Monday, April 13, 2009

Christie's Vintage Luggage Auction = Don't Sweat The Antique Technique.





"In a Classicist column last summer we reminisced about the the golden age of motoring when one would embark on an automobile journey with elegant picnic and cocktails cases carefully stowed in the boot of the car. On May 19th we'll get another glimpse into the bygone era of traveling in true style when Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off an amazing selection of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage. With the favorable exchange rates currently in effect it's an enticing opportunity to build a collection with lasting value, while truly timeless luxury items are more appealing than ever.

"Harking back to a golden age of travel, vintage luggage encapsulates the glamor and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style," notes Christie's' Director of Textiles Pat Frost. "These exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a time when the journey was as important as the destination. With iconic names including Louis Vuitton, Dunhill and Hermes leading the field and remaining very collectible they not only functional but design objects in their own right."

Highlights of the sale include two cream colored canvas and leather suitcases by Hermès from the mid-20th century, monogrammed "APW", estimated at about $2,200 - $3,000; two fine black cases by Dunhill and T. Anthony, the first of black leather in semi-circular form with one fitted tray and gunmetal hardware, the second of black fabric with leather strapping, lined in moire with various pockets and gilt hardware, est. at about $1,200 - $1,500; and a monogram hard-side case and cover by Louis Vuitton (above) with a beautiful patina to the the leather handle, est. at about $900 - $1,200."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Pursuant to our unspoken yet implicitly binding agreement, your continued Livestyle readership entitles Y.O.U. to access my De Beers™ like diamond mine of information and random observations. Lucky Y.O.U.! LOL. Whilst my propensity for high price purchases means that Y.O.U. are regularly subjected to my corner store couture perspective on current offerings of style, occasionally, I dive into my vintage bin of timeless treasures and introduce Y.O.U. to some fucking awesome heirloom jewels. Here's a secret: Particularly for my ladies (although not exclusive to women) estate shopping and eBay scavenging can unearth some great deals on designer labels @, depending on demand, considerably lower prices than what Y.O.U. might pay for items from this season's collections.

Yes, thanks to the internet, the Antique Clothes Show and luggage expo is always in town. I mean, most luxury brands are fantastically tethered to their rich pasts and, as such, base many of their cosmopolitan creations on classic silhouettes. Translation: Your Gucci doctor's bag looked pretty much the same in the 1980's as it does now. What the uninitiated and easily exploited flavor-of-the-minute (NOTE: Technology speeds up everything ... lol) fashionphiles regard as unseemly wear-and-tear is actually viewed by cultured collectors as proof of provenance - a laminated legacy that gives true character to well traveled items.

Now, while Y.O.U. may not be ready to drop a knot on the auction block when world renowned Christie's London South Kensington branch auctions off this amazing assemblage of vintage Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill luggage, Y.O.U. might wanna hit Grandma up and see what's really good in that long forgotten family attic and/or basement.




BONUS:

Admit it; Y.O.U. love my style. Where else do Y.O.U. receive a healthy serving of sophistication with a reputable side of Hip Hop from a Brooklyn Iron Chef? Nowhere; that's where ... lol. Y.O.U. heard the 18th Letter Rakim Allah and Eric B., "Don't Sweat The Technique" kid.

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