Wicker, Coachwork and Sapphires Take Center Stage at Sotheby’s ‘The Human Touch’
The exhibition brings together Hermès, Morgan and Moussaieff to show how handmade craft still defines top-tier luxury.
by Zoe Leung · HypebeastSummary
Sotheby’s hosts The Human Touch from November 23 – 28, a special exhibition celebrating luxury handcraftsmanship.
Highlights include a wicker Hermès Mini Kelly Picnic and Morgan’s Midsummer Coupé.
Creations by Charles Frodsham and Moussaieff Jewellers spotlight human artistry.
This month, Sotheby’s is presenting The Human Touch, a special exhibition spotlighting the enduring value of handcraftsmanship across the global luxury ecosystem. Bringing together a curated mix of rare automobiles, watches, jewelry and collectibles, the showcase celebrates the human ingenuity and technical mastery behind some of the most sought-after creations on the market in an era increasingly shaped by automation.
Leading the presentation is the coveted Hermès Mini Kelly Picnic, a standout example of artisanal savoir-faire that pairs a hand-woven natural wicker body with smooth pale blue-gray leather across its top flap, handle, and signature sangles, finished with silver-tone turn-lock hardware.
Anchoring the exhibition’s automotive narrative is British marque Morgan Motor Company, celebrated for over a century of bespoke coachbuilding that blends traditional hand-built techniques with contemporary engineering. Headlining its presence is the one-of-a-kind Morgan Midsummer Coupé “The Artists’ Proof,” showcasing sweeping sculpted fenders, a classic vertical-slat grille, and a sleek enclosed cabin finished in a deep, dark metallic hue.
Horological and high-jewelry craftsmanship are equally represented through the Charles Frodsham Double Impulse Chronometer “Hidden Seconds” – distinguished by its crisp white dial, dark blue Arabic numerals, blued-steel hands, and contrast-stitched black leather strap – and an intricate Y-drop necklace from Moussaieff Jewellers that weaves royal blue, purple and pink sapphires into diamond-set ribbons.
As James Marks, Sotheby’s SVP and Global Head of Private Sales & Retail, Watches, noted, while the featured objects span vastly different disciplines, “they are united by a common thread: the skill, dedication and artistry of the people who create them.” Serving as a timely reminder that true luxury remains defined by human creativity and meticulous craft even in a tech-driven age, the exhibition will be on view from November 23 – 28, 2026 at Sotheby’s Zürich location.