Valentino outside Christie's. Photo: Phyllis Tuchman

Fashion designer Valentino is something of a fixture at the contemporary art auctions, usually perched in the front row, bidding–but not overspending–on choice items.

At Sotheby’s May 11 contemporary art sale he went for a large riotous Cecily Brown canvas, but relented as the price soared. The painting sold for $1.1 million (est. $500,000-$700,000) to a phone bidder.

Critic Phyllis Tuchman snapped this photo of him outside Christie’s on Sunday during the auction previews and kindly shared it with Art Market Views.