We are thrilled to announce our next auction here in London: the ARCH COUTURE archive, consisting of 250 lots of 20th and 21st-century haute couture and ready-to-wear. We have a wide selection of iconic designers and brands from the last 75 years, including Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Margiela, Mugler, and many more!
One of the most exciting lots in this jewelbox of an auction is lot 89, a wonderful Schiaparelli haute couture jacket by Daniel Roseberry. This fabulous piece exemplifies Roseberry’s interpretation of Elsa Schiaparelli’s surrealist design sensibilities, with a beaded ‘measuring tape’ front opening and intricate, sculptural gold embellishments.
Chanel is synonymous with modern luxury. This auction features 88 lots of the brand, mainly dating from Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure as creative director. Lots include jackets, suits, dresses, and handbags, including a rare 2017 minaudière shaped like a jewelled robot, and a matching pink fantasy tweed jacket and handbag from the iconic 2014 ‘Supermarket’ collection.
There is a small but impressive collection of Alexander McQueen, including three dresses that any fan of the designer will immediately recognise. The first is an embellished gown from Autumn-Winter 2007-08, covered in a shimmer of cascading bronze beads designed as tumbling tresses of hair. We also have two fabulously embellished dresses from McQueen’s ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ collection, one in blue and one in green.
Another highlight is Roberto Cavalli’s iconic ‘Ming Vase’ printed gown from his Autumn-Winter 2005-06 collection. A similar Cavalli gown was included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition, ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’, in 2015.
The auction also features a wide and varied selection of designer handbags, with almost thirty to choose from. Among the selection are two contemporary Christian Dior ‘Lady Dior Art’ bags, one covered in mirrors designed by South Korean artist Lee Bul, and the other tied with bondage-style ropes designed by French artist Morgane Tschiember.
Speaking of Christian Dior, the last (but certainly not least!) lot in the auction is the spectacular Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent black taffeta ‘Labia’ gown from Autumn-Winter 1959-60. The gown is complete with an elegant Chantilly lace-trimmed stole.
We look forward to seeing you all at our next viewing day, and as always, make sure to send your condition report requests in ASAP!
Lot 193 - An Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford silk-blend ottoman jacket, Autumn-Winter 2004-05
Sold for £2,860
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 194 - An Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford printed brown silk ensemble, Autumn-Winter 2004-05
Sold for £10,400
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 195 - ARR An Yves Saint Laurent haute couture mauve crêpe sheath, Autumn-Winter 2001-02
Sold for £1,235
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 197 - ARR An Yves Saint Laurent haute couture black velvet cocktail dress with lace back, 1970s
Sold for £2,600
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 198 - A Comme des Garçons brown stole, 'Adult Punk' collection, Autumn-Winter 1997-98
Sold for £195
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 200 - A Maison Margiela by John Galliano waistcoat formed from a skirt, Spring-Summer 2019
Sold for £845
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 204 - A Christian Dior by Raf Simons canvas 'Etoile' Lady Dior handbag, Resort 2015
Sold for £585
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 205 - A Christian Dior by Raf Simons orange chiffon cocktail dress, Spring-Summer 2013
Sold for £338
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 207 - A Christian Dior white lace wedding gown, circa 2010
Sold for £1,105
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 208 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano ruby crêpe cocktail dress, Resort 2011
Sold for £520
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 209 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano black trotter-weave trench coat, 2009
Sold for £780
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 210 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano black satin cocktail dress, pre-collection 2008
Sold for £715
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 211 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano black bouclé wool coat, commercial collection 2008
Sold for £520
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 212 - CITES A Christian Dior by John Galliano gold python trench coat, Resort 2008
Sold for £3,380
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 213 - CITES A Christian Dior by John Galliano gold python 'Babe' handbag, Resort 2008
Sold for £1,950
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 216 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano blue leather and printed canvas 'My Dior' bag, 2007
Sold for £650
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 217 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano beaded chiffon evening dress, circa 2007
Sold for £2,860
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 221 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano black knitted viscose dress, pre-collection 2006
Sold for £1,560
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 224 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano raffia and leather handbag, 2005
Sold for £910
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 226 - A group of Christian Dior by John Galliano separates, early 2000s
Sold for £1,300
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 228 - Three Christian Dior hats, early 2000s
Sold for £390
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 232 - A Christian Dior by John Galliano cream wool coat, pre-collection 2003
Sold for £715
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 235 - Christian Dior by John Galliano burgundy tulle cocktail dress, commercial collection 2001
Sold for £1,040
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 245 - A Christian Dior silk organdie bridal gown, circa 1995
Sold for £1,690
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 247 - A Christian Dior by Marc Bohan black lace and sequin cocktail dress, late 1980s
Sold for £312
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
Lot 249 - A Christian Dior floral hat, circa 1960
Sold for £312
Buyer's premium: 25% (exclusive of VAT)
