April
Vintage Fashion, Antique Costume & Textiles
Lot: 1 to 234 - 16th Apr, 2024 9:00 GMT+1/BST
Lot: 237 to 467 - 16th Apr, 2024 14:00 GMT+1/BST
With two sales in Paris and three in London under our belt already this year, the excitement doesn't stop at KTA with another extraordinary offering in our Spring auction.
Amongst exquisite lots like the Christian Dior camelia blossom hat on the cover page (lot 321), we have a fantastic selection from some of our favourite names such as Vivienne Westwood (including a great 'Harris Tweed' crown - lot 198), Ossie Clarke and Chanel to name but a few - and for the budding archivist, there's also (nearly) every issue of British Vogue from 1980 to 2003 (lots 91-114).
Few dresses can claim to be as iconic of an era as the sheer metal Liza Bruce number Kate Moss wore to the Elite Model's 'Look Of The Year' party in 1993. The flash photography rendered the dress more see-through than had initially been anticipated and the titillating images that resulted have become some of the most reproduced candid fashion shots of the 1990s. That Liza Bruce purportedly only ever made a handful of these dresses (one of which is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London) makes it all the more extraordinary to have one available in our sale (lot 170). And if that wasn't enough, we also have the actual Judy Blame-designed t-shirt that Kate wore on the cover of ID Magazine in 1991 (lot 128). And for even more celebrity glamour we have the pretty pink printed Ingeborg blouse worn by Barbera Streisand in the film 'For Pete's Sake' in 1974 (lot 291).
Our auctions are never short of museum-quality offerings and what better than those that have come straight from the designer's own archives? We have included the final part of the wonderful Sue Clowes collection which over the past year has proven how her powerful designs have more than stood the test of time. But we are also excited to introduce a selection of gorgeous knitwear from the Spaghetti Archive designed by Nadia la Valle - a collection of supreme quality that, while still very wearable, is so evocative of late1970s style.
The 1960s and 1970s are well represented generally with especially important pieces such as a Pierre Cardin 'Bone' dress (lot 310) a Biba black lace ensemble (lot 313), a fine Thea Porter kaftan (lot 290), and an Yves Saint Laurent lace up maxi dress (lot 262). But the other end of the 20th century is equally as impressive with flapper dresses which you would be very hard-pressed to find better examples of.
The sale ends with a strong Chinese section, including several 'Horse Faced' skirts, finely embroidered chang-fu and unusual cross-cultural items including a cheongsam made of Western Art Deco silk (lot 459), and a Western Opera jacket made from repurposed Dragon Robe silk (lot 454).
Get us your condition report requests ASAP and good luck bidding!
March
The Male Sale
Catalogue: Download PDF catalogue
Kerry Taylor Auctions is delighted to present our inaugural menswear auction: The Male Sale. Comprising 173 lots that span over 250 years of men’s fashion, there is something for gentlemen of every sartorial persuasion.
The 18th century was perhaps the pinnacle of male opulence, and it is easy to understand why with the first lot in the auction: an extravagant sleeved waistcoat ornately brocaded with floral motifs in floss silks and silver threads on sumptuous crimson satin. Or lot 2 - an embroidered waistcoat whose rhythmic foliate sprigs appear to dance on the elegant ivory ground.
However Men’s fashions have often necessitated certain practical elements, and the striking 1930s motorcycling coat (lot 13) is exemplary of just that. Made of rubber to shield from the elements, a hidden flap can be strapped between the rider’s legs for additional protection – while giving the wearer a rather spectacular look! Lot 10, a 1912 stalking ensemble, similarly matches form and function with specially branded outsized pockets to store birds and game.
For the Dandies out there we have a groovy selection of 1960s ensembles perfect for peacocking down the King’s Road(lots 15-21) including a dazzling multicoloured leather Mr Fish outfit and archetypical looks from the likes of Brent & Collins and Hung on You.
Vivenne Westwood is well represented through the decades – from important earlier pieces like an original World’s End Buffalo sheepskin coat (lot 30) and a risqué Seditionaries ‘Dancing Cowboys’ t-shirt similar to the one that was responsible for getting the artist Alan Jones arrested in 1975 - and which suitably comes from the collection of another renowned artist: A.A. Bronson. For some less provocative options, there are a plethora of wonderful tartan suits as well as rare, printed denim ensembles from iconic collections such as ‘Always on Camera’ A/W 1992/93 (lot 78) and ‘Mini Crini’, S/S 1986 (lot 41)
The auction contains a huge variety of Jean Paul Gaultier items that demonstrate how the designer helped to redefine masculinity in the 1980s and 90s, a large number of which are unique pieces that never went into production due to either the high manufacturing cost, or the outrageousness of the designs making them unsuitable for retail. Included are rare pieces from important collections such as ‘Chic Rabbis/Vikings’ A/W 1993/94; ‘Tatoos/The Raw and Refined’ S/S 1994, ‘Grand Voyage’ A/W 1994/95, ‘Mad Max/Riders and Horsemen of the Modern Times’ A/W 1995/96 and ‘Tribute to Frida Kahlo/Flamenco’ S/S 1998. Gaultier would often exhibit his men’s and women’s lines at the same time and on the same catwalk, but each collection had distinct names so in these instances we have tried to provide the names of both collections for clarity. In 1993 Jean Paul Gaultier launched his androgynous ‘Jean’s’ label which saw incredible silhouettes marketed at a cool young crowd who were happy to eschew normative forms of menswear and womenswear. From the launch show are several one-of-a-kind pieces such as lots: 80, 81, 84, 85, 86 which you will likely never have a chance to purchase again.
So many important Gaultier themes are represented, such as his Breton striped sailors with fall front trousers (lots 53, 75, 77, 79, 82, 84, 85, 111, 125, 130, 131, 153), as well as the various cultural influences (religion, artists, dance, industrialism, fantasy, futurism) that thematically underpinned his best-loved shows. Gaultier loved seeing men dressed in clothes that had traditionally been reserved for women, and there are excellent examples here such as the 1993 denim corset (Lot 83), or the unbelievably rare 1987 leather waist cincher (Lot 47) – or for a slightly brighter approach we have Converse All Star style waistcoats with corsetry lacing at the back in both red and black colourways (Lots 73 and 76). Male skirts come in the form of kilts such as lot 84’s denim example which is a one-of-a-kind prototype for similar examples worn a year later on the runway for the Tattoos collection. Or another from the Tattoos collection itself printed with the iconic imagery from the show (lot 92). For one of his most iconic creations – the trouser skirt – look no further than lot 154, and for a deconstructed tiny ‘mini’ skirt/loin cloth see lot 79 – an ensemble best suited to only the bravest (or perhaps the proudest) of men.
But Gaultier was not alone in blurring the lines between stereotypically male and female garments. A group of Hardy Amies clothes (lots 139-141) includes a leather waist cincher among several tailoring masterpieces such as a bespoke fur-trimmed coat made specifically for the house’s then-creative director Ian Garlant.
Finishing the sale off are bold modern designs by the likes of Walter van Bierendonck and Charles Jefferey whose joyful colourful creations demonstrate how men’s clothes continue to be a conduit of fun, creativity and ever-evolving style.
Please note that there is an additional 1.5% charge plus VAT for any lots won via our online bidding platform.
Lights Camera Auction - Online Only Sale
Ends: 11th Mar, 2024 16:00 GMT+1/BST
Fancy lunch with Hugh Bonneville, an after-theatre meet and greet as a guest of Ralph Fiennes (yes please!)– or a smashing day out at the Goodwood Revival?
These are just a few of our fabulous online lots. To accompany our stellar costume auction kind donors and celebrity Ambassadors of the Bright Foundation have supported this charity auction with gifts of personal items, signed books and photographs and incredible one of a kind experiences that normally money cannot buy!
You can spoil yourself with a luxurious hotel break or vineyard tour; groove at a music festival, watch ‘The Killers on stage or while away an afternoon browsing the incredible workrooms at Cosprop where so many of the fabulous costumes were made.
All sale proceeds will go towards the charity and bidders can be secure in the knowledge that their purchases will assist The Bright Foundation’s art-based projects for disadvantaged young people. Kerry Taylor is donating the buyer’s premium to this just cause.
John Bright: “My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.” (Click here to watch John Bright A Life In Costume)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Bidpath (KTA live) for providing a live bidding platform free of charge and to all the generous donors in this sale.
If you are the successful bidder, please note that we accept remote card payments up to £2,000 and card payments in person up to £10,000. If your invoice exceeds these amounts, you will have to arrange a bank wire. We expect payment as soon as you receive your invoice.
Lights Camera Auction - Live Cosprop Sale
Last year, Bafta & Academy award winning costumier and designer John Bright invited Kerry Taylor to visit the renowned Cosprop store to select costumes for this special charity auction in aid of The Bright Foundation. The sale proceeds will go to this arts-based education charity based in Hastings, which provides free access to creative activities, visual and performance arts for children and young people facing disadvantage.
This is your opportunity to own a piece of screen history with 69 lots featuring costumes worn by screen legends including:
MADONNA • JOHNNY DEPP • HEATH LEDGER • ELIZABETH TAYLOR • MERYL STREEP • KEIRA KNIGHTLEY • MARGOT ROBBIE • GWYNETH PALTROW • UMA THURMAN • RENEE ZELLWEGER • COLIN FIRTH • HELENA BONHAM CARTER • JULIE ANDREWS • JUDI DENCH • EDDIE REDMAYNE • DANIEL RADCLIFFE • KATE WINSLET and also starring costumes from TV dramas including: DOWNTON ABBEY • PEAKYBLINDERS • POLDARK • POIROT • PRIDE & PREJUDICE
The costumes range in style from fantasy Renaissance creations to more wearable 20th century silhouettes and will appeal to serious Hollywood and tv period drama costume collectors, or those who just like to dress up! Cosprop is renowned the world over for its historically accurate and detailed costumes. For nearly 60 years, John Bright has brought characters and moments in time vividly to life on stage and screen helping to realise the creative visions of generations of award-winning costume designers. He is equally revered and respected by actors grateful for the fine costumes provided to assist them create their characters.
Other actors represented include Gwyneth Paltrow (Emma), Nicole Kidman (The Portrait of a Lady, The Others), Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth), Dame Judi Dench (Murder on the Orient Express), Dame Julie Andrews (Victor Victoria), Aidan Turner (Poldark), Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack), Alan Rickman (The Demon Barber of Fleet Street), Carey Mulligan (Far From the Madding Crowd), Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes), Ann Margret (Scarlett), Kate Winslet (Finding Neverland), Emily Blunt (The English), Emma Thompson (Howard’s End), Vanessa Redgrave (Mrs Dalloway), Emma Hall (Parade’s End), Margot Robbie (Goodbye Christopher Robin), Dougray Scott (Ever After), Alicia Vikander & Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl), Helen McCrory, Tom Hardy & Paul Anderson (Peaky Blinders), Amy Adams (Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), Edward Fox (Edward & Mrs Simpson) , Marion Cotillard (La vie en Rose).
Bidders can acquire costumes for enjoyment, investment or simply to dress up in, secure in the knowledge that their purchases will also assist The Bright Foundation’s projects for disadvantaged young people.
John Bright: “My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.” (Click here to watch John Bright A Life In Costume)
To coincide with the live event a timed online only auction, will run from 22nd February until 10th March, featuring around 40 eclectic lots including one-of-a-kind experiences, celebrity memorabilia, original artworks, fashion, fine dining and personal items donated by the stellar list of celebrity Ambassadors and supporters of the Bright Foundation. See website for further details.
We would like to thank Bidpath (KTA Live) and Invaluable for offering their bidding platforms to our clients free of charge for this special charity auction only as their donation to The Bright Foundation.
Kerry Taylor Auctions is donating the Buyers Premium to The Bright Foundation
If you are the successful bidder, please note that we accept remote card payments up to £2,000 and card payments in person up to £10,000. If your invoice exceeds these amounts, you will have to arrange a bank wire. We expect payment as soon as you receive your invoice.
February
Lights Camera Auction - Online Only Sale
Ends: 11th Mar, 2024 16:00 GMT+1/BST
Fancy lunch with Hugh Bonneville, an after-theatre meet and greet as a guest of Ralph Fiennes (yes please!)– or a smashing day out at the Goodwood Revival?
These are just a few of our fabulous online lots. To accompany our stellar costume auction kind donors and celebrity Ambassadors of the Bright Foundation have supported this charity auction with gifts of personal items, signed books and photographs and incredible one of a kind experiences that normally money cannot buy!
You can spoil yourself with a luxurious hotel break or vineyard tour; groove at a music festival, watch ‘The Killers on stage or while away an afternoon browsing the incredible workrooms at Cosprop where so many of the fabulous costumes were made.
All sale proceeds will go towards the charity and bidders can be secure in the knowledge that their purchases will assist The Bright Foundation’s art-based projects for disadvantaged young people. Kerry Taylor is donating the buyer’s premium to this just cause.
John Bright: “My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.” (Click here to watch John Bright A Life In Costume)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Bidpath (KTA live) for providing a live bidding platform free of charge and to all the generous donors in this sale.
If you are the successful bidder, please note that we accept remote card payments up to £2,000 and card payments in person up to £10,000. If your invoice exceeds these amounts, you will have to arrange a bank wire. We expect payment as soon as you receive your invoice.