Christie’s Iconic Rostrum Evolves Through the Vision of Sir Jony Ive and LoveFrom.

Why It Matters

The redesign elevates Christie's brand experience, helping it retain elite clients and differentiate in a competitive, increasingly digital auction market.

Key Takeaways

• Sir Jony Ive redesigns Christie's historic auction rostrum.
• New rostrum embodies craftsmanship, technology, and brand values.
• Updated stage highlights record-breaking sales and cultural significance.
• Design aims to enhance buyer experience and visual storytelling.
• Investment underscores Christie's commitment to innovation and market leadership.

Summary

Christie's announced that its legendary auction rostrum will be refreshed under the creative direction of Sir Jony Ive and his studio LoveFrom. The redesign marks the first major visual overhaul of the stage that has greeted bidders for decades.

The new platform blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, echoing the house’s stated values of integrity, innovation, accuracy and expertise. Ive’s team referenced the rostrum’s historic role in witnessing sales that have topped $27 million, $370 million and even a $1.5 billion total auction volume, positioning the redesign as a tribute to those milestones.

In the launch video, a voice declares, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen… a constant reminder of our values,” while flashing figures such as $15 million, $20 million and 600 million to underscore the scale of Christie's market. The visual narrative frames the rostrum as a “stage for culture, craft, and the eternal dance between the exceptional and those who seek it.”

By partnering with a designer of Ive’s stature, Christie's signals a commitment to stay ahead of the digital‑first auction environment, enhancing the live‑bidding experience and reinforcing its premium brand positioning. The move could attract high‑net‑worth collectors and set a new aesthetic benchmark for the global art‑sale industry.