THE GREATS

NEW YORK – Christie’s is proud to present ‘The Greats’, an online sale of sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles, which will be held during New York Luxury Week. A curated selection of sneakers and sports memorabilia worn and signed by some of the greatest icons in sports history, The Greats includes collectibles from the likes of sports legends Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, Henrik Lundqvist and Michael Jordan. The auction also features the work of iconic designers such as Virgil Abloh and Tinker Hatfield, as well as streetwear brands like Supreme and Louis Vuitton. The sale opens for bidding on 29 November and closes on 6 December.

The sale highlights the intersection of art, design, and sports history, which have defined a new wave of contemporary collecting. Take for example, two lots featuring Nike x Off-White shoes created by the legendary designer Virgil Abloh, exclusively for Serena Williams: Serena Williams Player Exclusive Game-Worn Dual Signed Off-White Nike Court Flare 2 Sneakers (estimate $17,000-20,000); and Serena Williams Player Exclusive Game-Worn Off-White Nike Court Flare 2 Sneakers & Signed Serena Williams Tennis Ball (estimate $10,000-15,000). Virgil’s signature trademarks are present throughout the lots, with impressed “SERENA” and “QUEEN” embellishments on the side and back of the shoes. These sneakers are an extraordinary representation of the collaboration between the two icons, celebrating Serena’s recent retirement and Virgil’s incredible legacy as a creative, designer, and artist. 

Other highlights from the sale include: Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Original 1985 Air Jordan 1 ‘Chicago’ Sneakers (estimate: $200,000-300,000) and a pair of Michael Jordan Dual Signed Original 1985 Air Jordan 1 ’Chicago’ Sneakers (estimate $100,000-150,000). Undoubtably the most iconic and timeless sneaker silhouette in history, these lots mark the birth of the collectible sneaker market, the first collaboration between Jordan and Nike, and a design that continues to influence generations today. 

Also headlining the sale is a pair of one-of-a-kind skates worn by the legendary goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist, who won Olympic Gold and Silver Medals for his native country Sweden, and was a standout fan favorite for the New York Rangers. Lundqvist wore these skates during his final game as a Ranger, making them a window into his incredible legacy and devotion to the sport. The skates were turned into artwork by the artist Don Blanton, who encased them in chromed copper and nickel and bedazzled them in Swarovski crystals. This incredible item will hit the auction block with an estimate of $50,000-70,000. Proceeds of the skates’ sale will go toward the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, which is dedicated to providing education to children in need.

I’m thrilled to be working with Christie’s on this important sale. My skates have always played a critical role in how I felt on ice. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, founded in 2014 to aid different organizations around the United States, Sweden and Dominican Republic 

Henrik Lundqvist

With a pulse on contemporary collecting, we are proud to present our inaugural sale under the newly founded Sneakers, Streetwear and Collectibles department, The Greats showcases some of the great examples of sneaker, streetwear and sports collectibles on the market and in history. Celebrating athletes, artists and designers who have spearheaded a new wave of collecting, we are proud to introduce this new genre of collecting at Christie’s.

Caitlin Donovan, Head of Department

Modern collectibles have amassed a significant following over the past years. Not only are collectors able to acquire something they can appreciate and enjoy in their home, but also realize a greater value as an alternative asset. We’re proud to bring these incredible items to auction, which celebrate the people who are truly devoted to their craft, whether that be through tennis, design, basketball, art, or hockey.

Jacob Foster, Junior Specialist