Christie’s Launches ‘Department X’ Focusing On Collectible Sneakers & Streetwear

With Kobe Bryant’s ‘No 8’ jersey selling for US$2.7 million in June, and rare Nike Louis Vuitton x Virgil Abloh sneakers fetching up to 20 times the estimated price after the designer’s death, it’s no wonder auction houses everywhere are getting caught up in the sneaker and streetwear craze. 

Christie’s itself has recently announced the launch of Department X, a section centering around genres of this emerging collecting space, including music, fashion, art, and sports history. 

Apart from offering highly-coveted footwear to “iconic pieces of hype culture,” the new segment will host online auctions, live previews in New York, and private exhibitions to entice pop culture enthusiasts and luxury lovers. 

“With a finger on the pulse of popular culture, and the evolution of what is defined as luxury today, we are proud to announce the launch of Department X—Sneakers, Streetwear & Collectibles,” said Caitlin Donovan, who will lead the department. 

“With exciting sales that will cross several genres of popular culture and collecting—music, fashion, and sports history—I am excited for new and existing client of Christie’s to embark on this journey with us,” she added. 

To celebrate the opening of the department, the auction house will be presenting a private selling exhibition of two rare Kanye West sneakers, titled Ye Walks. 

The sale hones in on the rapper’s impact on the world of design and sports, featuring a Nike Air YEEZY 1 Prototype that was the first sneaker he designed with Nike creative director Mark Smith and Tiffany Beers in the Nike Innovation Kitchen. 

Those familiar with the YEEZY look will see common features present in the designer’s first experiment, with glow-in-the-dark outsole, translucent red ‘Y’ shaped lace lock, and soft premium leather material completing the shoe. 

In addition, the Nike Donda West Air Jordan VI—created in memory of West’s late mother—will be part of the sale, adorned with lyrics from the song ‘Roses’ and his mother’s name embroidered on the sock liner. 

The never-released shoe sports intricate laser rose motifs on its toe box and upper panels, as well as the heel and tongue of the sneaker. It’s believed there are only four to six official pairs in existence, one of which will be going home with the top bidder. 

Ye Walks will take place from September 27 to October 26, 2022, with prices available on request. 

[via CNBC and Christie’s, images via Christie’s]