Vintage Couture

The VINTAGE COUTURE auction held at Christie’s South Kensington on Thursday, 29 November 2012 realised £567,200 / $907,520 / €700,492 and was sold 76% by lot and 90% by value. The top lot of the sale was an Elsa Schiaparelli black velvet evening jacket from 1939 (lot 91) which was bought by Francesca Galloway Ltd. for £73,250 / $117,200 / €90,464.

Patricia Frost, International Specialist and Director, Vintage Couture and Handbags, commented: “This auction is the first in a series of sales offered across both Live and Online-Only platforms to give access to exclusive Vintage Couture wardrobes and the rarest and most coveted handbags and accessories. The auction was led by a spectacular 1939 velvet jacket by Elsa Schiaparelli set with baroque mirror panels which received bids from all around the world, eventually selling in the saleroom for £73,250 (Lot 91). The wardrobe of famed Spanish actress Catalina Barcena, comprising rare and exceptional works by the couturiere Jeanne Lanvin, generated international excitement with collectors and institutions alike including The Victoria & Albert Museum (Lot 62) who battled for their favourite pieces. Lot 67 achieved the highest price within the collection and sold to a private collector. Strong interest for modern, exotic Hermès handbags continued with classic bags in autumnal burgundy and chestnut proving the most popular. For example, two classic Birkin bags tied for top billing at £39,650 each (Lot 29 and Lot 31).”