On September 18, ARTnews celebrated the 2025 edition of the annual Top 200 Collectors list with an issue launch party at the newly opened Faena New York in Chelsea.
The evening’s cohosts were Beth Rudin DeWoody and Miyoung Lee, two exceptional Top 200 collectors who both serve on the board of trustees of the Whitney Museum in New York. By way of introducing the two hosts, ARTnews Editor-in-Chief Sarah Douglas described Rudin DeWoody as a collector who “constantly comes up as a source of support and what I like to think of as a true believer in art” and Lee as “representing a younger generation of collectors.”
During their remarks, Rudin DeWoody and Lee reminded guests about how special the art community is and the importance of being an art lover and patron. Rudin DeWoody spoke about the art world’s changing landscape. “I think this is a great time for people to collect,” she said. “I think it’s a great time for young collectors to come into the market.” Lee added how important it is to support artists and her hope that they stay true to their artistic visions. Artists, Lee said, “are to my mind the last line of defense to some degree. … Keep up the good fight.”
Other Top 200 Collectors who joined ARTnews include Michael Ovitz, Lonti Ebers, Lisa Goodman, Rodney Miller, Pete Scantland, and James Keith “JK” Brown and Eric Diefenbach.
The Top 200 Collectors party was Faena New York’s first major art world event since its opening earlier this month. Located on 18th Street just off 10th Avenue, the reception was held in the hotel’s second-floor bar, called The Living Room. On view in a corridor is Keith Haring’s colorful 1983 painting Montreux Jazz Festival, and the outdoor balcony offers views of the High Line.
During the celebration, LOUIS XIII hosted a few of the guests to taste their finest Cognac including rare cask 42.1, the latest and only third rare cask released in LOUIS XIII’s history. Guest were also invited to sample wines from different wineries throughout the region of Rioja in Spain. To commemorate this special occasion, guests were treated to a performance by the internationally recognized pianist and composer, Arsha Kaviani.
For those interested in harnessing other senses, Xerjoff brought their luxury perfumes to explore. To ensure the memories of the night were not left behind, Chubb provided photo cards for guests to have access to photos from the event. (Click the slideshow above to see photos from the evening.)
