“What makes Supreme’s accessories the most exciting part of their product line is its unpredictability, multifacetedness and genius choices in collaborations,” Takahashi commented on his comprehensive haul. “I have enjoyed collecting Supreme for two decades and the process and result have both surpassed expectations. Now it is complete to the best of my knowledge and is at a good stopping place. Once Sotheby’s was mentioned, I recognised there would be no better way to sign off.”
The online-only sale, entitled The Supreme Vault: 1998 – 2018, was open for bidding from May 20 to 28 and generated £199,187. Not a single item was left on the virtual shelf, but Hong Kong-based Supreme fans were able to view select items in the city’s Hart Hall during the duration of the auction.
Many of the items signified the collaborative value of the streetwear culture in which Supreme is embedded. The punch bag and boxing gloves, for example, were born out of the founder James Jebbia’s love of the sport – something he has publicised via pictures on Supreme’s social channels. The spring/summer 2016 leather punch bag created with Everlast was sold via the brand’s website due to concern that customers would injure themselves when trying to carry the 70lb piece of equipment. Due to the effort of securing one, it has become one of the most sought-after Supreme products since the brand was born in 1994.
Likewise, when Jebbia decided he wanted to create a pinball machine, he sought out the leader in the field: Stern. The entirely customised gaming product remains the most expensive Supreme product to date, with an estimated 100 to 200 in existence. “Supreme can get away with anything,” Takahashi told i-D of what interests him about the counter-culture label. “I am so desensitised by [its] obscurity at this point that most things do not phase me. It's only when they really go off the deep end that my eyes go wide. Things like the punching bag, mini bike, and pinball machine.” The 69 pin, compass keychains and “fuck em” fobs were the hardest items for him to procure.
The collector suggested that everyday items, such as a Supreme toaster, bike pump and tape measure, could persuade him to purchase from the brand again. But for now, Takahashi is preoccupied collecting Glossier accessories, Mark Gonzales toys, and Redbull cans. Sotheby’s, meanwhile, has been bolstered by another sale (it has previously sold Supreme skate decks) that shows its ability to tap into global trends.
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