Wallis Simpson negligee and designer gowns to be auctioned in Shrewsbury
A pale lemon chiffon negligee and capelet that belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, form one of the interesting fashion lots at a Christmas collective auction in Shrewsbury on December 5.
Designer names Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Elizabeth Emanuel, Harvey Berin and Christian Dior also feature in the vintage and antique fashion, couture and textiles section at Halls’ auction at the Welsh Bridge saleroom.
Halls’ specialist Keeley Connor has assembled 120 lots for her fashion and textiles section, comprising an eclectic mix of vintage couture, a selection of chic furs, costume jewellery, textiles, ballet and Victorian costumes, Hermes scarves, Burberry coats, mannequins and accessories.
Highlights include the negligee and capelet that belonged to Wallis Simpson and is valued at up to £900 and a 1960s Cresta Couture black lace cocktail dress that was first owned by English ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn and is expected to fetch up to £500.
Also consigned from the 1960s are a Marc Bohan for Dior couture white organza gown and a Christian Dior blue gazar cocktail dress with a matching slip from the collection of ballerina and film star Maureen Swanson, Countess of Dudley, which are valued at up to £700 and £500 respectively.
Chanel features prominently with a navy leather shoulder bag from the 1980s valued at up to £650, a yellow metal chain link belt threaded with red leather, a necklace and a pendant and chain at up to £500 each.
“There is something to suit all tastes and budgets and, with estimates from £30, the auction will inspire even the most weary of Christmas shoppers,” said Keeley, who is delighted with the quality included in her first auction at Halls.
“I want people to develop a passion for fashion at Halls and we aim to make our auctions inclusive not exclusive. Vintage fashion is very much in vogue.
“Many stylists and celebrities are hugely influential in their recycling and reusing of fashion rather than spending a huge sum on designer pieces every time. It’s much more fun and original to combine the old and unique with cutting edge design.”
