Taking into account the fact that the prices for the works of Les Lalanne, Jean Dunand, Harry Bertoia and many others are growing rapidly, you can competently direct your thirsty design client in the right direction.

 

Why are three bronze sculptures of Francois-Xavier Lalanne made of sheep worth $ 2.4 million? Or an Art Deco cabinet created by Eugene Prince and Jean Dunant for $5.5 million? After the amazing results at Sotheby\'s and Christie\'s auctions, which broke auction house records, such questions arise very often when it comes to every expensive purchase or record auction lot. For designers, the question of how best to advise clients to get into the world of collectible design is particularly difficult.

Like any other works of art, design items can have a high price for several reasons besides aesthetic appeal. This is partly due to the prevailing artistic tastes. With a few exceptions (for example, the Printz and Dunand cabinet, as well as several Art Deco pieces), the designs that are now of the greatest interest have been created over the past few decades. For example, "Singe Avisé" ("Grand") Claude Lalanne, a monumental bronze statue of a monkey, created in 2005, which brought in $2.2 million, which exceeded its estimate of $1.5 million.

The name and reputation of the creator, his origin, position, as well as uniqueness or rarity can also increase the value. It may also be influenced by the marketing activities of an experienced agent or dealer. When it comes to auctions, a high price may simply be the work of enthusiastic bidders who do not want to concede - as in the case of the Printz and Dunand chest of drawers, which exceeded its initial estimate by more than 10 times during a telephone auction between three collectors.

 

The question when deciding to make a purchase is not only whether it is worth the money, but also whether the buyer is willing to pay for it. Answering a question about this price ratio, the head of Sotheby\'s design department of the 20th century, Yodi Pollack, says: "Design is still undervalued in relation to the fine art market, but it depends on which [genre of art] you\'re comparing it." She cites greater demand because collectible modern designs tend to be more expensive than traditional styles.

Buying a collectible design can include both investment and aesthetic choices. There is a world in which there is a difference between a one-time purchase and a collection, and an even more critical gap between a collection that is intended for pleasure and a collection that is intended for investment. The latter can be as unpredictable as the stock market, and is a risky venture without careful research or, often, without professional help. For a designer who is not familiar with the collectible design market, it would be wise to work with a reliable dealer or a knowledgeable specialist of the auction house.

 

Interior designer Amy Lau relies on her art education (she received a master\'s degree in Fine and Decorative Arts from the Sotheby\'s Institute of Art), working as a consultant and curator for her clients, advising them on purchases and helping them create collections. "Educating clients is one of my most important tasks," she says, "guiding them to jobs that can become long-term investments."

More tips for interior designers who want to bring collectible design into their projects.

First, know your client\'s priorities: Are they looking for furniture that they can live with, that they can assemble or invest in? Then, if they\'re shopping at an auction, don\'t let them (or you, for that matter) go it alone! It\'s easy to get carried away by the excitement of bidding. Keep in mind that at auctions, galleries, or design exhibitions (where prices tend to be higher), value reflects market conditions more than intrinsic value, which, after all, is often mostly a matter of opinion. Ideally, a collectible design should be something rare: a one-of-a-kind thing, a limited edition, or perhaps a product that is no longer being produced.

When you are thinking about buying, do your research first: Find out which comparable works or works by the same designer have been sold recently. Check the condition - if you don\'t see it in person, be sure to get an accurate report to find out if you need expensive repairs or alterations. Then decide what you think is a fair price or what you are willing to pay, and stick to it.

 

Tiffany lamps are also regular sellers; at the Sotheby\'s design sale, several fixtures more than doubled or tripled their initial estimates.

What do you do when your client falls in love with an expensive item? Experts agree that all the best advice is useless when it comes to feelings - passion wins over pragmatism every time. If they really want and can afford it, tell them to buy it.

They won\'t regret it, just like you, as a supportive advisor, won\'t regret it.