A celebration of the most iconic artworks and objects to pass through our doors as an international auction house. Spanning time and mediums – from a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex to Maurizio’s Cattelan infamous banana – the book explores their significance and journey to our salesrooms. Presenting works by titans of art history and from some of the most prestigious collections entrusted to us, enjoy behind-the-scenes insight to the pivotal moments in the art market.

In this episode, we explore the question: What does it mean to be an icon, and how do icons endure or transform over time? This panel brings together fashion designer Greg Lauren and Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, for a conversation on art, fashion, and cultural memory, moderated by CC Xichu Wang, Maison Director of Sotheby’s Asia. From ancient sculptures and fragments to garments stitched from salvaged materials, the discussion reflects on imperfection, patina, and the human stories embedded in objects. Together, they consider how icons are created, deconstructed, and reimagined — and how they reveal new layers of meaning.

Taking inspiration from the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how a work of art can transform beyond its material form to become a universal cultural image – instantly recognisable, endlessly reproduced, and symbolically charged. Joining the discussion are artist Sir Grayson Perry; Xa Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean Museum; and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide.