I'm kicking myself for not getting this post up earlier, but I've been a bit crook with the non-pig-flu flu this week. So things have started to slide. Anyway, the Passion for Fashion auction actually took place in London yesterday, but I thought you might be interested to see some of the vintage goodies that went under the hammer.
The auction included an astounding range of museum-worthy fashion, including dresses from 19th century gowns and rare examples from Yves Saint Laurent's Russian Collection, as well as Poiret, Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Balmain (see the exquisite embroidered black satin cocktail gown from AW 1959, above) and Gres. Not so very long ago I would have done something terrible for a Madame Gres pleated gown. Check out this fine example of her extraordinary talent and skill which was on offer yesterday:
I was also surprised to discover a pair of Queen Victoria's fine linen knickers up for auction, which are described as "vast drawers" and embroidered with VR and a "queenly crown".
And then there's a pair of her knitted silk stockings (also embroidered with her initials):
Also included in the line-up were some beautifully structured Courrèges tunics, mini skirts and wool dresses (circa 1968-70):
Check out the full catalogue online here.
All images courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions.
Love the black embroidered dress. Missed this auction also
The number of Queen Victoria's knickers - does this mean she had at least 24 pairs?
Really interesting, thank you for sharing
Best wishes Sue
PS get well soon
Posted by: susan weaver | June 18, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Fabulous post! Loved it all and going to pop over to look through the catalogue now. Hope you're feeling better soon + thanks for sharing this. K
Posted by: Kylie | June 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I adore the first dress. So beautiful and detailed.
Posted by: Jules | June 18, 2009 at 08:02 PM
I could weep at not being able to even raise a hand at said auction
Posted by: Make Do Style | June 18, 2009 at 09:47 PM
ASTOUNDING. Those first two are my favorite for sure. The level of detail involved in that...sigh. You just can't get it at topshop.
Posted by: Bri | June 18, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Hi there wee birdy :)thanks for dropping in to my blog....yes I am currently basking in my hard earned glory .hee hee ! You have a v. v. interesting blog ,I,ll be back
Posted by: jane o sullivan | June 19, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Hello wee birdy...thanks for stopping by on my blog earlier. lots of lovely things to look at here, i'm off for a delve...
Posted by: Flora | June 19, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Hope you are feeling better, Top Bird! Glad it's not of the oink-oink strain.
Was just reading a coffeetable book at the hairdresser's this afternoon and drooling over Madame Gres' work! I think it's rather sad that she was forgotten even before she died...penniless. xx
Posted by: the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things | June 19, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Likkle girl - Gres was amazing, but her legacy lives on! xx
Posted by: Top Bird @ Wee Birdy | June 20, 2009 at 10:33 AM
The introductions were interesting. A few guys were cheered especially loudly, like K-Rod, Wright and Reyes. A few obvious ones were booed, like Heath Bell and Duaner Sanchez of the Pads. But Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo were jeered a bit too. I never understood why fans boo players on opening day.
Posted by: Randy | June 20, 2009 at 06:27 PM
Mme Gres? oui bien! that dress really made my heart leap!
thanks for your comments a while ago - i'm not in london, no. i'm in the country! but i have some city savvy about me still (i hope).
i love all this bird business!
keep on chirpin' on!
Posted by: nath | June 22, 2009 at 09:56 PM