We had the pleasure of interviewing Lily Holmes (MALB 2024), Pre-Sales Coordinator, Handbags & Fashion, Sports & Modern Collectibles, Sotheby’s New York.
Lily Holmes is currently a Pre-Sale Coordinator at Sotheby’s, working across the Handbags and Sports Memorabilia departments. Before joining Sotheby’s, she received her Bachelor’s from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Luxury Business from SIA in London. At SIA, she wrote her dissertation on status symbols in the Chinese market; a topic that bridged her background in Mandarin with her interest in how culture shapes consumer behavior. Outside of work, Lily loves cooking vegetarian recipes and trying new yoga studios in NYC.
Having recently completed your MA in Luxury Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London and then returning to work in New York, how have your studies and international experience shaped your path to becoming a luxury-focussed Pre-Sale Coordinator at Sotheby’s, and in what ways do they influence the approach you take in your work today?
Studying at Sotheby’s Institute of Art enabled me to see the art and luxury industries from a range of insider perspectives, ultimately influencing my decision to pursue a career at Sotheby’s. A particularly valuable aspect of my experience was my editorial role at Made in Bed. Writing for the ‘Luxury Edit’ section was great practice in forming opinions on current topics, and making connections to broader industry trends.
What has stuck with me the most from my studies is that consumer psychology is just as important to understand as specific trends. The entire art and luxury world revolves around human relationships. Collectors are not only paying for a product or service; they want an emotional, personalized experience. This is something that largely influences my work today, as I view even the smallest interactions with clients as equally important to their financial results.
Working in the pre-sale department places you at the heart of the auction process. What aspects of your role do you find most exciting or rewarding, and are there particular projects or sales you’ve especially enjoyed being part of so far?
Working in pre-sale involves both client-facing and backend work. I enjoy serving as the primary point of contact for consignors and guiding them through the sale process. I also enjoy the variety that comes from working across two departments—Sports and Handbags—which attract very different clientele. A huge highlight for me was attending the ‘Original Birkin’ sale in Paris. Although it wasn’t a New York sale, even having a small involvement felt very rewarding.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who are hoping to build a career in the luxury sector or at a major auction house like Sotheby’s?
For current students, I would advise to keep an open mind and be present in this chapter of life where your only job is to learn. Notice what you enjoy reading about in your free time and stay informed about the industry. For recent graduates, I would suggest letting go of overly idealistic expectations for your first job. No matter where you end up, check in with yourself about what you like and don’t like about the work. Engage with other people as much as possible, and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.
