Welcome to the Friday Weekly Wrap-Up newsletter, where we explore the intersection of Art, Fashion, and Pop Culture.
Magritte’s L’empire des Lumières Breaks Auction Records at $121.2 Million!
René Magritte’s surreal masterpiece L’empire des Lumières just shattered records, selling for a stunning $121.2 million at Christie’s New York. Part of Mica Ertegun’s collection, this iconic painting blew past its $95 million estimate, proving that surrealism still reigns supreme in the art world. Could this be the comeback the art market needed? Absolutely.
Ikea’s launches a pop-up to celebrate their iconic blue Frakta bag
Ikea is bringing the iconic blue Frakta bag to life with a pop-up experience at Oxford Circus, opening on November 28 and running until March 2025. This quirky tribute to the 75p bag will offer a mix of high fashion and Ikea’s classic design. The Frakta, reimagined by designers like Zandra Rhodes and Marimekko, has evolved from a simple shopping tote to a cultural icon. As Ikea prepares for its central Oxford Street store opening in 2025, this pop-up is the perfect prelude, blending functionality with style in true Ikea fashion.
Cédric Charbit to lead Saint Laurent
The Kering reshuffle continues with some major leadership moves. Balenciaga CEO Cédric Charbit will step into the CEO role at Saint Laurent, replacing Francesca Bellettini. Meanwhile, Gianfranco Gianangeli, currently at Saint Laurent, is set to take over at Balenciaga. Effective January 2, 2025, these shifts come just after Stefano Cantino’s announcement as Gucci’s new CEO, signalling a bold new chapter for Kering’s luxury empire.
Neon art & animatronic bears: Turin Art Week’s must-see exhibitions
Turin Art Week has arrived, and it’s not just about Artissima. While Italy’s oldest art fair steals the spotlight, the city’s vibrant art scene has plenty of eye-catching shows to discover. Highlights include Precious Okoyomon’s the sun eats her children at Castello di Rivoli, a garden of toxic plants and an animatronic bear. Meanwhile, Pinacoteca Agnelli’s rooftop art installations by Chalisée Naamani and Monica Bonvicini are a bold mix of political commentary and art history. From Mario Merz’s iconic sculptures at Fondazione Merz to Mark Manders’ surreal environments at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Turin is proving itself as Italy’s contemporary art powerhouse. Don’t miss out on the city’s best exhibitions, on view until March 2025!
