The global economy is collapsing, lethal bird flu has just jumped to humans, North Korea wants to nuke us, and there’s a totally cool vintage couture sale coming up at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. We will be focusing on the last.
And my ears pricked up when I heard from Casey Monda, Leslie Hindman’s director of vintage couture, that there’s an unusual cache of “Skahzzi” in Hindman’s upcoming auction, one of three devoted to fashion that the company does annually. Seventeen out of the 286 pieces of designer clothing going on the block April 16 are his.
Most of the clothing is estimated at $200 to $400, but be aware that you’ll pay an additional “buyer’s fee” of 25 percent on anything less than $50,000, plus sales tax. Also, be prepared for action: the auction itself will flash by at 80 to 100 lots per hour. Because of the Internet, the business is global now, Hindman says. It’s also more competitive than ever. Which is why I haven’t mentioned lot number 62, the little black velvet Scaasi with confetti embroidery that pops like firecrackers against a night sky. And I might not call your attention to the hot-pink satin Galanos cocktail suit that’s lot number 77 either. At least, not before I get to the preview and check it for size.
