Meet Phyllis Kao, the Auctioneer Revolutionizing the Art World
In a field where traditional power structures have long dominated the art market, one woman has disrupted the status quo with her unique blend of charisma, strategy, and scholarship. Phyllis Kao, senior vice president of client strategy at Sotheby's, has become an unlikely icon in the auction world - a place that was once synonymous with stuffy British men wielding stern, emotionless voices.
Kao's journey to the top began innocently enough. Fresh out of Columbia University, where she earned a degree in Chinese history, she took a temporary job at a small auction house in Northern California. Her Mandarin language skills and natural stage presence soon landed her phone bids on high-stakes Chinese oil paintings, catapulting her into a full-time role.
However, it was Kao's fearless approach to the podium that truly set her apart. Rather than following traditional protocols, she infused each sale with psychological nuance, pacing, and charisma - skills honed from years of performing on the violin. Her confidence, born from years of experience, enabled her to command attention without apology.
Kao's meteoric rise began in 2023, when she anchored Sotheby's Now Evening Auction. The high-stakes sale marked a turning point, catapulting Kao into international recognition and cementing her status as an auctioneer extraordinaire. Her visual language - often incorporating family heirlooms like the silver Armani jacket belonging to her mother - added a layer of cultural depth to her performances.
The art world's growing interest in Kao was further amplified when she appeared in the viral Alexis Bittar campaign, playing an auctioneer in a satirical bidding scene. This crossover moment signaled that the world beyond the art market had finally grasped the archetype of the auctioneer - and Phyllis Kao embodied it.
The Apex stegosaurus sale in July 2024 marked another watershed moment, propelling Kao into mainstream visibility and transforming her into a cultural touchstone. Her subsequent appearance on the New York Times' Most Stylish list sealed her status as a trailblazer.
Kao's ascent reflects the evolution of the auction world itself - from private events to global broadcasts, with cameras capturing every nuance. The once-staid art market has awakened to a new era of representation and visibility, and Phyllis Kao is its leading face.
Behind the glamour lies an impressive structure of discipline, honed through rigorous preparation. Her meticulous approach to each sale - including rehearsing her remarks, warming up her voice, and carrying talismans for good luck - underscores her commitment to mastery.
Fashion has become a key component of this strategy, with designers clamoring to dress Kao for high-profile events. Yet, despite her increasing visibility, she approaches her career with an openness that is both refreshing and infectious. Trusting herself and her abilities, Kao embodies a new model of authority - one that doesn't require erasure or mystique.
As the auction world continues its slow evolution, Phyllis Kao stands at the forefront, rewriting what it means to be an authority figure on the rostrum. With her unapologetic charm and mastery of the art market, she has finally brought a leading woman into the spotlight - and the industry will never be the same again.
In a field where traditional power structures have long dominated the art market, one woman has disrupted the status quo with her unique blend of charisma, strategy, and scholarship. Phyllis Kao, senior vice president of client strategy at Sotheby's, has become an unlikely icon in the auction world - a place that was once synonymous with stuffy British men wielding stern, emotionless voices.
Kao's journey to the top began innocently enough. Fresh out of Columbia University, where she earned a degree in Chinese history, she took a temporary job at a small auction house in Northern California. Her Mandarin language skills and natural stage presence soon landed her phone bids on high-stakes Chinese oil paintings, catapulting her into a full-time role.
However, it was Kao's fearless approach to the podium that truly set her apart. Rather than following traditional protocols, she infused each sale with psychological nuance, pacing, and charisma - skills honed from years of performing on the violin. Her confidence, born from years of experience, enabled her to command attention without apology.
Kao's meteoric rise began in 2023, when she anchored Sotheby's Now Evening Auction. The high-stakes sale marked a turning point, catapulting Kao into international recognition and cementing her status as an auctioneer extraordinaire. Her visual language - often incorporating family heirlooms like the silver Armani jacket belonging to her mother - added a layer of cultural depth to her performances.
The art world's growing interest in Kao was further amplified when she appeared in the viral Alexis Bittar campaign, playing an auctioneer in a satirical bidding scene. This crossover moment signaled that the world beyond the art market had finally grasped the archetype of the auctioneer - and Phyllis Kao embodied it.
The Apex stegosaurus sale in July 2024 marked another watershed moment, propelling Kao into mainstream visibility and transforming her into a cultural touchstone. Her subsequent appearance on the New York Times' Most Stylish list sealed her status as a trailblazer.
Kao's ascent reflects the evolution of the auction world itself - from private events to global broadcasts, with cameras capturing every nuance. The once-staid art market has awakened to a new era of representation and visibility, and Phyllis Kao is its leading face.
Behind the glamour lies an impressive structure of discipline, honed through rigorous preparation. Her meticulous approach to each sale - including rehearsing her remarks, warming up her voice, and carrying talismans for good luck - underscores her commitment to mastery.
Fashion has become a key component of this strategy, with designers clamoring to dress Kao for high-profile events. Yet, despite her increasing visibility, she approaches her career with an openness that is both refreshing and infectious. Trusting herself and her abilities, Kao embodies a new model of authority - one that doesn't require erasure or mystique.
As the auction world continues its slow evolution, Phyllis Kao stands at the forefront, rewriting what it means to be an authority figure on the rostrum. With her unapologetic charm and mastery of the art market, she has finally brought a leading woman into the spotlight - and the industry will never be the same again.
she's just an auctioneer doing her job, big deal... everyone's making her out to be some kinda revolutionary figurehead 
newsflash: being charismatic and good at your job is not that unique, like, every auctioneer has those skills... what's next gonna be a feature on the "most stylish person in accounting"? 
Phyllis Kao is literally breaking the mold in the auction world with her unique blend of history degree, Mandarin skills, and violin performance skills 
. I mean, who needs traditional training when you've got natural charisma and a knack for psychology? 
It's awesome to see an Asian woman taking center stage (pun intended) and redefining what it means to be an auctioneer extraordinaire.
. It adds this layer of depth and authenticity that's making her auctions truly unforgettable.
. Her confidence and self-assurance are infectious, and it's awesome to see the industry responding with excitement.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch her bring ancient artifacts to life on stage? Her confidence and charisma are giving me LIFE 
That silver Armani jacket is everything 
. She's totally breaking down those traditional power structures and paving the way for a more inclusive art market 
. I'm so here for it 
!
. Can't wait to see what she does next!!!
. shes not just an auctioneer, hes got skills 
she went from a small auction house to sotheby's with her own style and flair. and yeh, her passion for music and fashion is part of what makes her tick 
its all about being true to yourself and owning it 
. They had that certain charm and charisma that made you feel like you were part of something special. I think Phyllis Kao is carrying on that legacy in her own way, and it's awesome to see.
just read about Phyllis Kao and I'm OBSESSED 
and can we talk about how fierce she looks in those designer outfits? 
the way she uses fashion as part of her strategy is so genius 
it's no wonder designers are clamoring to dress her for high-profile events! 
. I love how she's not afraid to get creative with her performances, incorporating family heirlooms and fashion into her acts 
. It's like she's speaking our language or something! 
It's all about representation now, and Kao's the queen of that throne 
. and what about her Mandarin language skills being used as a way to add "cultural depth" to her performances? it feels like cultural appropriation to me 
. also, the art market is not that different from any other industry when it comes to representation and visibility - why make such a big deal out of this one person? 
what's up with designers dressing her like a walking catwalk and expecting it to be subtle?
. Her use of psychology and cultural references is genius, and I love how she's breaking barriers in an industry that was once super male-dominated 
Like, what's with the Armani jacket and all that jazz? Is it just a marketing gimmick or does she genuinely have a cultural connection to it?
.
), she's also got this incredible work ethic and dedication to her craft.