Bonjour à tous nos amis français !
We are thrilled to be back in Paris on the 27th of June for another spectacular fashion extravaganza! We have 216 lots of extraordinary dresses bags and accessories for you to feast your eyes upon, running the gamut from fine and important haute couture, extravagant menswear for the monsieur a la mode, to astonishing and rare modern catwalk pieces – there truly is something for everyone.
Kicking things off we have 80 exquisite lots of Chanel that include elegant bags, haute couture dresses, fine suits and dazzling jewellery that span the 1970s up to the modern day.
Our selection of Avant Garde Japanese fashion is particularly strong this time round (lots158-206), with a vast collection of important Issey Miyake PLEATS PLEASE ensembles that cover all his most famous collections and collaborations. There are also important sculptural designs by Yohji Yamamoto such as his iconic panelled wooden skirt from Autumn-Winter 1991-92 (lot 161), an early linen-blend jacket from 1983 (lot 158), and an archetypal black wool coat from Autumn-Winter 2019-20 featuring sculpted hands and daring uses of fabric (lot 206).
We are never short of fine haute couture, with beautiful 20th century examples on offer from the likes of Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Robert Piguet, Jacques Heim, Christobal Balenciaga, Jean Dessès, Pierre Balmain, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent and Madame Gres that truly cover the golden age of fashion.
Our dedicated menswear section (117-129) features chic and sexy designs by Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela, Vivenne Westwood and Comme de Garçons. But these bold designers are not constrained to men’s attire only – important women’s Gaultier pieces (lots 130-142) from his ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Tattoos’ shows sit alongside one of a kind examples from his ‘Louise Brooks Meets Easy Rider’ collection. Important early Thierry Mugler pieces such as a gold lamé ensemble (lot 145) and another spectacular ‘Victoire’ breastplate and skirt (lots 143+ 144) rub shoulders with wearable modern suits and dresses. Few designers can claim to have made anything as recognisable and iconic as Paco Rabanne, and we have not only a rare haute couture architectural ‘dress’ from Spring Summer 1985 (lot 114), but an outstanding metal armour dress from 1967 (lot 102).
There are 14 John Galliano lots on offer this time (lots 211-216) – lead by our star lot: A fine Christian Dior haute couture by John Galliano evening ensemble from the 'Freud Fetish' collection, Autumn-Winter 2000-01. This collection is arguably one of Galliano's finest. The luxurious workmanship, the imaginative designs and sheer beauty of the collection took the atelier and Galliano to a new level. The 'Freud' collection dealt with themes of suppressed sexuality, fantasy and fetishism.
This particular look was modelled by Sophie Dahl in the role of the 'Sexy Maid', with pale doll-like makeup and rosebud lips. The seductive dress and scarlet Mr Pearl corset was largely concealed by the maid's white cotton apron and hat and accessorised with a feather duster.
With so many gems on offer we can’t wait to see you all at the view and wish you bon chance with your bidding!!