraris, some of which are true one-offs that you will find nowhere else.

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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/lots/r0035-2025-ferrari-daytona-sp3-tailor-made/" style="font-size: 16px;">Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made’</a></h2>
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A dramatic two-tone exterior pairing Ferrari’s signature Giallo Modena hue with exposed black carbon fibre gives the Daytona SP3 ‘599+1’ a unique visual hook. It is also the first road car made by the marque with full-length ‘Ferrari’ livery stretching from the front to the back of the chassis, ensuring that it will always make a strong first impression. But there is more to the vehicle than sheer aesthetics.&nbsp; Introduced in 2021, the Daytona SP3 was the latest in the Icona Series, a limited-production of bespoke cars produced for Ferrari’s most loyal clients. The series used some of the marque’s most acclaimed classic models as a base, updating them with modern engineering and design specs to create works of automotive art. As its name suggests, the Daytona SP3 drew inspiration from the racing models of the 1960s that helped Ferrari to dominate the podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967. Only 599 examples were produced and each one was snapped up by a willing client before production even began. An additional model was produced, with the fitting serial number ‘599+1’ and bespoke specs put together by the Ferrari Tailor Made team. Those specs include its unique colour scheme and spectacular livery, along with cutting-edge Q-cycle upholstery made out of recycled tyres. A naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 powers the car to 829 horsepower and, combined with its sleek aerodynamic design, takes it from 0 to 200 km/hr in an incredible 7.4 seconds. The ‘599+1 offers its lucky buyer the rare opportunity to acquire an exclusive addition to a sold-out run in the acclaimed Icona Series while contributing to a good cause. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Ferrari Foundation and will be used to fund educational initiatives.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/lots/r0148-2017-ferrari-laferrari-aperta/" style="font-size: 16px;">2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta</a></h2>
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The LaFerrari Aperta adheres to a traditional pattern set by Ferrari over the decades - it is the open-top followup to the immensely popular LaFerrari coupe. Created in response to a newer generation of hypercars, the LaFerrari made its debut in 2013. It was the first model to feature the KERS hybrid system and a 6.3-litre V12 behemoth that produced an incredible 949 horsepower and left rivals like the Bugatti Veyron in the dust. In 2016, just 3 years after it was first shown off, the LaFerrari ended its run at a total of 499 units. Every single car was off the market and securely in the collection of a longtime Ferrari buyer. However, that was far from the end of the story. With its 70th anniversary just around the corner, Ferrari had cooked up something truly special. Enter the LaFerrari Aperta, which was even more exclusive with just 210 units. The Aperta was re-engineered from its closed-top predecessor to maintain the rigidity of its chassis without a roof, and was souped up to deliver 963 horsepower. The consigned vehicle is believed to be among the final units built, featuring over $113,000 worth of extras in addition to its standard equipment. Finished in Nero Daytona paint with Nero interiors and Rosso accents throughout, it matches its visual splendour with a real sense of elegance. The car has seen minimal road use and has been kept in excellent condition, with regular service via authorised Ferrari dealerships.
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<h2 style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/lots/r0120-2011-ferrari-laferrari-prototype-m4/" style="font-weight: 400;">2011 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype M4</a></h2>
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In 2010, Ferrari was playing its cards quite close to its chest as it worked on developing a new model that would completely change the hypercar game. After much time spent virtually designing and simulating their proposed model, internally nicknamed ‘F150’, it was time to test it on the road. The production car would be unveiled a few years later as the LaFerrari, but any prying eyes that attempted to see what was happening around Maranello at the time of testing may have glimpsed something like the car on offer here. The Prototype M4, alternatively known as the ‘F150 Muletto M4’, was built on the chassis popularised by the 458 Italia. Modifications were made to accommodate a hybrid V-12, but the naturally aspirated engine was able to produce the lion’s share of 949 horsepower all on its own. Inside, the M4 was more classically 458 with a few minor elements that alluded to its future development. But the exterior made its experimental nature obvious with its exposed rivets, enormous front air intake, matte black finish and several other patchwork details. Once the LaFerrari was ready for production, prototypes like the M4 were offered directly from the factory to loyal clients with the understanding that they were not registered for road use. This vehicle may never feel the crunch of asphalt under its wheels, but it will make a stunning collection piece and represents an exciting era in Ferrari’s hypercar history.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/lots/r0073-2006-ferrari-612-scaglietti-bicolore-detroit/" style="font-weight: 400;">2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti ‘Bicolore Detroit’</a></h2>
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The list ends as it began, with a custom Ferrari done up in a striking two-tone colour scheme. This was one of 5 612 cars commissioned by Ferrari in the US as a way to show off the marque’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti, which preceded the current Tailor Made program. All five ‘bicolore’ models bore distinctive palettes and highlighted the level of customisation that buyers could expect. This was the third of the examples produced, first showcased at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. The Rubino Micalizzato and Nero Daytona exterior paired well with a Cioccolato and beige leather interior and other bespoke features. The car was promoted extensively, though things took an unexpected turn after the auto show. The car’s owner, a notable Detroit businessman, was mired in a corruption scandal which led to the seizure of the vehicle by the FBI and its subsequent sale at a government auction where it was seen as just another confiscated vehicle. It wasn’t until 2022 that the significance of the Bicolore Detroit would be rediscovered by an automotive historian who went on to become its current owner. He put it through an extensive restoration and servicing process, with cosmetic touchups to its exterior and interior detailing. The car is on sale along with a beautiful Cioccolato leather 612 suitcase and a 2006 Detroit Auto Show press kit. It remains a spectacular example of Ferrari’s early customisation history and is an attractive addition to any car collection.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"],"__ActaDisplay_5dc6a7":["Light","Medium","Regular"]}) }}

For car lovers the world over, the summer heat reaches its peak at Monterey Car Week. Running over 10 days during the second week of August, this annual extravaganza celebrates the best of the automotive world with an exhilarating lineup of events. Chief among them is the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, a long-running partnership with the revered auction house that marks its 28th year in 2025. This year’s lots offer a stunning variety of classic cars throughout the decades, as well as some distinctive and very rare modern examples. Below, we take a look at an intriguing selection of Ferraris, some of which are true one-offs that you will find nowhere else.

A Prime Property Event: Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions – July Collection

Explore Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ July Collection—exclusive U.S. luxury homes from Long Island to Oregon, open for bidding until August 1.

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continues to lead the industry with its curated approach to luxury property promotion and their continued innovation in matching sellers of exceptional homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Concierge Auctions’ marketplace has broken world records for highest-priced homes ever sold at auction, having transacted high-value properties across 46 U.S. states and 38 countries. The platform prides itself on one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, bringing luxury properties to life in elaborate and compelling ways, while elevating prime real estate to new heights. The brand holds a number of records, with The One in Bel Air being the most expensive property in the US sold at an auction – the 120,000 sq ft mansion achieved a winning bid of $126m.

 
<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/unnamed%20(7)-jpg-1-1.jpg" width="1000" height="666" loading="lazy" alt="Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">
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<h2><a href="https://www.conciergeauctions.com/upcoming-auctions" style="font-size: 16px;">The July Collection</a></h2>
This July, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions is rounding off the month with an online sale showcasing prime properties from America. Running until the 1st of August, the lots coming to auction include a curated selection of the most sought-after real estate, with listings represented by a variety of brokerages. From waterfront sanctuaries in Sarasota to northeastern Oregon equestrian estates commanding awe-inspiring views, it's time to discover the power of bidding with Sotheby's Concierge Auctions.
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<h2>Long Island, Gold Coast, New York</h2>
A rare legacy estate on Long Island’s Gold Coast, Swan Manor comes under the hammer this July as one of the main contenders for a trophy title in the auction. Envisioned by famous architect Stanford White and spread across nine secluded acres with all-encompassing views over the Long Island Sound, the property marries heritage with quiet modernity, spanning 22,000 square feet across three separate residences. A feat of architectural design, this 14-bedroom, 14-bathroom family estate is one of a kind, a free-flowing home where every detail is intentional, from the heated floors to the handcrafted stone finishes and indoor resort-style pool pavilion with fully functional spa, sauna and gym.
The grounds outside, softly undulating, are built for privacy and calm, and appear plucked out of a surreal landscape, with botanical gardens, a cascading stone waterfall and a Stately bluestone driveway leading to a professional tennis court. A separate three-bedroom guest house and dedicated staff quarters allow for full-time support during intimate gatherings or ample social events.
Swan Manor is part of Nissequogue village on Long Island's exclusive Gold Coast. The area offers access to yacht clubs, private golf, and sandy beaches, and sits just over an hour from Manhattan and within reach of the Hamptons.&nbsp; For those in search of country living with metropolitan access, Swan Manor carries impressive credentials, substance and a quiet prestige that has attracted families for generations.
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<h2><a href="https://www.conciergeauctions.com/auctions/5727-riegels-point-road-sarasota-florida" style="font-size: 16px;">Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida</a></h2>
Siesta Key is designed for coastal living that’s as relaxed as it is functional, balancing ease with precision and resort-style living with effortless sophistication within a gated waterfront enclave of Riegels Landing. Serving 357 feet of deep-water shoreline and direct Intracoastal access, this is a dream-like spot for boaters. Inside, the property flows across 3,616sq ft of engineered hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling sliders, living areas finished with custom millwork, Wolf, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, multiple pantries, and smart storage throughout. The master suite features private terrace access, smart lighting, and a clean-lined bath with illuminated mirrors, while the dual loft areas provide quiet space for remote work. Downstairs, a fitness room, wine storage with plumbing, and an oversized garage with built-ins complement the offering.&nbsp;
The layout easily moves to the outdoors, with expansive Shellstone patios that wrap around a saltwater pool and spa with integrated fire and water features, all controlled remotely. There is room to park a 50-foot yacht, a floating kayak launch and lit pilings inviting to head out and enjoy quiet living by the water.&nbsp;
The home is offered fully furnished, as a turn-key and move-in ready option, including Control4 automation that manages lighting, security and AV, and a whole-house generator ready for backup.
Just steps from Siesta Beach and a short drive from Sarasota’s cultural and dining scene, Siesta Key Village beams with open-air restaurants, fresh seafood spots, cafés, and tiki bars where live music plays nightly, all set against the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty.
A home built for year-round use or extended retreat, this property is listed for $5.59M and requires a $100,000 bidder deposit prior to auction.
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<h2><a href="https://www.conciergeauctions.com/auctions/62265-dodds-road-bend-oregon" style="font-size: 16px;">Bend, Central Oregon</a></h2>
In the heart of Central Oregon, this sprawling Bend compound impresses inside out, offering complete seclusion without sacrificing access across 80 acres of land. Enveloped by panoramic Cascade Mountain views across lush pastures and showcasing intentional site planning and cutting-edge technology, this property unfolds over 6,300 sq ft of main residence, reached by a mile-long gated drive. Built for comfort, resilience and privacy, the home is bordered by the Bureau of Land Management land on two sides, affording security and seclusion aplenty – a true retreat with no curious neighbours in sight, just endless horizons and Cascade Mountain views. With Tesla-powered solar system and smart home automation managing every detail, the space inside is well considered and connected, with two principal suites, additional en-suite bedrooms, a pool house and expansive kitchen complete with pizza oven and firepit.
Beyond the home, a lavender field and stocked pond line the canal, offering space for nature walks and contemplation. For more active pursuits, the estate hosts a 10,000 sq ft climate-controlled shop for cars, boats or aircraft, a 2,100 sq ft gym, a greenhouse, sand volleyball court and a shooting range with dedicated lockers, all of which are managed by on-site caretakers.&nbsp;
The estate sits 14 miles from downtown Bend, where world-class skiing, mountain biking and a growing food culture scene take centre stage beneath Oregon’s big blue sky. More than a home, the compound is a realised lifestyle, conceived for independence and engineered for endurance and natural exploration.
Listed for $9.99M with $100,000 bidder deposit required prior to auction. 
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
Underpinned by a name associated with the world’s most valuable possessions, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions pays homage to its heritage. Its lots include the most sought-after properties from expansive penthouse apartments with cityscape views to rural retreats with impressive acreage and contemporary conveniences. The July Collection marks a truly unique moment for buyers to compete for remarkable homes and grand estates through a transparent sale process – one that does justice to the significance and luxury of these properties{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions continues to lead the industry with its curated approach to luxury property promotion and their continued innovation in matching sellers of exceptional homes with some of the most capable property connoisseurs on the planet. Concierge Auctions’ marketplace has broken world records for highest-priced homes ever sold at auction, having transacted high-value properties across 46 U.S. states and 38 countries. The platform prides itself on one of the most comprehensive and intelligent databases of high-net-worth real estate buyers and sellers in the industry, bringing luxury properties to life in elaborate and compelling ways, while elevating prime real estate to new heights. The brand holds a number of records, with The One in Bel Air being the most expensive property in the US sold at an auction – the 120,000 sq ft mansion achieved a winning bid of $126m.

The Sales Shaping Dubai’s Super Prime Market This Year

Record-breaking luxury home sales in Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Bay & Palm Jumeirah define Dubai’s booming real estate market in 2025.

Another milestone sale in Dubai Hills Estate cements what is proving to be one of Dubai's strongest real estate years on record.

The first half of 2025 has been anything but straightforward. Geopolitical tensions surged to levels not seen in many years, and regional instability has cast a shadow over global investor confidence. From New York to Hong Kong, luxury property markets are still showing signs of hesitation, with year-on-year sales volumes dropping in many key cities. In Dubai however, the super prime segment is telling a very different story – one of stability, confidence, and record-breaking results. In Q1, transaction volumes surged by 50%, with a <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/a-solid-first-quarter-anchored-by-a-record-breaking-sale/">notable 35% uptick in transaction values</a> in properties above AED 100 million. Q2 brought even greater heights, with AED 184.3 billion in sales in just one quarter – its highest on record.&nbsp;
At Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, we’ve witnessed this market resilience up close. Here are four landmark transactions this year that bring the data to life.&nbsp;
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<h2 style="font-size: 36px;">A Dubai Hills home with California soul</h2>
In June, Executive Partner <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/agent/hanieh-deylami/">Honey Deylami</a> set the tone with the sale of an extraordinary seven-bedroom mansion in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/buy/dubai/property-for-sale-dubai-hills-estate-dubai-hills-view/">Hills View</a>, listed at AED 150 million. Bold, modular and confidently forward-thinking, this contemporary home wouldn’t look out of place on the coast of Malibu, or in the glitzy suburbs of Bel Air. Inside, the layout favours light and flow, with expansive open-plan living spaces, soaring ceilings and full-height windows. Above, a rooftop lounge captures 360-degree views over the city skyline and championship golf course – a perfect base for entertaining in the cooler months.&nbsp;
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Upstairs, all seven bedrooms are en suite with private terraces. The master suite is a sanctuary in its own right, complete with his and hers dressing rooms and a spa-like bathroom. But it’s outdoors that the home truly finds its rhythm: a breezy garden with an overflow pool, cabanas, a sunken firepit, and a shaded dining pavilion – beautifully crafted to embrace Dubai’s year-round sun.
“This sale reflects what we do best – connecting extraordinary homes with the right buyers through experience, trust, and collaboration,” commented Honey Deylami. “At Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, we curate lifestyle-led investments, not just property transactions. This mansion, like many in our portfolio, reflects the evolving tastes of our discerning clientele, and I’m proud to have played a part in securing such a landmark deal.”
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<h2>Villa Allegra: A Triumph of Contemporary Beachfront Design</h2>
One of the most spectacular design-led homes on Palm Jumeirah this year is <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/sold-a-closer-look-inside-villa-allegra-the-crown-jewel-of-palm-jumeirahs-billionaires-row-1/">Villa Allegra,</a> also sold by Honey Deylami in early 2025. Designed by Innovate Living, the residence is located on Frond G – known as ‘Billionaires’ Row’ – and stands out for its resort-like, lifestyle-driven functionality. Minimalist yet monumental, its design language echoes that of the Dubai Hills Estate mansion: all clean lines, raw textures, and fluid indoor-outdoor living.&nbsp;
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Inside, full-wall bookshelves, Orobico Grigio marble, and furnishings by Minotti and Gioretti create a space that feels more like a gallery than a residence. A resort unto itself, the home also has a private beach, spa, fitness centre, and a dazzling Palm-fringed beachfront pool. The most inventive feature of Villa Allegra is its basement – a 9,000 sq. ft. entertainment space with an organic menagerie housing turtles and ducks, designed by Worldwide Zoo Consultants.
Villa Allegra was listed at AED 230 million and sold in February 2025, reinforcing the uptick in appetite for turnkey homes at the very top of the market – <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/the-great-british-shift-why-more-uk-buyers-are-moving-to-dubai/">particularly as more families turn to Dubai as their primary residence</a>.&nbsp;
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<h2>A Record-Breaking AED 330M Villa on Jumeirah Bay Island</h2>
With just 128 plots, Jumeirah Bay Island is Dubai’s most exclusive address. This year, Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty broke all records on the island with the sale of an incredible AED 330 million custom-built beachfront mansion. Led by Associate Directors <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/agent/regan-david-faulkner/">Regan Faulkner</a> and <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/agent/ioana-armeanu/">Ioana Armeanu</a>, this milestone transaction marked <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/aed-330m-villa-breaks-record-on-jumeirah-bay-island/">the most expensive villa sale on Jumeirah Bay Island to date</a>, further underscoring confidence in the super prime segment this year.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcUEqHC31R-hFQFJ_of9wz5E1Dw-LYrvj999mcZwr4JV543ZPW-GYgO5FBc_hf2WzGhv3At2TX5pN73tZGrJyc-uJqqX16orwVEUugIXYNnqHNza8XkMHnmEdsS7YJ1US4oZ7Q_wQ?key=0ZjkBLGyqEt-leucnVFyfA" width="1000" height="663" loading="lazy" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">
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“This extraordinary home represents the height of exclusive <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/lifestyles/beachfront/" style="color: #002349;">beachfront living</a>: flawless architecture, uncompromising craftsmanship, and a setting that is simply unmatched,” said Regan Faulkner at the time of the sale. And the home is indeed extraordinary, spanning a 26,895 sq. ft. plot with a private beach. It is one of just three ELV plots with unobstructed views of the Downtown skyline and Burj Khalifa.&nbsp;
Ioana Armeanu added: “The demand for bespoke, one-of-a-kind residences here has never been stronger, and this record-breaking sale on Jumeirah Bay Island is a testament to its enduring appeal. It was a privilege to represent such an incredible property and connect our client with the perfect buyer.”
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<h2>The Most Expensive Plot on Palm Jumeirah</h2>
On <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/buy/dubai/property-for-sale-palm-jumeirah/">Palm Jumeirah</a>, undeveloped plots are few and far between. When they do come to market, however, they rank among the city’s most valuable assets, pursued by buyers with long-term vision. In June, Executive Partner <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/agent/leigh-borg/">Leigh Borg</a> represented the seller of a 90,000 sq. ft. waterfront plot on a frond tip – a rare blank canvas in an increasingly built-up market. The deal closed at a staggering AED 365 million, marking the highest residential sale on the Palm this year, and one of the highest on record.&nbsp;
Though just a stretch of sand today, it’s a clear vote of confidence in the future of Dubai’s real estate market, and it’s particularly telling in the face of wider economic volatility.&nbsp;
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<h2>The Power of Exclusivity in a Shifting Market</h2>
At its core, real estate is built on trust, timing, and the right relationships. At Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, our most successful outcomes are often the result of exclusive representation, giving us the ability to shape a property’s narrative, curate its audience, and engage precisely the right buyers.&nbsp;
These sales are a testament to the power of such representation, showcasing what’s possible when experience, discretion, and world-class marketing align. If you’re <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/sell-with-us/">thinking of selling</a>, we’d be delighted to show you what an exclusive partnership with Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty can deliver, both now and in the years to come.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Another milestone sale in Dubai Hills Estate cements what is proving to be one of Dubai's strongest real estate years on record.

A Modern Supercar Showcase by RM Sotheby’s

We put the spotlight on three exceptional vehicles from this particular catalogue, including a redesigned Porsche 911 Speedster, a rare Zagato-designed Ferrari and a truly unique piece of coachbuilding mastery by Bertone.

In the latest sealed drop auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s, the focus is squarely on supercars from the past couple of decades. This unique auction format has proven to be a big draw for car lovers, providing a discreet avenue for acquiring some of the rarest vehicles in the world. And this month’s lots are among the finest examples of coachbuilding expertise, with limited production runs and one exquisite one-off vehicle. Bidding is currently open and is set to close on 17 July. 
 
We put the spotlight on three exceptional vehicles from this particular catalogue, including a redesigned Porsche 911 Speedster, a rare Zagato-designed Ferrari and a truly unique piece of coachbuilding mastery by Bertone. 
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<a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/s0725/lots/r0006-1995-porsche-911-speedster-remastered-by-gunther-werks/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">1995 Porsche 911 Speedster Remastered by Gunther Werks</a> 
<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/74e1f8778c5967667534ce6be756c16b5973e8e8-Oct-12-2025-09-26-37-7807-AM.jpg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy" alt="74e1f8778c5967667534ce6be756c16b5973e8e8" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 960px;"> 
California-based Gunther Werks are specialists in Porsche customisation - namely the Porsche 911. This isn’t just a vanity project or an exercise in artistry, however. Gunther Werks sees their work as a continuation of what Porsche left unfinished in 1998 when they axed the air-cooled 993-generation of the 911 model. Each custom is a bespoke vision of what the 993 would look like if it were still being built today. 
The redesign process for the 911 Speedster involved an extensive amount of carbon fibre, integrated into the chassis and via bespoke bodywork. The resulting convertible body is, according to Gunther Werks, twice as stiff as a coupe despite not having a roof. The claims extend to its performance, which is said to be superior to a closed model due to its lighter and stronger construction. 
An upgraded suspension system includes computer-controlled active suspension, custom-made suspension arms, new anti-roll bars, lighter struts, and a hydraulic front lift system that’s ahead of its time. Rothsport Road and Race, another air-cooled 911 expert based in Oregon, worked on the engine. The original naturally aspirated 3.6-litre was overhauled in favour of a beefier 4-litre block. That was only the tip of the iceberg, as every single engine component was completely upgraded and refitted, generating over 430 horsepower once completed. 
The finish, comprising Tungsten Metallic paint applied in two stages and two-toned interiors in elegant Brandy and Onyx Nappa leather, brings the whole design together. This vehicle also has the optional Travel Package that includes a carbon fibre steering wheel and a carbon centre console. 
Only 25 examples of the Speedster were produced, and this is one of the very few right-hand drive examples, configured for a Hong Kong buyer. It is road registered with all taxes paid in Hong Kong, and has not been on the road apart from testing. All of the Gunther Werks models have been sold, making this an exceptionally rare piece. 
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/s0725/lots/r0003-2009-zagato-gtz-nibbio/" style="font-size: 16px;">2009 Zagato GTZ Nibbio</a></h2> 
<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/8ecfb50ebde88fa562c6a3abb63af1f4af56b797-Oct-12-2025-09-26-39-8929-AM.jpg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy" alt="8ecfb50ebde88fa562c6a3abb63af1f4af56b797" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 960px;"> 
Zagato is a name that really needs no introduction for any supercar enthusiast, having built some of the most stunning vehicles of the past century. This car, which was commissioned in 2013, is the 8th out of only 9 GTZ Nibbios ever produced. With the approval of the consignor, Zagato sought out a donor car that would serve as the skeleton for the build. Ultimately, a suitable model that had less than 25,000 kilometres recorded was found, in pristine physical and mechanical condition. 
The car was completely stripped to prepare its transformation into the Nibbio. Marella Zagato, wife of CEO Andrea Zagato, picked out the stunning silver colour and the contrasting red interior was fully retrimmed. The Nibbio incorporates several of Zagato’s signature elements, including a double bubble roof and a tapered rear section. The bodywork harkens back to the 550 and 575 GTZ, which preceded the Nibbio and featured similar carbon fibre elements. 
A 6-litre V12 engine roars to life with 613 horsepower and a maximum speed of 330km/h, managed by an automated gearbox modelled after the ones found in F1 racers. State-of-the-art braking, damper and traction control systems ensure that the Nibbio’s road performance is tightly controlled. 
Since completion, the car has only been driven about 200km and has been kept in excellent condition. Zagato conducted a thorough inspection in 2020, the details of which are on file. The GTZ Nibbio is an exemplar of 21st century coachbuilding and is an essential addition to any car collection. 
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/s0725/lots/r0007-2012-bertone-nuccio/" style="font-size: 16px;">2012 Bertone Nuccio</a></h2> 
<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/a8f20b6edd375254afbbb19d97007811f291ee40-Oct-12-2025-09-26-36-6874-AM.jpg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy" alt="a8f20b6edd375254afbbb19d97007811f291ee40" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 960px;"> 
This is the definition of ‘one-of-a-kind’, showcasing the craftsmanship of a long-revered coachbuilder and the evolution of supercar design in the 21st century. A celebration of Bertone’s 100th anniversary, the car was named after the son of founder Giovanni Bertone and was inspired by an iconic previous one-off - the Lancia Stratos Zero.&nbsp; 
Over a period of three and a half months, the car was completely re-envisioned, with the design undergoing a futuristic overhaul. Ergonomics were a significant consideration during the process, to ensure that the Nuccio’s aesthetics and performance didn’t come at the expense of comfort. A 4.3-litre V8 engine is at the centre of the car’s operation, along with a six-speed automated gearbox by Graziano and F1-style paddle shifters. Bertone also introduced a patented lighting feature - one section of the headlight glows blue when braking to alert pedestrians at the front.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Nuccio was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and a separately produced production version was showcased at the Beijing Auto Show later that year. It also graced the Concorso Italiano in the United States to introduce it to the American market. 
Sadly, Bertone would be plagued by financial troubles and would eventually fold in 2015, leaving the Nuccio to languish in storage. The brand would be brought back to life in 2022 under new ownership, but it was already too late for the Nuccio, which was sold off at auction in 2018 along with several other Bertone assets. At that point, it was acquired by its first and only owner, where it remained as part of a private collection.&nbsp; 
The Nuccio has recorded just over 29,000 km, most of which was accrued by the original car prior to its conversion. It is a distinctive work of automotive craftsmanship and holds a special place in history as a 21st century masterpiece built by a legendary name.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

In the latest sealed drop auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s, the focus is squarely on supercars from the past couple of decades. This unique auction format has proven to be a big draw for car lovers, providing a discreet avenue for acquiring some of the rarest vehicles in the world. And this month’s lots are among the finest examples of coachbuilding expertise, with limited production runs and one exquisite one-off vehicle. Bidding is currently open and is set to close on 17 July.

Sotheby’s Fashion Icons Sale Brings The Original Birkin to Paris

Original Hermès Birkin bag, owned by Jane Birkin, auctions in Paris—a piece of fashion history with unmatched provenance.

Few moments in the world of fashion resonate as profoundly as an item that transcends trends to become a legend. With no compromise on comfort or functionality and a visual dominance that holds its own, the Original Birkin bag produced such a moment. A singular piece of fashion history that signals luxury in a most understated way, the Birkin bag has grown into a cultural phenomenon. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other exceptional objects with similar provenance, holding the power to redefine records when sold at auction. In a world of seasonal fashion trends, the Birkin bag is not going to go out of style anytime soon. From a practical accessory to a cult classic, the bag’s presence is felt the world over, spanning the music, film and television industries to show up as a coveted piece in the wardrobes of many artists and celebrities alike.&nbsp;

Probably the most famous bag of all time, the Original Hermès Birkin has been consigned to Sotheby’s Paris for sale this summer. Belonging to Jane Birkin herself, the bag’s value is reinforced by its cultural significance and exclusivity. It tells an epic story with flair and an ultimate display of prowess. It doesn’t just belong to fashion history. It made it.
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<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/unnamed%20(9).png" width="1000" height="800" loading="lazy" alt="The Original Birkin to Paris" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">
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<h2>The Original Birkin Is Going Up for Auction in July</h2>
It is rare to walk inside a Hermès store and bring home a new Birkin bag. A very limited number are created each year. The house is famously selective about who they sell to and you can’t just buy a bag – you have to be offered one. Hermès prioritises clients who have built a strong relationship with the brand over time – meaning they spend six figures annually on other Hermès pieces. It is this kind of exclusivity that keeps the brand on a pedestal.&nbsp;
However, if you ever dreamt of getting your hands on the Original Birkin bag, the prototype made for actress and singer Jane Birkin is going up for auction in July. Sotheby’s Handbags &amp; Fashion department is presenting the inaugural Fashion Icons sale in Paris, an event that will feature the Original Hermès Birkin bag, created in 1984 in collaboration with the actress. While other Birkin creations vary across their sizes, colourways and leathers, this unique prototype is distinguished by seven design elements that render its status symbol as the very genesis of the world’s most coveted bag and the embodiment of the Birkin legend.
The Paris sale will also highlight a curated selection of legendary pieces from landmark couture collections by Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Thierry Mugler.
The Original Birkin was displayed at Sotheby’s New York from June 6 to June 12 and it will then travel to Paris from the 3rd to the 9th of July before leading the house’s online “Fashion Icons” sale on July 10.
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<h2>Hermès Original Birkin Crafted for Jane Birkin</h2>
<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/fashion-icons-pf2583?locale=en">The Original Birkin model is an icon in its purest form</a> – uncommercial, unedited, and entirely itself. Slightly taller and broader than the Birkins that followed, its proportions are practical, with a height of just under 14 inches and a depth of just under 16 inches. The strap is fixed, and the hardware humble brass. The zipper is sourced from another maker and the feet – or bottom studs – are smaller on this prototype than those used by Hermès to manufacture the commercialised Birkin bags. The Original Birkin reflects the many years of use by the actress and is presented in the exact condition it was last used by Jane. It is branded with her initials – J.B. – and the Original Certificate of the Charity auction signed by Jane Birkin, on 5 October 1994, is also included.
The Original Birkin has travelled the world like a rare piece of art. It was displayed under glass at MoMA in New York and then shown at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. In October 2024, it was on display at Sotheby’s Paris and Sotheby’s Maison in Hong Kong, where thousands came to see and admire it.
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<h2>Back to the Origins</h2>
The bag’s creation has become the stuff of legend. Its origins lie in a chance encounter on a flight between Jane Birkin and then Hermès artistic director Jean-Louis Dumas. The British-French actress confessed to Dumas that she had struggled to find a handbag large enough to hold her daily essentials, and it was then that Dumas offered to create the bag for her. Sketched on an airsickness bag, the two designed what would become The Birkin – two handles, tote style, a smaller version of the famous Hermès’s Haut à Courroies sac. Hermès offered Jane Birkin the bag in 1985 and asked her permission to name the model after her.
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<h3>Final Thought</h3>
Jane Birkin, who died in July 2023, owned five Birkin bags over the course of her life, one of which sold for $160,000 at an auction in 2021– five times its pre-sale estimate.
One of the most admired bags of its generation, the Birkin speaks not only to the scale of provenance behind it but also to a desire for enduring design, built to withstand scrutiny and remain relevant over time. The upcoming Fashion Icons auction in Paris presents a historic opportunity to own The Original Birkin that embodies the intersection of fashion history, craftsmanship and personal style – a living artefact from the hands of the woman who gave it her name.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Few moments in the world of fashion resonate as profoundly as an item that transcends trends to become a legend. With no compromise on comfort or functionality and a visual dominance that holds its own, the Original Birkin bag produced such a moment. A singular piece of fashion history that signals luxury in a most understated way, the Birkin bag has grown into a cultural phenomenon. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other exceptional objects with similar provenance, holding the power to redefine records when sold at auction. In a world of seasonal fashion trends, the Birkin bag is not going to go out of style anytime soon. From a practical accessory to a cult classic, the bag’s presence is felt the world over, spanning the music, film and television industries to show up as a coveted piece in the wardrobes of many artists and celebrities alike.&nbsp;

Sotheby’s Brings Picasso Ceramics to London

Picasso’s ceramic masterpieces head to auction—explore his playful Vallauris works, from mythic vases to expressive faces.

Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and stage designer, Pablo Picasso could easily be regarded as the most influential artist of the 20th century. Extremely prolific, he has changed the history of art, his pictorial work holding iconic status. Picasso’s artistic eclecticism is evident in his openness to a broad range of styles, subject matters and his ability to combine multiple sources and mediums.&nbsp;

Such is the case with his ceramic works, which mark a highly creative period in his life during the time spent in the South of France. Driven by boundless artistic energies and ambitions, Picasso created numerous ceramics between 1947 and 1971, and the full extent of his works remain mostly unknown to the general public. The master of Cubism produced signature clay works that are increasingly gaining fame and carry undisputed value. On the art market, Picasso ceramics enjoy a resurgence, partly because they remain the most affordable in his vast work repertoire. Often put up for auction, they sell for more than ten times the pre-sale estimate, like in the case of Grand vase aux femmes voilées, which fetched $1,145,407 in 2012.
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<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/unnamed%20(3).png" width="863" height="690" loading="lazy" alt="Sotheby’s Brings Picasso Ceramics to London" style="width: 863px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">
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<h2>Picasso London Auction</h2>
<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2025/picasso-ceramics-l25163?locale=en">Sotheby’s London will host its annual Picasso Ceramics auction in June 2025, with bidding open from 20–27 June</a>. This much-anticipated event offers fresh insight into Picasso’s playful, bold, and inventive ceramic works, many of which were created during his years in Vallauris, South of France, in collaboration with the Madoura Pottery studio. Over the course of two decades, Picasso produced more than 3,500 ceramic pieces, from plates and pitchers to sculptural vases and jugs. These works reveal classical motifs, animal forms, and expressive faces, often carrying a light, humorous touch.&nbsp;
Determining the value of a Picasso ceramic piece without expert appraisal and guidance can be difficult, as prices can vary from a few thousand dollars to a million. Sotheby’s offers online estimates and in-person valuations, establishing an item’s condition and authenticity to determine its value. A large number of Picasso’s ceramics were produced in the 50s and 60s, with prices of around 100 dollars a piece, at the time. He always wanted to make his art form more accessible to the general public, at least seventy years ago.&nbsp;
The collection coming to London this June presents an evocative cross-section of his ceramic art and highlights singular pieces that reflect one of the most creative chapters of his career.
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<h2>Picasso’s Years in Clay: A Match Made in Madoura Pottery</h2>
A match made in South of France, Picasso’s creative partnership with Madoura studio in Vallauris began in 1947 and would last until the artist died in 1973. No stranger to ceramic art, Picasso experimented with clay some 40 years earlier, but meeting Georges and Suzanne Ramié, the owners of the Madoura Pottery studio, greatly captured his interest, so he decided to come back to their workshop and start working at Madoura daily. The Ramiés welcomed Picasso and shared with him secrets about firing the clay and painting the glaze, inspiring him to reclaim the art of pottery. What followed was the completion of over 1,000 unique ceramic pieces between 1947 and 1948, for which the artist drew inspiration from light and Mediterranean nature.
Sketches in hand and his head brimming with ideas, Picasso delved into the exploration of shapes, colours, and the transformative nature of the firing process. He initially worked with simple plates and bowls and later expanded his compositions to include pitchers and vases.
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<h2>Picasso Expressions in Clay</h2>
For Picasso, ceramics was almost a spiritual retreat from the worries and demands of painting. Working with primal elements like earth and fire not only agreed with him but also produced magical results. Over the course of two decades, he created more than 3,500 works fired in clay, including plates, jugs, vases, and pitchers that abound with mythological imagery, zoomorphic designs, whimsical faces, and explorations of the human figure.&nbsp;
Picasso’s ceramics were shaped by his interest in traditional Spanish pottery, where decoration mattered more than perfect form or fine materials. He often returned to familiar themes: bullfights, roosters, suns, human faces, all of which carried a personal visual language that translated well to clay. Painting on a three-dimensional surface gave Picasso space to explore different facets of cubism and work with shape and volume to guide the composition and create unique effects. As he became more confident, Picasso expanded his creations and crafted three-dimensional motifs on many of his ceramics. The playful nature of his works in Vallauris is palpable throughout, a clear nod to the time they were conceived – a happier, more optimistic period in the artist’s life post the doom and gloom of World War II.
Picasso’s fascination with the human face and its expressions, moods and shifting angles always ran deep throughout his works, and it often appears in his ceramics as well.
He treated the subject matter with the same fervour and freedom that shaped his paintings, using clay as a means to explore emotion and identity. One piece that remarkably captures this theme is Visage aux yeux rieurs (Laughing-eyed Face), 1969, where Picasso transformed a simple turned pitcher into a vivid portrait. The face is brought to life through bold lines and a layered palette, using form and colour in tandem to create a sense of animation and play.
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<h3>Final Note</h3>
The Picasso Ceramic auction offers a unique glimpse into the creative vision and experimental nature of the artist’s practice, and how his choice of form and glaze got refined over time.
Recognised for their abstracted patterns, symbols, and figurations, Picasso’s ceramics reflect the course of human life. Through clay, fire and pot, the artist expressed the eternal polarity between mortals and immortals, between life and death.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and stage designer, Pablo Picasso could easily be regarded as the most influential artist of the 20th century. Extremely prolific, he has changed the history of art, his pictorial work holding iconic status. Picasso’s artistic eclecticism is evident in his openness to a broad range of styles, subject matters and his ability to combine multiple sources and mediums.&nbsp;

A Union of British Classics: Three Stunning Aston Martins at RM Sotheby’s Cliveden House Auction

In 2024, the first summer sale by RM Sotheby’s was hosted at Cliveden House. So successful was the event that it will once again return to the iconic hotel’s grounds in July for its second edition.

In 2024, the first summer sale by RM Sotheby’s was hosted at Cliveden House. So successful was the event that it will once again return to the iconic hotel’s grounds in July for its second edition. Originally a gift for the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, Cliveden House has achieved a level of notoriety as the site of several political scandals. Over time, it has embraced its colourful heritage and become a prized destination for affluent travellers seeking pastoral English charm and a bit of historical intrigue in a sophisticated setting. Combining the chic atmosphere of a garden party with a lineup of exceptional classic and modern cars, the auction will be a stellar addition to the summer auction calendar.

Taking place on 8 July, the event will feature a selection of lots from several decades, including vintage automobiles from the turn of the 20th century and modern supercars. Among the lineup is a fascinating group of Aston Martins from different eras. In keeping with the quintessentially English setting of the sale, we take a look at some of the best models up for auction from the renowned British car brand.
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<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/shutterstock_1857129817.jpg" width="960" height="1440" loading="lazy" alt="A Union of British Classics" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 960px;">
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/lots/r0009-1957-aston-martin-db4-prototype-dp1142/" style="font-size: 16px;">1957 Aston Martin DB4 Prototype ‘DP114/2’</a></h2>
When Aston Martin was trying to develop a successor to the MKIII, a prototype model known as the DP114 was built. It was scrapped shortly after due to poor testing, and replaced by the DP 114/2. It features a distinctive chassis and suspension design, both an evolution from the MKIII. Testing revealed that the shell needed to be stiffer, so Aston Martin reached out to reputed coachbuilders Touring Superleggera for advice. It was determined that a new chassis would have to be built, which led to the DP 114/2 being abandoned.
The car found new life as the personal vehicle of Aston Martin Lagonda boss Sir David Brown’s wife. Originally white with blue trim, it was nicknamed the “Walls Ice Cream Van” and would remain in Mrs Brown’s care from 1957 to 1962. It changed owners twice after that, but was in a state of disrepair by the 1970s. Ivor Howells, a former bench fitter for Aston Martin, acquired the car for the paltry sum of £600 and set about restoring it over the next two years.
In the 80s, it changed hands again and was converted to a competition car, participating in several classic car rallies. It was reacquired by Aston Martin before the end of the decade and went through a five-year recommissioning period to become even more concourse-worthy. It would go on to showcase its skills in London and Silverstone and become a media sensation in the 2000s, featuring on Top Gear and across several automotive magazines. During that period, it would be reupholstered with green interiors and an Almond Green paint job to match. While it could benefit from some more refurbishment, this represents an excellent opportunity to own a lost one-off Aston Martin prototype.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/lots/r0035-2017-aston-martin-vanquish-zagato-coupe/" style="font-size: 16px;">2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe</a></h2>
When the second generation of the Aston Martin Vanquish rolled off the line in 2016, it was already a spectacular evolution in design for the famed carmaker. A few variations on the model were produced over the following year, including the Vanquish Zagato, which combined the sleek silhouette of the Vanquish with Zagato’s signature flourishes to create a coupe that stood a class apart.
Only 99 models were produced, along with convertible, shooting brake and speedster variants. Arguably, the Zagato Coupe is the most sophisticated in terms of sheer aesthetics. Finished in Scorching Black with Pure Black leather interiors and details featuring Zagato’s iconic logo, the car makes a dramatic statement even before its engine flares to life. Additionally, this vehicle was equipped with the Villa d’Este package, a hugely popular add-on that incorporates gold exterior accents such as badges and wheel spokes, as well as interior ones such as the air conditioning vents and the trim on the steering wheel.
The current consignor acquired the car in December 2017, less than 10 months after its initial delivery, and is only the second person to own it. This vehicle remains in excellent condition, with only 1,768 miles recorded. It underwent a full service in late 2023 and went through additional routine servicing in January 2025. For the next owner, this is an excellent opportunity to realise the Vanquish Zagato’s full potential.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ch25/lots/r0012-1930-aston-martin-1litre-international-24seater/" style="font-size: 16px;">1930 Aston Martin 1½-Litre International 2/4-Seater</a></h2>
The 1920s proved to be a turbulent time for Aston Martin, culminating in the marque being put up for sale and then bought by Augustus Bertelli and William S. Renwick. The duo had crafted a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that needed a car to showcase its full potential, and Aston Martin seemed to be just the right fit.
Launched under the banner of the Bertelli First Series, the vehicle known as the International featured a lower chassis well suited to sportier pursuits, including rallies and hill climbs. Bertelli, a seasoned competitor himself, made full use of the car at various events. It was first unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1929 and three years later, a total of 132 units had been produced. This chassis is the S73, specified in black with red leather interiors and completed in November 1930, according to its build sheet.
The full history of the car’s ownership remains a mystery, but some details are available. It was, at one point, owned by a member of the King’s Own Royal Regiment, and in 1970 it achieved 2nd place in its class at the For Belvedere Concours. In the early 2000s, it would make its way to Germany and, between 2006 and 2011, its then-owner took it through a full restoration. Emil Frey, known as Roos Engineering back then, repaired the bodywork and overhauled all of the mechanical components, replacing the engine block as well. Ecurie Bertelli, a noted Aston Martin specialist, also performed mechanical maintenance. The car has split much of its recent time between driving tours and being on display, both options available to its next owner.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"]}) }}

In 2024, the first summer sale by RM Sotheby’s was hosted at Cliveden House. So successful was the event that it will once again return to the iconic hotel’s grounds in July for its second edition. Originally a gift for the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, Cliveden House has achieved a level of notoriety as the site of several political scandals. Over time, it has embraced its colourful heritage and become a prized destination for affluent travellers seeking pastoral English charm and a bit of historical intrigue in a sophisticated setting. Combining the chic atmosphere of a garden party with a lineup of exceptional classic and modern cars, the auction will be a stellar addition to the summer auction calendar.

The Seven Fastest Classic Cars in the World

Explore seven of the world’s fastest cars—from classic icons to modern marvels—featured at RM Sotheby’s Milan auction on 22 May 2025.

Some of the most desirable cars in the world have been built for speed. Every aspect of their design, from the shape of the fuselage to the mechanical components and materials have all been carefully selected to enhance performance. Whether it is a 1930s grand tourer thundering down Le Mans or a contemporary supercar redefining the limits of what’s considered street-legal, the unifying factor is speed. And on 22 May, some of the fastest cars ever built will take the stage at the RM Sotheby’s Milan auction.

Record-shattering rarities and contenders that narrowly missed out on competition glory will stand side by side at the Fonderia Macchi Carlo, each one a snapshot of its era’s engineering ambition and competitive spirit. These vehicles all fit the basic criteria for what it takes to be considered the fastest in the world, though definitions are hardly set in stone.
In order to be considered a recordbreaker, a car must be street-legal, built to be used by actual customers and not just on the racetrack. It must also be able to operate under the same design specs that allowed it to achieve maximum speeds during testing. This has led to its share of debates and controversies as some models attempt to bend the rules.
The seven cars we are looking at below, however, are unquestionably at the top of the game. Each has pushed boundaries of what can be achieved on the road and is a legend in its class.
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<img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/unnamed%20(85).jpg" width="1000" height="651" loading="lazy" alt="The Seven Fastest Classic Cars in the World" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0020-1956-mercedesbenz-300-sl-gullwing/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing</a></h2>
Some call it the world’s first supercar, and while purists might argue about the engine layout, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing lets its credentials do the talking. A pioneering spaceframe chassis and a fuel-injected straight-six engine capable of delivering 215 horsepower helped achieve a top speed that its rivals could never hope to match.&nbsp;
In 1958, a one-way timed run hit 150.7 mph, which was well short of the 160 mph it claimed to reach, but more than enough to crown it the fastest production car on the planet, beating the Jaguar XK120, former holder of the speed crown, by a full 25 mph.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0035-1971-lamborghini-miura-p400-sv-by-bertone/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone</a></h2>
The Lamborghini Miura may not have invented the mid-engined supercar, but it did put it under the global spotlight. With styling by Marcello Gandini and a howling V-12 courtesy of Giotto Bizzarrini, the Miura was a revolution in both form and speed. It was also an elegant contrast to the AC Cobra 427, which held the title of world’s fastest car prior to that, and was known for its raw, unpolished aggression.&nbsp;
A P400 clocked 171 mph in 1967, raising the bar for performance across the board and leading to its own (brief) unseating by rival Ferrari, who issued a solid challenge with a more traditional front-engined car. By 1970 Lamborghini had secured the title again thanks to the P400 S, which achieved a blazing 179.3 mph.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0032-1972-ferrari-365-gtb4-daytona-berlinetta-by-scaglietti/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta by Scaglietti</a></h2>
Even as the Lamborghini Miura shook up the industry, Enzo Ferrari stuck firmly to a front-engined layout. That conviction delivered one last roar in the form of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti and powered by a 4.4-litre Colombo V-12 with 347 bhp, the Daytona was capable of hitting 174 mph, more than enough to claim the title of world’s fastest production car.
What made the Daytona remarkable wasn’t just its speed, but its civility. This wasn’t a stripped-down supercar, but a grand tourer capable of effortless high-speed cruising across countries. Still, mid-engined designs had an undeniable aerodynamic advantage, and Lamborghini reclaimed the crown shortly after.
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<h2 style="font-size: 36px;"><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0023-1989-lamborghini-countach-25th-anniversary-edition-by-bertone/" rel="noopener" target="_blank" style="font-weight: 400;">Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition by Bertone</a></h2>
Lamborghini’s reign as top-speed king didn’t end with the Miura. In 1982, the Countach LP500 S reasserted the carmaker’s dominance. While the earlier LP400 S added a dramatic rear wing that improved stability but clipped top-end speed, the LP500 S countered with a larger 4.8-litre V-12 producing 370 bhp—enough to hit 182 mph in testing.
A year later, Ruf’s BTR clocked 190 mph, pushing Lamborghini to respond with the 1985 LP5000 QV. With a 5.4-litre, four-valve-per-cylinder V-12 and six Weber carburettors, it delivered a ferocious 449 bhp. Its top speed of 190.1 mph set a Guinness World Record, though questions lingered over the factory-modified airbox used in testing.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0018-1987-porsche-959-speedster/" style="font-size: 16px;">Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’</a></h2>
The Porsche 959 was built for competition, but exceeded its Group B ambitions and was seen as the eventual successor to the 911 Turbo. That future never materialised, as the car’s build cost was double its sticker price, making it unsustainable for mass production. When global markets took a sharp downturn in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Porsche was on the road to bankruptcy and was forced to shelve the 959 to help keep its head above water.
Yet the 959’s legacy is untouchable. It introduced water cooling, all-wheel drive, active suspension, sequential twin-turbos, and exotic materials to Porsche’s road cars. It was a technical marvel, and blisteringly fast: it achieved 197 mph in a Komfort model, while the Sport variant managed 198 mph. The even rarer 959 S pushed that to 211 mph, narrowly missing a return to the top after the Ruf CTR’s 212 mph record.
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<h2 style="font-size: 36px;"><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0034-1989-ferrari-f40/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ferrari F40</a></h2>
While the Porsche 959 Sport and Ruf CTR flirted with the edges of what defines a "production car," Ferrari’s F40 left no room for debate. Its popularity resulted in the production of over 1,100 units in comparison to the double-digits runs of the aforementioned cars. Although a top speed of 201mph was claimed, apparently making it the first production car to break the 200 barrier, independent tests couldn’t take it past 199 mph. Ferrari maintained its claim, however, which remains a source of debate.
Born from the ashes of Group B and shaped by the lessons of the 288 GTO Evoluzione and Lancia’s LC2 programme, the F40 was a no-frills weapon. With 471 bhp from a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V8 and a featherweight chassis made from Kevlar, carbon fibre, and aluminium, it was raw, unforgiving, and utterly focused. The F40 was the last car to be approved by Enzo Ferrari himself, making it a fitting legacy to his vision.
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<h2><a href="https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ml25/lots/r0001-1994-jaguar-xj220/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jaguar XJ220</a></h2>
Often overlooked but undeniably impressive, the Jaguar XJ220 remains one of the best-value record breakers of its era. Originally promised with a V-12 and four-wheel drive, the production version arrived during a recession with a twin-turbo V6 instead. Consequently, orders were cancelled and warehouses languished with unsold cars. Yet beneath the controversy was a serious machine: futuristic, fearsomely fast, and every bit a contender.
With 524 bhp, the XJ220 hit 217.1 mph at the Nardò Ring under semi-optimised conditions, with rev limit raised and catalytic converters removed. Even in true road-going form, it reached a blistering 210.5 mph. Outmatched by the Bugatti EB110 and Ruf CTR, the XJ220 may not be a record-holder, but it remains a significant part of automotive history.{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Bold","Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Some of the most desirable cars in the world have been built for speed. Every aspect of their design, from the shape of the fuselage to the mechanical components and materials have all been carefully selected to enhance performance. Whether it is a 1930s grand tourer thundering down Le Mans or a contemporary supercar redefining the limits of what’s considered street-legal, the unifying factor is speed. And on 22 May, some of the fastest cars ever built will take the stage at the RM Sotheby’s Milan auction.

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