Passion for Fashion featuring the Zandra Rhodes Archive| London
17th Jun, 2025 14:00
Our June auction has something for everyone – from modern luxury to fine and rare antique dress. This sale also includes three very special but very different collections. The first collection we present is 20 lots from the wardrobe of the late Marianne Faithfull. Renowned for her haunting voice, bold spirit, and enduring influence on music and culture, Marianne Faithfull also left an indelible mark on the world of fashion. Emerging in the 1960s as one of the era’s most captivating performers, she became known for her distinctive style — often dressed in dramatic, monochromatic black ensembles that reflected both elegance and edge.
We are also offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire pieces from Zandra Rhodes’ personal archive. The collection comprises 92 lots ranging from her 1969 black felt ‘Circle’ coat, through to designs of the 2000s, including one important dress which was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. These joyously colourful dresses include iconic designs from Dame Zandra Rhodes’ illustrious career. The sale will benefit the Zandra Rhodes Foundation: “I formed the Zandra Rhodes Foundation to carefully catalogue the momentous dresses I have designed over the last 60 years — each one hand-printed and handmade in my London studio. Now, for the first time, I am opening up my archive and offering a rare chance to own pieces from my life's work. With the expert guidance of Kerry Taylor, a curated selection of my most treasured, statement garments will find new homes around the world. Kerry’s exceptional eye has found chiffon kaftans from my very first collection, beaded evening gowns worn by Hollywood icons and royalty, experimental coats, pleated satin jackets and wonderful Boho pieces made in my renaissance period in the early 2000s.” - Dame Zandra Rhodes.
The third collection featured in this auction is that of the late Anne-Marie Sherwood, a lifelong collector of historic dress. Part I of her collection is included in this sale comprising 26 lots dating from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Included are sumptuous Spitalfields and French brocades,18th-century stays, and mid-19th century printed cottons.
In addition to the three collections that we’re featuring in this auction, we begin the sale with a strong selection of Lagerfeld-era Chanel, particularly from the Métiers d'Art collections, which showcase the craftsmanship and skills of the artisans employed by Chanel. Modern fashion is well-represented, with rare examples by Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and John Paul Gaultier all making appearances in the catalogue. Icons of twentieth-century haute couture also have their place in the sale, from Schiaparelli haute couture to stunning silhouettes by Christian Dior. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Frederick Worth’s birth, and we are pleased to present seven lots from the fashion house, dating from circa 1885 to 1908. Our earliest and perhaps most rare item in the sale is the gentleman’s ruffler worn by Sir Edwin Rich in the 1620s. Additionally, we have some further exceptional examples of 18th century dress, including a wonderful historicist oxblood silk gown dating from the 1780s, a rare 1790s hat, and a fabulous pair of silk damask high-heels from the early 18th century.
Viewing times
Friday 13th June, 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday 15th June, 11:00am-4:00pm
Monday 16th June, 9:30am-3:00pm
Additional viewing times may be considered, by special request.
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Lot 483 - A Charles Frederick Worth embroidered ivory satin ball gown, circa 1894
Lot 484 - A Charles Frederick Worth eau de nil satin evening gown, 1893-4
Lot 485 - A Charles Frederick Worth silk chine evening gown, 1893-94
Lot 489 - A Josephine H Egan rose brocade and satin evening gown, American, circa 1885
Lot 490 - His and Her Columbine and Pierrot fancy dress costumes, 1880s or early 1890s
Lot 491 - A Lizzie McColl brocaded satin and pink silk evening gown, 1880-85
Lot 492 - A fine purple satin and cut velvet evening/reception ensemble, circa 1880
Lot 498 - A fine green striped and floral brocaded gown with day and evening bodices, circa 1854
Lot 505 - A silvery-beige damask cannelé silk evening or bridal gown, 1825-29
Lot 511 - An unusual cotton gauze gown with long pointed train, circa 1805
Lot 514 - A printed 'Indienne' cotton gown, 1770s, altered early 19th century
Lot 518 - A rare infant's pudding cap, second half of the 18th century
Lot 519 - A russet-brown cannelé silk robe à l'Anglaise, 1775-85
Lot 520 - A shot black/burgundy taffeta robe à l'anglaise, 1775-85
Lot 521 - A Spitalfields brocaded silk robe à l'anglaise, circa 1775
Lot 522 - A robe à l'anglaise of 1730s Spitalfields brocaded silk, the construction 1770-80
Lot 523 - A striped brocaded green and pink silk robe à la Française, and petticoat, 1770-75
Lot 524 - A fuchsia-pink brocaded silk robe à l'anglaise, the silk 1755-60, the construction 1770s
Lot 525 - A robe à l'Anglaise of 1730s figurative brocaded silk, the construction 1770s
Lot 526 - A striped pink and ivory silk robe à la française and petticoat, circa 1770
Lot 528 - A pale grey/ivory robe à la Française and petticoat, 1765-70
Lot 529 - A Spitalfields brocaded silk robe à la Française and petticoat circa 1765
Lot 531 - A quilted golden-tan silk petticoat, 18th century with 19th century alterations
Lot 532 - A single shoe circa 1720 and a pair of high heeled brocaded silk shoes, 1770s
Lot 533 - A fitted gown, of bizarre brocaded satin circa 1708, the construction 1740-50
Lot 535 - A rare pair of high fashion silk damask shoes, French, 1720-30
Lot 537 - A pair of scarlet damask smooth covered stays, the embroidery and construction circa 1710
Lot 538 - A fine and rare shaped linen ruffler, English, 1620s
Lot 543 - A fine and large embroidered cover or floor spread, Indian, circa 1830-50