On 12 November, Tennants Auctioneers’ ‘Fabulous Designer Fashion Sale’ will bring glitz and glamour to Leyburn. The sale consists of over 70 lots of clothing and accessories from top fashion houses, such as Hermès, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Central to the sale is ‘The Collection of a Gentleman’, a single-owner collection which was curated by the vendor and features limited-edition bags as well as designer jackets from Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana. All the items appearing during the sale are excellently preserved and ready to wear at a fraction of their original cost.
First designed by Hermès as a bag to transport saddles and riding boots, the Haut à Courroies 40 bag also makes a roomy and chic overnight bag. This 2015 take on the 1900s original is made of durable taupe leather, and accented with chrome hardware. The bag also comes with a small lock and two keys, so you’ll be sure that your possessions are safe and sound.
One of the most eye-catching items in the auction is this mirrored-metallic Keepall from Louis Vuitton with tan leather straps. Although the Keepall has a very sleek look, on closer inspection you’ll see the iconic ‘LV’ monogram pattern impressed into the leather. The bag was designed by Virgil Abloh for the Fall/Winter 2021 Collection, so it was first purchased less than two months ago and remains in pristine condition.
The iconic Sac à dépêches has been a favourite since its creation in 1922, but it was Princess Grace that helped inspire its current cult following, along with the name of the ‘Kelly’ bag. Its slim profile and understated design make it an ideal bag for business or pleasure. This model dates from 2007, and features a colourful woven strap that shows up beautifully against the dark leather.
George Vuitton created the ‘unpickable’ lock around 1886, revolutionising security for travelling bags. The Vuittons even dared Harry Houdini to escape from a Vuitton trunk, but unfortunately he never accepted their challenge. However, this iconic lock became part of the brand’s trademark style over the next 130 years, seen here on a hinged jewellery case from 2005.
Chanel has been one of the world’s top fashion houses since its inception over a century ago. Their classic designs are always in vogue, and this black patent leather handbag is sure to become a wardrobe staple. The exterior is quilted, and the bag is completed with a double chain shoulder strap and the interlocking C logo closure.
‘The Collection of a Gentleman’ also includes a stunning array of designer jackets from brands such as Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Sarah White, Costume & Textiles Specialist at Tennants Auctioneers, notes that “whilst the jackets are small sizes from men’s collections, they look fantastic on anyone with a small frame”.
One exceptional piece is the ‘Dragonfly’ jacket from Alexander McQueen, produced for the 2013 Spring/Summer Collection led by Sarah Burton. The silk fabric is reminiscent of a jewel-like dragonfly, and the jacket features the intricate detail and sharp tailoring for which McQueen was known.
Another fantastic jacket is this design from Dolce & Gabbana, first seen at Fashion Week Milan in June 2008 for their Spring/Summer 2009 men’s collection. Inspired by Oriental kimonos, the fabric is decorated with chrysanthemums, prunus blossoms and wading birds. The jacket darkens from cream to black, and is balanced by black lapels and black piping along the exterior pockets.
The ‘Fabulous Designer Fashion Sale’ will take place on 12 November, and will also include colourful Hermès scarves, Chanel jewellery, Louis Vuitton handbags and much more. All lots are available for viewing online or at Tennants Auctioneers’ North Yorkshire salerooms ahead of the auction.
