My Evening of Intense Bidding on Ottessa Moshfegh’s Toothbrush
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- Unforgettable Auction: An eclectic auction featuring personal items from renowned authors.
- Unique Collectibles: Items like a toothbrush and signed box of laxatives captivated attendees.
- Humorous Engagement: The event creatively blended literature, humor, and personal storytelling.
- Free Access: Admission was free for paid subscribers of the authors’ Substack newsletters.
- Creative Connections: Celebrated the richness of life and art through unique experiences.
Table of Contents
- The Unconventional Bidding Experience
- Featured Items That Captivated Attendees
- Eddie Huang’s Contributions to the Auction
- Event Structure: Unfolding an Evening of Creativity
- Attendance and Accessibility
- Humor and Reflections
- Conclusion: A Lasting Impression
The Unconventional Bidding Experience
On April 1, 2025, I found myself amidst an unexpected whirlwind of quirky memorabilia, humor, and the intoxicating energy of literary creativity at the “How Bad Do You Want It?” auction held at the Golden Unicorn in New York City. This vibrant event, presented by Substack, featured a selection of personal items from bestselling novelist Ottessa Moshfegh and the multi-talented author/restaurateur Eddie Huang, culminating in an evening I will not soon forget—complete with the peculiar centerpiece: Ottessa Moshfegh’s toothbrush.
Featured Items That Captivated Attendees
- Ottessa Moshfegh’s Toothbrush: Who would have thought that a toothbrush could stimulate such interest? This simple object initiated a deeper conversation about the mundane yet intimate aspects of life that often go unnoticed.
- Signed Box of Laxatives: A testament to the authors’ humor, this was not just a gimmick but a thoughtful piece that resonated with the audience’s playful side.
- Vintage Costume Jewelry: With a starting bid of just $5, attendees were drawn into nostalgia, reminding us of the charming simplicity of past eras.
- Signed Copy of “My Year of Rest and Relaxation”: Accompanied by a fictional bottle of “Infermiterol,” this item highlighted Ottessa’s literary prowess.
- Prank Call Opportunity: The sheer absurdity and humor of bidding on a prank call made this item a hit.
Eddie Huang’s Contributions to the Auction
- Knicks City Boxer Briefs: Revealed Huang’s knack for blending sports culture with fashion.
- 2022 Bottega Sunglasses: These sunglasses reflected Huang’s eclectic taste and style.
- Fake Chinese Birkin Bag: A lighthearted spoof that drew laughter and prompted discussions on authenticity.
- Unlicensed Therapy Session: A comedic take on life coaching that reminded us that laughter is often the best remedy.
Event Structure: Unfolding an Evening of Creativity
- Cocktail Hour and Auction Preview: Starting at 7 PM, guests enjoyed drinks and mingling, setting the stage for the lively bidding.
- Conversation Session: Moshfegh and Huang shared personal anecdotes, adding intimacy and connection to the event.
- The Live Auction: From 8:30 to 9:30 PM, bids soared as attendees engaged in spirited competition.
Attendance and Accessibility
One of the highlights of the evening was the accessibility provided to ticket-holders. Admission was free for those who were paid subscribers of either author’s Substack newsletters. This initiative fostered community engagement and reflected a commitment to connecting writers with their readers on a deeper level.
Humor and Reflections
April Fool’s Day might suggest frivolity, yet the event was anything but a satire. It provided a genuine platform for creative expression and personal storytelling. Moshfegh’s assurance that despite the date, “This will be a lot of fun,” resonated with the crowd and underscored the evening’s purpose.
In a world that often divides experience into the mundane and the significant, the collection auctioned served as a reminder that every object possesses a story.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impression
As the night drew to a close, I left the Golden Unicorn not just with a potential new collectible in mind but with an enriched perspective on creativity, culture, and the intimate threads that connect us all. If you’re intrigued by the intersection of unique experiences, creativity, and culture, you’ll want to stay connected to our blog.
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FAQ
- What was the highlight of the auction? The highlight was the auctioning of Ottessa Moshfegh’s toothbrush, a quirky item that sparked conversations about everyday significance.
- How could attendees gain free admission? Admission was free for paid subscribers of either author’s Substack newsletters, fostering community engagement and deeper connections.
- Was the event only about auctioning items? No, the event included personal anecdotes and live storytelling from the authors, enhancing the experience beyond just bidding.
- What types of items were auctioned? Items ranged from signed books and unusual collectibles to humorous pieces reflecting the authors’ personalities.
