December 7, 2023 – Catawiki, the leading online marketplace to buy and sell special objects, is set to launch the fifth auction in partnership with Scuderia AlphaTauri: 'Direct from the Grid, The Season Finale'. This unique auction, going live on Thursday, 7 December at 9am, features a remarkable collaboration with Elena Salmistraro, the acclaimed Italian designer and FRAME Awards Best Designer of the Year 2022. Salmistraro's extraordinary talent in transforming unique objects into avant-garde design pieces marks a new era in the fusion of high-end design and motorsports.
Elena Salmistraro, celebrated for her vibrant, emotive designs and unparalleled creative vision, has reimagined used Formula 1 components from Scuderia AlphaTauri, such as race-used wheel nuts, rear rims, and brake discs, into exquisite design objects. Her 'F1 Redesigned' collection is a testament to the thrilling synergy between the dynamic world of F1 racing and the transformative power of contemporary design. The collection features three one-of-a-kind pieces exclusively designed for the Catawiki auction and personally signed by the artist.
"Working with Formula 1 materials for the first time was a thrilling challenge. My aim was to blend the technical beauty of racing with aesthetic innovation, creating designs that resonate with F1 fans and design lovers alike. These pieces aren't just objects; they're stories and emotions made tangible. They possess a unique identity that makes them adaptable to any setting, whether minimalist or maximalist. I'm excited to see them inspire new stories in their future homes." Elena Salmistraro, designer and artist.
“With her three redesigns, award-winning designer Elena Salmistraro shows what a great designer’s imagination is capable of. She transformed three race-used technical components into statement pieces while alluding to one of Italy’s greatest designers, Ettore Sottsass and postmodernism. It’s the past and the future of great Italian design” said Alexander Fahl, Senior Expert Design Catawiki.
The auction also pays tribute to Franz Tost, the long-standing Team Principal of Scuderia AlphaTauri, celebrating his remarkable 18-year legacy with the team. A handpicked selection of Tost memorabilia, alongside signed items from Scuderia AlphaTauri's top drivers adding a personal touch from the team, offers fans an opportunity to own a piece of Formula 1 history.
Adding to the allure, the auction includes various memorabilia items that embody the excitement and achievements of this racing season. Notable among these are the 2023 racing suits of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda and the 2010 Scuderia Toro Rosso STR5 Formula One mock-up car.
Link to the auction: https://www.catawiki.com/en/a/857811
Link to folder with press images and video footage: https://catawiki.frontify.com/d/kVASdhFAms7U
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About Catawiki
Catawiki is the leading online marketplace to buy and sell special objects. Over 75,000 objects are offered in auction every week - each reviewed and selected by Catawiki’s hundreds of in-house experts specialised in Art, Design, Jewellery, Fashion, Classic Cars, Collectables and much more. Discover special objects for every passion on catawiki.com or download the app.
About Scuderia AlphaTauri
Scuderia AlphaTauri is an Italian Formula One racing team, owned by Red Bull. From 2006 to 2019 it was known as Scuderia Toro Rosso and since 2020 the team is named after the fashion brand AlphaTauri which was founded by Red Bull in 2016 as a brand extension in the fashion world. “Challenging the status quo for excellence” summarises the shared mindset of this strategic partnership. United by the Red Bull heritage, both parties are pioneers in their own field and come together to push boundaries through innovations, in motorsport and in fashion.
About Elena Salmistraro
Elena Salmistraro, a Milan-based designer and artist, is celebrated for her innovative and expressive design approach. Her work, blending the boundaries of art and functionality, has earned her international acclaim, including the prestigious FRAME Awards Best Designer of the Year 2022.
