Jul
29
Written by:
jamiehglover
7/29/2010 1:10 PM
We attended the Haute Couture – Createurs 1900-2000 Auction at Drouot. The sale included luxury fashion and fashion accessories by the most respected names, including: Christian Dior, Valentino, Gres, Madeleine Vionnet, Givenchy, and Gabrielle Chanel circa 1919-1920.
I was in awe.
The most expensive dress of the auction was an Alix Haute Couture gown, circa 1935. It sold for 26,000 euros, with the sellers commission and the conversion rate, it was $40,625. It was an amazing yet unassuming black dress. I personally was most fond of the Vionnet dresses, all from the 1930’s that looked as though they could be presented in the Fall 2010 Collection.
I was so excited to find a current dress from the Vionnet collection at Herrod’s in London, AND it was 75% off. Love it! Hope it is a timeless and will become a piece in Bella’s “vintage” collection from her mother one day. In the world of luxury antique or vintage collectibles in regards to fashion, jewelry, and watches, for me, the amazement comes in finding pieces that are absolutely timeless yet, completely elegant.
We purchased several couture vintage handbags by Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin. There were several in an affordable price range, although I will mention my top three. One was a black and white dress by Popy Moreni that had an interesting belt that added a peplum of sorts. The second was Tan Giudicelli dress was a vivid blue with an oversized bow reflective of Chrisitan Dior. Giudicelli was a designer for Chloe. In fact in 1956, the first Chloe collection was introduced at Le Café de Flore, one of their favorite cafes and the meeting place of artists in Paris. The lead designers began hiring young talented designers, who would eventually make a name of their own: Christiana Bailly, Michèle Rosier, Maxime de la Falaise, Graziella Fontana, Tan Giudicelli, Guy Paulin, and Carlos Rodriguez. Couture Allure Vintage Fashion has the 1983 Christian Dior Dress and a dress designed by Tan Giudicelli. The third but most coveted dress was a black Balenciaga with bell sleeves at the elbow and a flounce at the bottom that seemed like a modern day princess dress, perfect for twirling, although it was circa 1958/1960. Balenciaga is currently at 10av. George V. and continues to be known for their black dresses that are chic yet hip.However, the highlight of the auction for me was a limited edition satirical cartoon by Yves Saint Laurant, La vilaine Lulu; when touring the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at the Petite Palais the images from the book were showcased in a cartoon format.
I have always admired the style and simplicity of Yves Saint Laurent but seeing a retrospective of his collections was truly magnificent. The multitude of styles and influences are captured and displayed in actual pieces from his collections assisted by videos, photographs and summaries of his essence. I have even more respect for the designer and his designs both at Christian Dior and independently at Yves St. Laurent.
Yves Saint Laurent recently passed on 1 June 2008, making him even more iconic. He was an Algerian-born French fashion designer who was considered one of the greatest names in French fashion in the 20th century. In 1985, Caroline Rennolds Milbank wrote, "The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring the couture's rise from its sixties ashes and with finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable".
Remarquable, bravo! Les acclamations à Yves St. Laurent!
See photos from Parisian Haute Couture here!