California Apparel News

Heritage Auctions' Spring Luxury Auction, photos: Alex J. Berliner/AB Images

The“Constance” bag in metallic silver, a Chanel bike and a Fontana Frenchart deco diamond platinum bracelet. These are just a few of thecovetable items in Heritage Auctions' Spring Luxury Auction.

And it'salso the reason the Costume Council of LACMA’s Fashion Circle turnedout for a luncheon and exclusive tour at Heritage Auctions in BeverlyHills.

KathleenGuzman, Managing Director of the luxury auction house, gave a briefhistory of the auction industry and a glimpse into her impressive careerin which she was the first to inventory Marilyn Monroe’s collectionfrom storage and auctioned seven pairs of Dorothy’s iconic rubyslippers.

HeritageAuctions' twice yearly sale event gives collector’s and the fashionobsessed the opportunity to purchase luxury items not readily availableto the general public. Guzman said the collection currently on view,which is set to auction on April 29, is special because “It’s theopportunity to see more Hermès in one place than in an Hermès shop.These bags are [usually] special order or only available to VIP clients.That fact that they are available to purchase is an amazingopportunity.”

Followingthe champagne luncheon Guzman and Matthew Rubinger, Director, LuxuryAccessories, were on hand to give an in depth guided tour highlightingkey pieces that will be up for grabs at the auction in New York. It was afascinating tour indeed. Attendees learned that the iconic camelliaflower is the most valuable component for a Chanel bag or piece ofjewelry, the shape and coloration of a Judith Lieber bag is key and thatLouis Vuitton’s 2001 Graffiti collection with Stephen Sprouse is one ofLouis Vuitton’s most important handbag collections.

Ifyou can’t be at the sale in New York, interested parties can view theitems available and bid via the telephone or online at www.ha.com. For more information on how to attend Costume Council events, email costumecouncil@lacma.org or go to www.costumecouncil.org.

TheCostume Council of LACMA brings fashion and style programming to LosAngeles through curator-led tours such as the this week's HertiageAuctions' event as well as red carpet film premieres, lectures byscholars, designer studio visits and cocktail receptions. There arethree events coming up on the Spring programming schedule.

OnMay 9, InStyle Fashion Director, Hal Rubinstein, will be on hand todiscuss his book 100 Unforgettable Dresses. On May 30, Dilys Blum,Curator of Costume and Textiles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art andAuthor of Shocking! The Art of Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli, will give alecture on Schiaparelli and the influence of Surrealists on herdesigns.

Forits Gala Finale program on June 20, the Costume Council will celebrate100 Years of Western Costume Company. There will be a fashion show withcostumes from films of the last 100 years + as well as an Academy-Awardwinning costume designer presentation and a festive, red carpet cocktailparty for approximately 600 guests. For tickets go to www.costumecouncil.org.

Cindy Canzoneri and Joni Smith

Matt Rubinger and Kathleen Guzman