“Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences” by Luxury Group & Sotheby's

Luxury Group by Marriott International has announced a collaboration with the international auction house, Sotheby’s – “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.” This collaboration will see the Luxury Group – which encompasses the portfolio of eight hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels – pairing hospitality with treasures from Sotheby’s auctions.

Sotheby’s Luxury Sales showcases collector’s items across jewelry, fashion and handbags, watches, wine & spirits, and other objects d’art, while the Luxury Group unlocks doors to destinations and travel experiences. The collaboration between the storied brands illustrates their commitment to curating moments that define the essence of luxury and resonate with collectors and explorers alike. It additionally underscores the synergy between Sotheby’s, which offers a range of luxury categories, and the Luxury Group’s portfolio, which boasts diverse programming spanning an international footprint.

Statement

“There is an incredible synergy between the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s as both are underpinned by a similar passion for pioneering transformative offerings that tap into the diverse cultural passions of our clientele,” said George Hammer, global head of Luxury Marketing, Marriott International. “We have always believed hospitality to be an art in and of itself, challenging us to reimagine the ways we engage with our guests. By blurring the lines between tangible and intangible luxuries, “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences.” will continue to converge the two worlds.”

Eléonore Dethier, Sotheby’s global head of Partnerships, commented: “We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with the Luxury Group by Marriott International, uniting two iconic brands in the world of luxury. By merging Sotheby’s renowned expertise in curating extraordinary collectibles with the Luxury Group’s world-class hospitality, we are setting a new standard for luxury experiences. This collaboration not only highlights our passion for innovation, but also celebrates the intersection of luxury, culture, and hospitality, offering connoisseurs a unique opportunity to engage with Sotheby’s in an entirely new and immersive way.”

A Collection of Unforgettable Journeys

To launch this collaboration, the Luxury Group will bring travel experiences to Sotheby’s community of collectors as the Presenting Partner of The Luxury Sales. The Luxury Group will craft itineraries inspired by the categories represented at Sotheby’s Luxury Sales, including, fashion, jewelry, watches, wines, and spirits. The inaugural experiences include Whiskey Reverie: Presented by The Ritz-Carlton, blending the hospitality brand with the craftsmanship of whiskey, and Alexander McQueen Discovery: Presented by EDITION, inviting fashion aficionados to dually explore London through the lens of the luxury travel and lifestyle brand and Lee Alexander McQueen. Guests will be able to bid for these experiences through Sotheby’s Sealed, an online platform that combines the discretion of a private sale with the competitive excitement of an auction. Its collaboration with the Luxury Group marks the first time Sotheby’s is auctioning experiences through its Sealed program.

The Masterclass Experience

The collaboration between the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will offer access to events and offers for VIPs of both brands, including private masterclasses hosted within the spaces and suites of the Luxury Group’s properties. The masterclasses will provide a setting to experience the Luxury Group’s hospitality and engage with auction pieces with insights from Sotheby’s specialists before they go under the hammer. The initial masterclass, Whiskey & Watches, will kick off at Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad where guests will be introduced to American whiskies on the market and a single-owner collection of timepieces, within suites in New York City. The Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will also collaborate on a jewelry masterclass in the Presidential Suite of the recently transformed St. Regis New York. The private masterclass will showcase select jewelry treasures on offer in Sotheby’s Important Jewels auction to members of Vogue100, a collective of fashion and beauty’s foremost female voices. Following these masterclasses, the Luxury Group will expand its partnership with Sotheby’s in December 2024, focusing on The Luxury Sales in New York City.

Inspiring Wanderlust through Stories

Capitalizing on their reach, the Luxury Group and Sotheby’s will publish a content series to spotlight global artistry and reveal new perspectives on worldwide destinations. Through short-form videos, the two brands will shine a light on the artworks at the Luxury Group hotels and the art scenes of their locales, as well as travel recommendations in cities throughout the world. This editorial content will be available on Sothebys.com.