T H E A R T S , A U C T I O N S & E S T A T E S A D V I S O R Y R E P O R T
JULY 1, 2024 - ARTS, AUCTIONS & ESTATES ADVISORY REPORT
July 1, 2024
WELCOME CHRIS LAKKEES We are delighted to welcome Chris Lakkees to Christie’s, invitation-only arts, auctions, and luxury estates group for Southern California. Chris will be teaming with Marshall Peck at their Beverly Hills office, who represents celebrity clients John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, among many others. Chris’s impressive background began in luxury and hospitality with the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company as a manager in their Communications Division. He then, in 2002, introduced the iconic Jimmy Choo brand, working closely with its founders, into the U.S. market within their retail sales and marketing division. Chris holds an MBA from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Marshall School of Business, a globally ranked top 10 program. For the past decade, Chris has specialized in executive management consulting, mortgage banking, and commercial real estate development as an executive vice president for one of California's largest commercial builders, overseeing luxury hotel and multifamily developments, focusing on prefabrication and reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. As a passion, Chris has also produced multiple award-winning films, generating over $15 million in donations for philanthropic initiatives supporting women’s and children’s causes, helping shape legislation with screenings before the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and parliaments internationally, further strengthening his network among celebrities, business leaders, philanthropists, and political officials globally. We look forward to the exceptional service and unique insights Chris will bring to our clients. Welcome, Chris. |
UNITING LUXURY AND INNOVATION: A JOURNEY WITH CHRISTIE’S AND BEYOND
Aligning with Christie’s is a remarkable opportunity, as my clients deeply value the arts, expression, and the joy of living. Christie’s, as the world's premier luxury arts and auction house with a 250-year history of excellence, uniquely integrates buying and selling luxury properties with documenting, authenticating, appraising, marketing, and auctioning high-value estate items. This expertise enables us to secure higher prices through our unparalleled network of buyers. Beyond property sales, for example, I recently facilitated the auction of ultra-rare Harry Winston earrings expected to command seven figures. Currently, I am arranging the appraisal of 15th-century art from a historical California estate associated with Hollywood's founding luminaries and aristocrats, anticipated to be purchased by major museums to help complete their collections. The value of art and assets within an estate often increases when sold with the property due to the heritage and pedigree of the owners. Conversely, when buyers prefer the property without the existing assets, we help sellers achieve the highest prices at auction. In addition to my work with Christie’s, my background in commercial real estate development and pre- fabrication—having authored case studies and white papers and previously served as Executive Vice President for one of California's largest builders—demonstrates my commitment to modernizing outdated construction processes. Our technologies and capabilities can reduce construction waste and carbon footprint, enhance fire and seismic safety, and cut build times and costs by up to 50%. Despite these benefits, implementing change can be challenging. To help address these issues, as a long-time film producer, I am consulting on a groundbreaking docu-feature that offers a unique and shocking perspective on climate change. This project involves two-time Oscar-winning director Malcolm Clarke, the European principality of Monaco, a leader in luxury, global A- list talent, the World Bank's Connect4Climate initiative, and is nominated for the EarthShot Prize (HRH Prince William of Wales). |
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STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES AND VALUE CREATION
Just as Christie’s curates great art sales, Christie’s International Real Estate assembles the world’s leading real estate experts. These trusted advisors are leaders in their local markets and meet our strict standards of excellence by demonstrating continued success in luxury property sales and upholding the Christie’s brand. Our world-class marketing platform, collaboration with the auction house, and exclusive invitation-only network of top real estate brokers provide properties listed with Christie’s International Real Estate unparalleled international exposure. Our marketing programs blend new media with proven techniques, constantly evolving to reach distinguished home buyers, affluent investors, and renowned business leaders. Our campaigns achieve results across diverse venues, including traditional print and digital collateral, social media, press coverage, high-profile events, and market-leading industry research. Christie’s International Real Estate offers the tailored, trusted service that Christie’s clients have enjoyed for over 250 years. Our global presence spans 46 countries, with significant operations in key luxury markets such as London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Moscow, Dubai, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. We provide discerning buyers and sellers with personalized service across key luxury asset classes, from art and valuable collectibles to high-end real estate. The business philosophy Christie’s established in 1766 defines our approach to real estate today—one that is founded on trust, integrity, discretion, and expertise.
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ART. BEAUTY. PROVENANCE
At Christie’s International Real Estate, we assist not only with buying and selling properties but also with high- value estate assets, including art, antiques, furnishings, collectibles, jewelry and more. Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world- leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $400 million. Christie’s has sold 7 of the 10 most important single-owner collections in history, achieved the world record price for an artwork at auction, launched the first fully on-chain auction platform dedicated to exceptional NFT art and manages an investment fund to support innovative startups in the art market. Christie’s is also committed to advancing responsible culturethroughout its business and communities worldwide. To learn more, browse, bid and discover, join us for the best of art and luxury at christies.com or by downloading Christie’s apps. |
JOIN MY REFERRAL NETWORK!
Referrals are one of the greatest compliments and best ways businesses can create alliances and serve one another. Please reach out to me directly to establish a reciprocal referral marketing partnership. Our residential property transactions are usually no less than 1 million dollars, average 3 million dollars, and reach upwards of 200 million dollars. For our commercial properties prices can exceed 1 billion dollars. I work with all the businesses below and more. |
AUGUST 1, 2024 - ARTS, AUCTIONS & ESTATES ADVISORY REPORT
In Auctions: Claude Monet (1840-1926) Nymphéas
Please reach Chris Lakkees for assitance if interested in buying or seliing for at auctions. At Auction September 26, 2024 CLAUDE MONET (1840-1926) Nymphéas Stamped with signature ‘Claude Monet’ (Lugt 1819b; lower right); Stamped with signature again ‘Claude Monet’ (Lugt 1819b; on the reverse) oil on canvas 28 ⅞ x 39 ¾ in. (73.3 x 101 cm.) Painted circa 1897-1899 Estimate: US$ 25,000,000 – 35,000,000 Christie’s is honoured to present Claude Monet’s seminal Nymphéas.Created 125 years ago, it had remained in the Monet family for many years and is now being offered from a distinguished private collection. This masterpiece is making its first appearance at auction and is one of the highlights of the 20th/ 21st Century Inaugural Evening Sale at The Henderson on 26 September. It is one of the very first of Monet’s works to take as its subject, his beloved water-lily pond at his Giverny home. Notably, four other works from this pioneering Nymphéas series are owned by renowned museums worldwide today, including the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, and the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome, underscoring the exceptional rarity and calibre of this painting. Standing at a remarkable 73.3 x 101cm, this celebrated work is offered with an estimate of US$ 25,000,000 – 35,000,000 This work and the seven other paintings from Monet’s first Nymphéas series vary in format, size, colour, and handling as Monet revelled in the myriad of pictorial potentials of this novel motif. Immersing the viewer in a shimmering aquatic world, Nymphéas is a sublime work from this pioneering series, marking Monet’s early explorations of the theme that would come to dominate his production in the twentieth century. This painting introduces one of the most important and radical aspects of Monet’s Nymphéas – the elimination of a horizon line. His tightly focused scene plunges the viewer into the centre of the pond, removing all other peripheral details to focus entirely on the constantly shifting relationships between water, atmosphere and light that transformed the pond’s surface with each passing moment. These pictorial qualities would become central to every phase of Monet’s Nymphéas series and served as key influences on subsequent generations of artists. |
In Auctions: Vincent van Gogh’s Les canots amarrés
Please reach Chris Lakkees for assitance if interested in buying or seliing for at auctions. At Auction September 26, 2024 VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890) Les canots amarrés oil on canvas 52 x 65 cm (20 ⅓ × 25 ⅝ in.) Painted in the summer of 1887 Estimate: US$30,000,000 – 50,000,000 Christie’s is proud to present Vincent van Gogh’s Les canots amarrés, a cherished piece of The Royal Family of Bourbon-Two Sicilies collection for over 30 years. Estimated at a record-setting US$30,000,000 – 50,000,000, this work will be a highlight of Christie’s 20th/ 21st Century Inaugural Evening Sale at The Henderson on 26 September. Painted during Van Gogh’s transformative two-year stay in Paris, Les canots amarrés is one of a formative series of landscape paintings that the artist created in the summer of 1887 at Asnières, a fashionable suburb situated on the Seine to the northwest of the capital. A centre for boating enthusiasts, Asnières was a picturesque retreat from the heat and noise of Paris during the summer and a popular destination for weekend day-trippers. It was here that the wealth of stylistic lessons Van Gogh had absorbed during his time in the city came into their own and he forged his distinctive painterly style. Les canots amarrés forms part of a groundbreaking trio of triptychs that have been described as the “artistic pinnacle” of Van Gogh’s time in Asnières. Using the same horizontal format and similar canvas size for each painting, Van Gogh created a panoramic vision of life on this busy stretch of the Seine. The present work is believed to form part of the so-called “Bord de la Seine à Asnières” triptych, along with Ponts sur la Seine à Asnières(Emil Bührle Collection, Kunsthaus Zurich) and Restaurant de la Sirène, Asnières (The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford). Infused with a sense of bright summer light, Les canots amarrés and these closely related works see Van Gogh moving beyond formal concerns alone — specifically his interest in Impressionist and Pointillist colour and brushwork — to respond directly to nature itself, capturing a scene filled with a novel sense of freshness and luminosity that is entirely his own. This unique approach to the landscape would come to define Van Gogh’s art for the rest of his short but legendary career. Unseen in public for more than three decades, the presentation of this masterpiece marks an extraordinary historic moment and celebrates not only Les canots amarrés’ artistic significance, but also The Royal Family of Bourbon-Two Sicilies honoured commitment to preserving and sharing their art collection with the public. The public exhibition and auction of this exceptional work, together with the previously announced Nymphéas byClaude Monet, will captivate collectors and art enthusiasts, further cementing Christie’s position as a global leader in bringing exceptional Western masterpieces to collectors. |
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Luxury Estates: Christie's SoCal presents 10721 Stradella Court, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Please reach Chris Lakkees for assitance if interested in buying or selling luxury properties. Christie's Socal Listing Asking Price: $150,000,000 10721 STRADELLA COURT 9 Beds, 14 Baths, 50,067 Sq.Ft. In the world’s most prestigious location, situated on a promontory behind gates, lies this once in a generation offering. With 360 degree views, this private compound is an architectural triumph that redefines luxury living. The chef’s kitchen features Miele and Gaggenau appliances, top quality finishes, and honed quartzite countertops. The luxurious master suite has dramatic walls of glass opening to the expansive terrace with the best views in LA, complemented by two large closets with marble accents and a serene bathroom setting with a soaking tub. The living area flows from one room to the next and seamlessly into an entertainer’s dream for outdoor living. This newly constructed open-concept floor plan offers every amenity with an array of richly appointed features and materials. This home showcases an incredible infinity pool, secluded cabana areas, a pool-side sunken fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, and verdant landscaping. Detached from the home is a gorgeous one bedroom guest house with a separate private pool and one of the most amazing gym and spas conceived in a residential estate. Three separate staff quarters include its own prep kitchen and laundry area for the ultimate separation. This home is the pinnacle of luxury, tucked away in the hills, yet conveniently located moments from the world’s most sought-after dining, entertainment and leisure. |
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In Arts: Join The Movement: A Lifelong Commitment to Social Justice Through Film For over three decades, I’ve been committed to producing films that tackle critical social justice issues, including child abandonment, human trafficking, and youth exploitation. My journey began at age 12 when I was invited to collaborate on an animated short film for the DARE program, which aimed to steer youth away from drugs and gang violence. Serving as a producer for that project, I discovered the power of blending storytelling with impactful messaging, sparking a lifelong passion for creating films that drive change. Today, that passion continues to guide my work. In addition to producing films, I raise funds through investment banking, collaborate with studios like Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, and donate a portion of my income from real estate, auctions, and business ventures to support these vital causes. Red Carpet Premiere of City of Dreams On August 23, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the red carpet premiere of City of Dreams at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Hosted by Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions, and the film’s producers, Tony Robbins and tech entrepreneur Sean Wolfington—both strong advocates for youth causes—the event was a powerful celebration of this important work. Actress Mira Sorvino, a dedicated supporter of social justice initiatives, also made a special appearance. City of Dreams, inspired by a true story, chronicles the harrowing journey of Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dream of becoming a soccer star is shattered when he is trafficked across the U.S. border and sold into a sweatshop in Los Angeles. Despite the harsh conditions imposed by his captor, El Jefe, Jesús finds hope and solidarity with fellow victim Elena. Together, they plan a daring escape, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the courage needed to break free from modern slavery. This powerful film underscores the urgent need to address human trafficking and support those impacted by it. I am deeply proud to be part of this mission and incredibly grateful to all who stand with us in this fight. |
Let's Connect Please reach Chris Lakkees for any art, auction, or luxury estate needs. Chris has over a decade of experience in real estate banking, building and development, and sales advisory services. Chris also holds an MBA from USC's Marshall School of Business. Referrals are one of the greatest compliments and best ways businesses can create alliances and serve one another. Please reach Chris to establish a reciprocal referral marketing partnership. Christie's of Southern California specializes in the sale, purchase, and leasing of residential and commercial properties, as well as the auctioning of goods. |
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 - ARTS, AUCTIONS & ESTATES ADVISORY REPORT
CHRISTIE'S SOCAL: TRUST AND REPUTATION Christie's International Real Estate | Southern California, led by CEO and founder Aaron Kirman, is a top-tier luxury boutique brokerage that surpassed $1.8 billion in sales in 2023. With over $2.2 billion in active luxury inventory, the firm commands the largest market share of high-end listings in the United States. Kirman and his team are celebrated for drawing in an exclusive clientele, including industry leaders, celebrities, royal families, prominent financial institutions, and global investors. Kirman’s success is further underscored by record-breaking sales of iconic estates across Southern California. Among his notable achievements are the sales of "The One," the Danny Thomas Estate, the Edie Goetz Estate, and a $300 million estate in the south of France. His sale of "The One" set a historic milestone as the most expensive home sold in the U.S., fetching $141 million at auction in March 2022. Photo: Aaron Kirman, Forbes Magazine cover. |
GROUPE ARTÉMIS & THE PINAULT FAMILY: IMAGINATION, AUDACITY AND TENACITY Over the past 30 years, Artémis, the investment arm of the Pinault family, which owns Christie's, has developed an extensive and diverse portfolio of assets. The portfolio is centered around prominent international brands, with a significant focus on the luxury goods and services sector. This includes renowned fashion houses such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and Brioni, as well as the powerhouse talent agency CAA. Currently, Artémis' consolidated assets are valued at approximately €40 billion, reflecting its influence across the global luxury landscape. Photo: Francois-Henri Pinault and wife Salma Hayek Pinault. |
CHRISTIE'S ESTATE SALES (NON-AUCTION) Christie’s Estate Sales provides a premier service for buying and selling fine art and objects outside of the traditional auction setting, offering clients the unique advantage of acquiring exceptional works that are ready to take home immediately. Whether you're on the lookout for something specific or simply exploring extraordinary pieces, Christie’s utilizes its extensive global network of specialists to locate the perfect art tailored to your needs, ensuring limitless possibilities. If you are considering selling, Christie’s Private Sales offers a fast, confidential process with pre-agreed pricing. For more information, explore our Buying and Selling Guides, or get in touch directly for personalized assistance. Painting: CLAUDE MONET (1840-1926), Prairie fleurie à Giverny |
CHRISTIE’S REACHES AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE LEADING CLASSIC AUTOMOTIVE AUCTION HOUSE, GOODING & COMPANY Bringing over 20 years of expertise in classic and collector cars, the record-setting automobile specialists are set to expand Christie’s offerings of prestigious collections and luxury masterpieces. Gooding & Company is globally recognized as a leading auction house in the classic car market, consistently yielding top sales by presenting consignments of the highest quality with the finest customer service for our clientele. Built upon the pillars of presenting upper-echelon consignments consistently delivered with the utmost integrity and transparency, Gooding & Company appreciates the privilege of offering vehicles from the most prestigious collections, as well as cherished family heirlooms and exciting new discoveries. |
EUROPEAN VILLA IN THE PRESTIGIOUS ENCLAVE OF LOWER BEL AIR, BEVERLY HILLS | 9 Beds | 13 Baths | Price Upon Request
Welcome to the epitome of luxurious living in a custom European villa nestled in the prestigious enclave of Lower Bel Air. Hovering over the esteemed Bel Air Country Club Golf Course, this remarkable residence offers unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this exceptional estate boasts the finest materials and craftsmanship, showcasing exquisite European-inspired architecture. From its grand facades adorned with intricate stone work to its expansive interiors with soaring ceilings, every aspect of this home exudes opulence and sophistication. Spanning across a sprawling lot, the property enjoys sweeping views of the lush fairways and beyond, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature manicured gardens, tranquil pathways, and a resort-style pool area, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and outdoor entertainment. Step inside to discover a world of elegance and grandeur, with spacious living areas designed for both lavish entertaining and intimate gatherings. The gourmet kitchen, outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and custom cabinetry, is a chef's dream, while the formal dining room provides a refined space for hosting memorable dinners. Retreat to the sumptuous master suite, complete with a luxurious bathroom and private terrace and spa overlooking the golf course. Additional bedrooms and amenities, including a private study, media room, and fitness center, ensure every comfort and convenience is catered to. With its idyllic location, impeccable craftsmanship, and unparalleled amenities, this European masterpiece offers a rare opportunity to experience the ultimate luxury living in the heart of Bel Air. |
OCTOBER 1, 2024 - ARTS, AUCTIONS & ESTATES ADVISORY REPORT
NOVEMBER 2024 - ARTS, AUCTIONS & ESTATES ADVISORY REPORT
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DECEMBER 2024 - COMING SOON
J O I N T H E A R T S , A U C T I O N S & E S T A T E S A D V I S O R Y R E P O R T
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