Weird Wacky Wonderful -Kerry Taylor Auctions

Lot 1010
An unusual cotton romper-suit with Russian `Pravda' newsprint excerpts dated 1989, featuring President Gorbochev, with red buttons to the back

Lot 1240
A pair of Alexander McQueen for Givenchy couture grey and pink kid leather chaps,
Autumn-Winter, 1999, with haute couture and defile labels

Lot 1251
A maid's uniform, 1939, of blue wool with embroidered muslin headband, 2 collars and apron, with note stating `The afternoon uniform of my last house parlour maid, Hilda Edwards, 1939

What I love about auctions are all of the weird wild and wonderful items offered.
In addition to my favs above this auction on May 25 will feature the 1950s-60s Savile Row wardrobe of the actor Richard Todd.. Not for him the sobriety of Mr Todd’s wardrobe. It is a riot of stripes, flowers, kipper ties and velvet. It is one of the grooviest male wardrobes ever to come to auction.

Female fashion ranges from Queen Victoria’s underwear (yes I'm not kidding!), a fab Miyake two tone dress and of course Balenciaga, Biba, Ossie Clark,Thea Porter, YSL Rive Gauche, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel.

For a full catalogue and information go to

www.kerrytaylorauctions.com

BACK TO THE FUTURE-BALENCIAGA #1

As it gets more and more difficult to find great vintage more and more dealers who used to turn up their noses at anything that wasn't older than 20 years old are suddenly interested in future collectable items.

I'll be showing you my future collectable picks once a month.
Some will be for sale (and if so there will be a price below)
and some will be to educate or stimulate

Balenciaga
Winter Fall 2007

Some Like it Hot-MARILYN MONROE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

I work in the auction world and do my own share of valuations of vintage clothing on a weekly basis. It's a tricky business because auction prices vary and there are many factors that can make something valuable. My advice is to always consult a repuatable person. Lately I've received a few emails from people asking me general advice on who they should go to and how auctions work. A lot of vintage dealers seem to be giving advice on values which is not always correct and they are putting their reputation on the line with their lack of experience.
For a start, consult someone that is in the auction business if you are interested in having your items considered for auction provide clear photos of your items including the label, note any damages or imperfections also include any relevant historical facts about the piece for a start.
Now for fun and to help you get started go to

http://pbs.org/antiques

search Mariyn Monroe and you'll be able to access a video and short quiz where
you'll be able to guess how much Marilyn Monroe's dress from Some Like it Hot is worth.

And the Answer is...THIERRY MUGLER

and the answer is...Thierry Mugler

Thierry Mugler 'Les Milteuses' Communist -style Dress
Autumn Winter 1986-87

Documented in 'Icons of Fashion The 20th Century' by Prestel
and 'Thierry Mugler Fashion Memoir' by Francois Baudot

This dress was mine and sold via Kerry Taylor Auctions.

Also if you are a Mugler fan you may want to check out the great recent NYT article

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/fashion/02MUGLER.html?ref=style

You Think That You Know So Much Prove It #8

Can you guess the designer?
I'll give you a hint...he is one of my favorites...

Dare to Wear-GLASS COUTURE

Diana Dias-Leao dress

Margiela Glass "Cinderalla" pumps limited edition retail $2580

Diana-Dias Leao glass dress

Diana Dias-Leao gave up fashion designing at the age of 60 to study glass making. An exhibition of her glass dresses and corsets can be seen at the Liverpool Museum in the UK until the end of September.
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

I've also included a fabulous pair of Margiela glass pumps for all of the Ciderellas reading this!

Fit for a Princess-GRACE KELLY

Portrait 1955 by E. Blumenfeld

Princess Grace at the Princely Palace about 1960 H. Connant/B. Adelman Books

Family Portrait, Rex Features

Style Icon Grace Kelly Exhibition
Explores the life of Grace Kelly from actress to princess and her enduring appeal as a style icon.
V&A Museum London until September 26
www.vam.ac.uk/gracekelly