Vintage Fashion
The trendiest sector of the antiques market? With dedicated fairs and specialist auctions, this area draws both collectors looking for pieces of fashion history as well as buyers looking simply for something to wear.
Clothes worn by celebrities often make the headline prices but even more affordable pieces of costume by now-forgotten designers have their place in the market.
![Freddie Mercury](/media/91070/denis-o-regan-wwwdenisuk-caption-freddie-mercury-queen-wembley-stadium-1986-photograph-by-denis-o-regan.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133269777670000000)
Superstar Freddie Mercury's private collection to be sold at Sotheby’s this autumn
26 April 2023From stage costumes, handwritten lyrics and guitars to Victorian paintings, a Faberge clock and Japanese art, the private collection of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury (1946-91) is to be offered in a series of auctions.
![Victorian sporting jacket](/media/90399/img_5-4.jpg?rxy=0.48909090909090908,0.34830097087378642&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133249852140000000)
Victorian ladies’ cycling gear wheels its way to Australia after wealthy donor bids at auction
03 April 2023A Victorian ladies’ sporting jacket believed to have been used for cycling has been bought for the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne, Australia.
![img_38-3.jpg](/media/90380/img_38-3.jpg?rxy=0.56833333333333336,0.28087431693989073&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133249906810000000)
Festival of Vintage returns to York Racecourse
03 April 2023People watching as well as stall perusing is one of the big attractions of the Festival of Vintage held biannually at York Racecourse.
![img_13-4.jpg](/media/90095/img_13-4.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133243187380000000)
Hands of history relating to US hero Lafayette
27 March 2023The visit of ‘Revolutionary Wars’ hero Gilbert du Motler, the Marquis of Lafayette, to the US in 1824 spawned a large number of commemoratives.
![img_39-1.jpg](/media/89562/img_39-1.jpg?rxy=0.47313691507798961,0.14945054945054945&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133225761850000000)
Array of traditional robes on offer
06 March 2023Three online sales make up the Asia Week New York programme presented by Lark Mason Associates via the iGavel Auctions platform.
![img_11-1.jpg](/media/88367/img_11-1.jpg?rxy=0.43545611015490532,0.49335863377609107&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133195505540000000)
Collectors discover the value of Vuitton Explorer trunks
30 January 2023Late 19th century Louis Vuitton Explorer trunks are a rare and desirable subset of vintage luggage.
![Louis Vuitton Explorer Trunk](/media/88313/louis-vuitton-explorer-trunk-2578hha-27-01-2023.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133191415170000000)
Top-selling Louis Vuitton trunk stars in our pick of five auction highlights sold this week
27 January 2023ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a late 19th century Louis Vuitton Explorer trunk.
![Chanel tunic](/media/86629/img_1-1.jpg?rxy=0.61739130434782608,0.36814621409921672&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133186001450000000)
Pick of the week: Château attic find sets vintage Chanel record
28 November 2022A ‘Russian’ tunic from Chanel’s famed Spring 1922 collection sold for €100,000 (£86,000) in Paris – a record for her early work.
![img_14-1.jpg](/media/86399/img_14-1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133135007660000000)
Sex appeal: Iranian erotic poem
21 November 2022Sixteenth century single folio manuscript displays orgiastic spree in graphic detail
![img_8-1.jpg](/media/86287/img_8-1.jpg?rxy=0.30960854092526691,0.38714285714285712&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133128930960000000)
Pick of the week: Court dwarf’s trousers – or just a tall story?
14 November 2022This pair of trousers, sold for £7500 in Essex on November 9, was thought to have been worn by the 17th century court dwarf Sir Jeffrey Hudson (1619-82).
![img_12-1.jpg](/media/85362/img_12-1.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133110065910000000)
Macbeth collar found in a market
24 October 2022Glasgow School designer’s embroidered silk design instantly stood out in a box of fabric.
![Cockney Rebel tour costume](/media/84351/img_11-3.jpg?rxy=0.52442996742671011,0.266384778012685&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133086552250000000)
An auction result to make a Cockney Rebel smile
26 September 2022The Lacy Scott & Knight Music, Film & Sport Memorabilia auction on September 16 included over 40 lots consigned by singer and 1970s rock band Cockney Rebel frontman Steve Harley.
![img_19-4.jpg](/media/83866/img_19-4.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133074574680000000)
Vuitton viewed as bric-a-brac
12 September 2022A cheaper storage solution than secondhand furniture at the time, this steamer trunk, shown right, from a Twickenham bric-a-brac shop was the economic option for a father buying a practical gift for his daughter’s first flat.
![img_20-1.jpg](/media/83869/img_20-1.jpg?rxy=0.535,0.68211068211068215&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133074664500000000)
Napoleon III exile skirt among high points at Dominic Winter auction
12 September 2022In exceptionally fine condition and probably never worn, a c.1730-40 embroidered silk skirt offered at Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium) also had a back story adding to its attraction.
![Nurse's cape](/media/83605/img_1-1.jpg?rxy=0.48502994011976047,0.13445378151260504&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133068474890000000)
Soldiers’ thanks to nurse Esme: cape with military badges brings demand at auction
05 September 2022This scarlet and navy woollen cape sold in an Essex auction is sewn with the numerous cloth regimental badges that were given to Esme Kathleen Robinson (d.2017) by the soldiers she treated in Oxfordshire as a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) during the Second World War.
![img_52-4.jpg](/media/83731/img_52-4.jpg?rxy=0.51531531531531527,0.25662482566248257&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133067800710000000)
Perfect for lovers of alternative frock
05 September 2022'Frock Me!' was launched 25 years ago when vintage fashion was viewed by many as just someone’s old rubbish cast-offs, probably harbouring germs.
![img_33-5.jpg](/media/83220/img_33-5.jpg?rxy=0.5,0.35931558935361219&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=133056391860000000)
Second World War nurse's cloak is among five lots to watch this week
29 August 2022With estimates from £150-4500, here are five previews of items upcoming up at auction this week.
![img_16-4.jpg](/media/80586/img_16-4.jpg?rxy=0.45551601423487542,0.64560439560439564&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=132983793570000000)
Mickey and Minnie return to Glamis Castle
30 May 2022This pair of Mickey and Minnie Mouse toys has been on quite an adventure.
![img_19-8.jpg](/media/80602/img_19-8.jpg?rxy=0.55437100213219614,0.19172932330827067&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=132983820290000000)
Get the ultimate dressing-up set
30 May 2022The numerous coronations offer a chance to buy more esoteric objects at auction.
![img_29-4.jpg](/media/79849/img_29-4.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=125&height=125&rnd=132965630330000000)
The web shop window: Edwardian leather suitcases
09 May 2022Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.
![the saleroom](/images/Top-Banner-300-x-93px_v2.jpg)
- Adam Partridge London
- Antiques & Fine Art With Asian Art
- 03 Sep 2024 - 10:00 AM
- McTear's
- Antiques & Interiors
- 05 Sep 2024 - 09:30 AM
- Adam Partridge Liverpool
- Photographic & Scientific Equipment With Antiques & Collector's Items
- 05 Sep 2024 - 10:00 AM
- W&H Peacock
- Antique Furniture, Collectables, Selected Toys, Jewellery & Watches
- 06 Sep 2024 - 09:30 AM
- Unique Auctions
- Antiques, Jewellery, Furniture & Collectables
- 07 Sep 2024 - 09:00 AM
- Anthemion Auctions
- Ceramics, Glass, Paintings, Furniture, Books & Sporting
- 11 Sep 2024 - 09:00 AM
![the saleroom](/images/Bottom-Banner-300-x-93px_v2.jpg)
Categories
-
- Arms, Armour & Militaria
- Bank notes
- Books & Periodicals
- Cameras & Camera Equipment
- Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
- Coins
- Collectables
- Entertainment Memorabilia
- Kitchenalia
- Maps
- Models, Toys, Dolls & Games
- Musical Instruments & Memorabilia
- Scientific Instruments
- Sporting Memorabilia & Equipment
- Stamps
- Taxidermy & Natural History
- Tools
- Wines & Spirits
- Writing Instruments
News
-
- Art finance
- Auctions
- Brexit
- Buyer's and seller's premiums
- Coronavirus
- Delivery and Shipping
- Education and Training
- Endangered Species
- Events and conferences
- Industry data
- Insurance
- Internet
- Law, crime and regulation
- Museum acquisitions
- Museum deaccessioning
- Obituaries
- Premises and Property
- Private Sales
- Recruitment
- Restoration
- TV shows
-
- 1818 Auctioneers
- Adam Partridge
- Adam's
- Addisons
- Ader
- Aguttes
- Alastair Gibson Auctions
- Alcala Subastas
- Aldridges
- Amersham Auction Rooms
- Anderson & Garland
- Andrew Smith & Son
- Anthemion
- AntikBar
- Antony Cribb
- Artcurial
- Arthur Johnson & Sons
- Aston's
- Auction Team Breker
- Auctionata
- Auctioneum
- Babuino
- Bainbridge Adam Partridge
- Baldwin's
- Bamfords
- Barbara Kirk
- Barbers
- Batemans
- BBR Auctions
- Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood
- Beaussant Lefèvre
- Bellmans
- Bentley’s
- Biddle & Webb
- Bigwood
- Bishop & Miller
- Bleasdales
- Bloomsbury Auctions
- Boldon Auction Galleries
- Bonhams
- Bonhams Skinner
- Bosleys
- Bourne End Auction Rooms
- Brettells
- Brighton General Auctions
- Brightwells
- Bristol Auction Rooms
- Brown & Co
- Bruun Rasmussen
- Burstow & Hewett
- Byrnes
- C&T
- Cambi Casa d'Aste
- Canterbury Auction Galleries
- Capes Dunn
- Catherine Southon
- Cato Crane
- Chalkwell
- Charles Miller
- Charles Ross Auctioneers
- Charterhouse
- Cheffins
- Chilcotts
- Chippenham Auction Rooms
- Chiswick Auctions
- Chorley's
- Christie's
- Clark & Simpson
- Clars Auction Gallery
- Clevedon Salerooms
- Comic Book Auctions
- Cotswold Auction Company
- Cottees
- Cowans
- Criterion
- Crow’s Auctions Gallery
- Curated Auctions
- Cuttlestones
- Czerny
- David Duggleby
- Dawsons
- Denhams
- Dominic Winter
- Dore & Rees
- Dorotheum
- Doyle New York
- Dreweatts
- Duke's
- Durrants
- Eastbourne Auctions
- Eldreds
- Elmwood’s
- Elstob Auctioneers
- Ewbank's
- Featonby's
- Fellows
- Fieldings
- Fine Art Auction Group
- Fine Art Bourse
- Flints Auctioneers
- Fonsie Mealy
- Forum Auctions
- Frank Marshall
- Freeman's
- Freeman's Hindman
- Gardiner Houlgate
- Gary Don
- George Kidner
- Gerrards Auction Rooms
- Gildings
- Golding Young & Mawer
- Gorringes
- Graham Budd
- Grand Auctions
- Great Western Auctions
- Greenslade Taylor Hunt
- Gros & Delettrez
- H&H Classics
- Halls Fine Art
- Hampstead Auctions
- Hannam’s
- Hansons
- Harper Field
- Hartleys
- Henry Adams
- Henry Aldridge & Son
- Heritage Auctions
- Hermann Historica
- High Road Auctions
- Hindman
- Holloways
- Holt's
- Hôtel Drouot
- Hotlotz
- Humbert & Ellis
- Hutchinson Scott
- Jacobs & Hunt
- John Nicholson
- John Pye Auctions
- Jones & Jacob
- JS Fine Art
- Jubilee Auction Rooms
- Juliens
- Kerry Taylor
- KettererKunst
- Keys
- Kidson-Trigg
- Kinghams
- Kings Russell
- Knights Auctions
- Knowle Auction Rooms
- Koller
- Lacy Scott & Knight
- Laidlaw
- Lawrences of Bletchingley
- Lawrences of Crewkerne
- Lay’s Auctioneers
- Lempertz
- Leonard Joel
- Lindsay Burns
- Littleton
- Lockdales
- Locke & England
- London Auctions
- Lots Road Auctions
- Louis Taylor
- Lyon & Turnbull
- MacDougall's
- Mallams
- Mander
- Marlows of Stafford
- Martel Maides
- Maxwells
- McTear's
- Mellors & Kirk
- Michael Bowman
- Millon
- Minster Auctions
- Mitchells
- Moore Allen & Innocent
- Morphets
- Morton & Eden
- Mossgreen
- Mulberry Bank Auctions
- Mullock Jones
- Nagel
- Nesbits
- Netherhampton Salerooms
- Nicholas Mellors
- Nigel Ward
- Noble Investments
- Noonans
- Olympia Auctions
- Omega Auctions
- Onslows
- Osenat
- Paddle8
- Parker Fine Art Auctions
- Paul Beighton Saleroom
- PBA Galleries
- Peter Francis
- Philip Serrell
- Phillips
- Piasa
- Pierre Bergé & Associes
- Piers Motley
- Plymouth Auction Rooms
- Potter & Potter
- Potteries Auctions
- Rago Auctions
- Railtons
- Ramsay Cornish
- Reeman Dansie
- Rendells
- Richard Edmonds Auctions
- Richard Winterton
- Ritchies
- RM Sotheby’s
- Rogers Jones
- Roma Numismatics
- Roseberys
- Ross’s of Belfast
- Rowley's
- Rushbrooks
- Ryedale
- Semley
- Sheffield Auction Gallery
- Sheppard’s
- Silverwoods
- Sloane Street Auctions
- Sotheby's
- Sovereign Rarities
- Special Auction Services
- Spicers
- Spink
- St Jamess Auctions
- Staceys
- Stanley Gibbons Group
- Sterling Vault Auctioneers
- StockholmsAuktionsverk
- Stride & Son
- Summers Place Auctions
- Swan Fine Art Auctioneers
- Swann
- Sworders
- Tajan
- Tamlyns
- Tayler and Fletcher
- Taylor's Auctions
- Tennants
- The Pedestal
- Thimbleby & Shorland
- Thomas Del Mar
- Thomas N Miller
- Thomas R Callan
- Thomas Watson
- Thomaston Place
- Thomson Roddick & Medcalf
- Thomson Roddick Scottish Auctions
- Timeline
- Toovey's
- Trevanion
- Truro Auction Centre
- TW Gaze
- Unique Auctions
- Vectis
- Veritas
- W&H Peacock
- Wallis and Wallis
- Warren & Wignall
- Watches of Knightsbridge
- Wellers
- Wessex Auction Rooms
- Whitton & Laing
- Whittons
- Whytes
- Wilkes & Curtis
- Wilkinson's Auctioneers
- William George & Co
- Wilson55
- Woolley & Wallis
- Wotton Auction Rooms
- Wright Marshall
-
- 1stdibs
- Advertising Standards Authority
- Antiquarian Booksellers Association
- Antique Young Guns
- Antiquities Dealers’ Association
- Art Business Conference
- Art Fund
- Art Loss Register
- Art Recovery International
- Art UK
- Arts Council England
- Assay Office
- Auction Technology Group
- BADA
- BAMF
- CADA
- CINOA
- Company of Arts Scholars
- DACS
- DEFRA
- DMG
- EBay
- Hiscox
- LAPADA
- Lot-tissimo
- National Trust
- NAVA
- Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association
- RICS
- Society of London Art Dealers
- SOFAA
- the saleroom
- Triple-A Auctioneers
-
- Adams Antiques Fairs
- Affordable Art Fair
- Alexandra Palace fair
- Antiques Centres
- Antiques Dealers Fair Limited
- Ardingly Fair
- Armchair Art Fair
- Art & Antiques for Everyone Fair
- Art Antiques London
- Art, Antiques & Interiors Expo
- Arthur Swallow Fairs
- Bath Decorative Antiques Fair
- Battersea Decorative Fair
- Bermondsey Market
- Book Fairs
- BRAFA
- British Art Fair
- Brussels Fairs
- CADA Fair
- Car Boot Fairs
- Clarion Events
- Continuity Fairs
- Cooper Events
- Ephemera fairs
- Fine Art Asia
- Fine Arts Paris
- Firsts
- Florida Fairs
- French Fairs
- Frieze
- Frieze Masters
- Galloway Antiques Fairs
- Harrogate Fairs
- Hatton Garden
- Haughton Fairs
- Hong Kong Fairs
- IACF
- Jaguar Fairs
- LAPADA Fair
- Lincolnshire Antiques and Home Show
- London Original Print Fair
- Masterpiece
- Miami Fairs
- Midcentury Modern
- Modern British Art Fair
- NEC Birmingham
- New York Fairs
- Newark Fair
- Newbury Antiques and Collectors Fair
- Olympia Fair
- PAD London
- Palm Beach Fairs
- Paris Biennale
- Paris Fairs
- Paris Parcours
- Paris Tableau
- Penman Fairs
- Philadelphia Fairs
- Photography fairs
- Regional Fairs
- Salon du Dessin
- Sandown Park Racecourse Fair
- Showground Fairs
- Swinderby Fair
- TEFAF
- The Open Art Fair
- The Treasure House Fair
- Winter Antiques Show
- Works on Paper Fair
-
- Alfred Taubman
- Bendor Grosvenor
- Bill Ruprecht
- Charles Hanson
- Charlie Ross
- Cornelius Gurlitt
- David Lester
- Ed Dolman
- Eric Knowles
- François Pinault
- Ingrid Nilson
- Lennox Cato
- Lord Ashcroft
- Marco Forgione
- Mark Law
- Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Thani
- Simon de Pury
- Sue Ede
- Tad Smith
- Tim Goodman
- Victoria Borwick
-
- Abbott and Holder
- Agnews
- Alastair Dickenson
- Andrew Sim
- Blairman
- Carter Marsh
- Colnaghi
- Daniel Katz
- Dickinson
- Fabrizio Moretti
- Ian Towning
- Johnny Van Haeften
- London Silver Vaults
- Mallett
- Mark Weiss
- Partridge Fine Art
- Petworth Antiques Dealers
- Philip Mould
- Pimlico Road Dealers
- Richard Green
- Robert Young
- Roger Keverne
- Rupert Maas
- SJ Phillips
- Wartski
-
- A Lawyer Writes
- Around the Auction Houses
- Art Market
- Auction Reports
- Bid Barometer
- Books and Works on Paper
- Dealers' Diary
- Fairs, Markets, Shops and Centres
- Features
- Front Page and News
- International (print edition)
- Interviews
- Letters to the Editor
- News in Brief
- Obituaries (print edition)
- Opinion
- Pick of the Week
- Precious Metals Prices
- Previews
- Soapbox
- Special Reports
- Then & Now