A unique set of fifteen mirrors custom-made for fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé sold at Sotheby’s for $33.5 million, setting a new auction record for the artist Claude Lalanne. The gilt bronze, copper, and mirrored glass mirrors, created between 1974 and 1985, were originally displayed in the couple’s Paris apartment and were purchased from the collection of Jean and Terry de Gunzburg.
The sale marks a significant moment in the art market, as it surpasses the previous auction record for Claude’s husband and frequent collaborator, François-Xavier Lalanne. Art advisor Edith Dicconson noted that while François-Xavier historically commanded higher prices due to the scale of his works, this monumental ensemble by Claude shifts the dynamic, though it does not indicate a broader market shift. The record underscores growing recognition of Claude Lalanne’s work and the enduring value of design objects tied to iconic cultural figures.