LONDON — Solange Azagury-Partridge is the latest designer set to get paddles popping at Paddle8.com, curating an online auction of jewelry, design and art that starts today and runs until May 19.
The sale features 55 works that together form a kaleidoscope of color and texture. “There’s a common thread of print and color — and a hint of Art Deco,” said Azagury-Partridge in an exclusive interview.
The sale features signature creations from the London jeweler’s past collections, as well as works by Lucio Fontana, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama, Guy Bourdin and Chuck Close.
There is also vintage jewelry from Buccellati, Cartier, Boucheron and David Webb; and home interior pieces by Tony Duquette, Missoni and Hans Wegner, among others.
Azagury-Partridge worked alongside the Paddle8 team to select the pieces. The online auction house said the sale represents its “continued expansion beyond contemporary art” into other collecting categories, including jewelry and design.
Azagury-Partridge said curating the auction was “like the dream shopping trip. These pieces are from the artists or designers that I love.” Although she could not discuss the lots specifically — they will only be revealed today — she talked about her passion for certain artists and brands.
“I really don’t like minimal art; it’s not something that I am attracted to, but the first time I saw Fontana’s work, it was kind of amazing. The slashing is really visceral. And the fact that it is all called the same thing — Concetto Spaziale — I don’t know, but there is something completely off-the-wall about it.”
She also pointed to jewelers who have had an influence on her work. “David Webb is a great enamellist — and I love enamel. Obviously, I use it a lot in my work. And Cartier I admire immensely.”
Azagury-Partridge contributed 12 of her own designs to the auction. They include her signature Hot Lips ring, done in royal blue enamel; Chromantic earrings with diamonds and multicolored precious stones, and 18-karat blackened white gold; Rainbow tiara, in black opal and multicolored diamonds set in 18-karat blackened white gold; Eye with Tear necklace, and Menagerie bracelet.
“These are things that are either sitting in a museum, or have got some solid foundation in my work,” she said.
A selection of limited-edition interior design pieces by Azagury-Partridge will also go under the hammer, including the Ballcrusher Fringe round table, and the neon wall sculpture, 24:7.
Azagury-Patridge, who joins the ranks of Grace Coddington, Tracey Emin, Bob Colacello, Tory Burch and Christophe de Menil as a Paddle8 curator, said the project made particular sense as she does the bulk of her buying online.
“I buy everything online if I can. My favorite shop is the worldwide Web,” she said. “I don’t ever go shopping. I would much rather be in my space, and look at the world from there,” she said.