I have a very special treat for you….I have been given exclusive preview access to some photos from the upcoming auction and they are stunners!!!!

You may recall I did a blog post last fall to introduce you to Tanner Branson, Specialist, Head of Sales, Luxury Handbags & Couture, and show the Carolina Herrera garment that I put up for auction (by the way it went to its new home for the top estimate and it was a delightful experience throughout the process!! Just saying…)

I asked Tanner a few questions I thought would be of interest to you….here are his responses…

How do you decide if you want an item/collection?

I am mostly focused on collecting luxury handbags now, especially the rare and unusual fromHermès and Chanel. The department changed names last year to Luxury Handbags & Couturewith a focus more on handbags than ever before. There are many factors I consider if an item or collection is right to bring to auction including rarity and condition but also is it new to market? Not all pieces are but many are directly from the original owners and fresh to market. I also consider if there is special interest around an item, designer, or collection. For example, we are starting to see the pendulum swing in the opposite direction from quiet luxury to the loud and bold, the “Mob Wife” trend on social media has clearly caught on. Fashion lovers and collectors are craving pieces that are bold and striking, Spring Fashion is just the place to find those pieces. One will find a collection of not only luxury handbags from some of the top creators but also a strong collection of 1980-90s Gucci to modern pieces of Chanel RTW and much more, the sale is a journey through fashion history.

 What is an average size Auction….is there such a thing?

The average auction ranges between 300 and 350 lots. Spring Fashion has just under 350 lots.

 What would you like my readers to know about your process of getting clothing/handbags?

I love the discovery process of finding a piece that has been buried away in a closet and bringing it to life by putting it up for auction. In Spring Fashion there is a collection of Haute Couture pieces from the late 1920s to the 1940s, this is the first time any of these pieces have been brought to auction. Sometimes the process is working with an estate or clients who are simply deaccessioning pieces from their wardrobe or handbag collections. 

 Which of the garments do you think is the most rare? (of the photos you sent me)

The Hollywood Costumes are certainly amongst the rarest of offerings in Spring Fashion, with pieces worn by Katharine Hepburn, Mae West, and Judy Garland.

 Anything else you want to share?

I would like for your readers to know how easy it is to bid at auction. I know that many are intimidated about bidding at auction, its actually very simple and addicting. More information on how to bid in Spring Fashion visit our website https://hindmanauctions.com/auctions/1312-Spring-Fashion-and-Accessories

Freeman’s | Hindman is pleased to present our first Fashion and Luxury Accessories auction of the year featuring luxury handbags, couture, and more from the most desired designers in the fashion world including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and many more”.

Thank you so much Tanner for sharing this insightful information…now let’s look at some of these extra special pieces!

Since we are in movie award season let’s first look at three very unique items from vintage cinema worn by icons in the industry…

Gown worn by Mae West as Peaches O’Day from the film “Every Day’s a Holiday”, 1937, made by Elsa Schiaparelli

Worn by Judy Garland as Veronica Fisher in “The Good Old Summertime”, 1949, made by Irene

Worn by Katharine Hepburn as Lady Cynthia Darrington in the film “Christopher Strong”, 1933, made by Walter Plunkett

Can you even imagine having one of these showstoppers….well, yes, you can…make your bid!!!!

Want something a bit more wearable…look no further….just a small sampling of what will be in the March 12th offerings.

From Saks Fifth Avenue’s own Sophie Gimbel’s Salon Moderne, that was in the Fifth Avenue store, the pieces are from the “Property From A Chicago Lady”…when days of understated glamour existed! To me these are reminiscent of the garments worn by Capote’s “Swans”.

Talk about uniquely exquisite….the bridal gown….oh my!!

There are always fantastic designer pieces in the auctions….which just seem to get better, more diverse and gorgeous …here are more from “Property From A Chicago Lady”, be prepared to be gobsmacked….

Perhaps something a bit more modern…..this early, 1965, Oscars de la Renta for Jane Derby…..a breathtakingly gown!

Intrigued….they all can be yours! Thank you, Tanner, for this extraordinary sneak peek at a selection of your outstanding offerings!

DETAILS….

The first Luxury Handbag & Couture Sale of the year. 

Spring Fashion Sale Date: March 12^th

Preview Dates: By appointment only, contact Tannerbranson@Hindmanauctions.com

Link to Freeman’s | Hindman website: 

https://hindmanauctions.com/auctions

Hindman | Freeman’s Instagram – @Hindmanauctions and @Freemansauciton

 

I just posted a review of Stan Herman’s memoir UNCROSS YIUR KEGS A Life in Fashion on Amazon and Good Reads…I am sharing it here….

“READ ALL ABOUT IT!

What is “it” you might ask…fashion, absolutely…lifestyle, indeed…relationships, nothing but the truth….longevity, you tell me, he is 95 after all!

A man for all seasons and all decades, Stan Herman, has written a memoir that will engage and inform you on so many levels you will read and re-read it to capture all the nuances between its covers.

His tenure as longest serving President of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), along with Executive Director, Fern Mallis, helped shape the American fashion industry as we know it today.

Here is a man who is so much more that a “sum of his parts”. His interests are so varied, from design, both clothing and interiors, his wonderful sketches (many in the book along with fantastic photos), to his deep love of opera, music, theater, literature….the list goes on.

A couple of personal notes…I first met Stan when he was designing women’s ready to wear under the brand, Mr. Mort…we were both quite young….I was at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago, and he visited with trunk shows of his very wearable/salable collections. The Saks buyers always had an eye out for new young talent and Stan filled that bill to perfection. Fast forward to December 2023 when I had the great pleasure of being in conversation with him to talk about his memoir for my monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club. A truly joyful, insightful chat.

I could make this a very long review…instead I suggest you get the book, you won’t be disappointed, it is a treasure and a treasure trove of this unique creator.

Everyone loves Stan, you will too!”

In addition I thought you would enjoy this YouTube link of a wonderful dialogue between best friends Jeffrey Banks and Stan. You know Jeffrey from reviews I’ve done of his books staring with the incredible monograph NORELL Master of American Fashion and a huge supporter of my monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book and The Fashion Film Clubs…

Since I no longer entertain in my home, and I really miss it, I thought I would share a couple of ideas for your Holiday gatherings…my BFF’s, The Toms, recently hosted a part of a Holiday house walk at their Bertrand Goldberg designed Mid-Century Modern home and presented their guests with these incredible charcuterie boards…amazing. You might like to include them in your festivities I’m sending them to you just in time for you to recreate them. They look too good to dig into but then…….

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Chicago’s Most Beloved Treasure Hunt Continues this Summer with the Return of 200 Dealers from Across North America, Live Music, Food Vendors & More

The Official Press Release….Like great vintage pieces, the Randolph Street Market never goes out of style. 20 years strong and oh-so stylish, America’s largest and liveliest Urban Antiques Market is returning to the West Loop this July to continue their sun-soaked 2023 season from Saturday, July 29 through Sunday, July 30. Bringing together 200 of the top independent vendors, makers, dealers and designers from across North America to Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood (1341 W. Randolph St.) with a full lineup of shows through the end of the year, the festival will offer an ultra-curated, high-quality selection of antiques, vintage and modern goods ranging from fashion to art, jewelry, décor, retro home furnishings, global goods and more. Treasure hunters and entertainment-seekers alike will be thrilled by the continuous lineup of live musical acts, unique food vendors, refreshing cocktails and more to savor throughout the weekend. Tickets are on sale now with early bird pricing and a variety of packages and specials at randolphstreetmarket.com.

One of the nation’s most iconic names in vintage shopping festivals, the Randolph Street Market Festival has welcomed nearly 1.5 million treasure hunters to their nearly 200 events throughout the years since inception in 2003. The event has become a major source of livelihood for nearly 40,000 independent dealers, makers and designers throughout the years, accounting for approximately 12 million one-of-a-kind finds showcased on event grounds. Founded by events industry visionary Sally Schwartz, these market events have become a meaningful, long-standing tradition for Chicagoans and the top names in vintage dealing alike.

Attendees of all ages will have the chance to shop bespoke pieces, scout the perfect addition to their art collection, discover handmade fair-trade treasures from around the globe, score mint-condition albums from icons of centuries past and more all weekend long. A sampling of the 200 featured vendors this season include:

● Spotted Horse Collectibles – Knoxville, TN – Eclectic curated 1900s-1960s collectibles including vintage musical instruments, vintage cameras, vintage sewing and linens, pottery, modern furniture and more!

● Assassin Vintage – St Louis, MO – True vintage fashion for men and women, from Victorian through the 80s, lots of conversation piece clothing and accessories!

● Krava Galleries – Atlanta, GA – Classic, modern and contemporary paintings, emerging graffiti artists to mid century modern!

● Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl; Urbansalvage; World’s End Bazaar; Atlantic Posters; and Black Box Record Club – For lovers of old school spinning and collectors of vintage rock and music history, bringing tons of vinyl & rock n’ roll posters, memorabilia, & more!

● N Green & Sons – Real deal gems and watches from Antiques Roadshow appraiser Jeff Cohen!

The festival will feature a variety of savory and sweet treats as well as unique refreshing cocktails to enjoy, including everything from Lobster Rolls provided by The Happy Lobster to delectable varieties of pickles courtesy of Fisch Food’s Gourmet Pickles and a pop-up by Original Rainbow Cone. Attendees will also have the chance to indulge in favorites from Dinky’s Delights, J Spice Caribbean, Taco Factory and more. As is Randolph Street Market Festival tradition, the Market Bar will be buzzing with Candi’s Bloody Mary’s for shoppers to enjoy all weekend long.

A haven for entertainment lovers, the Randolph Street Market Festival will feature a range of top musical acts, from Jazz, Rockabilly, and Blues, to 80’s Hits, Country Western and the sweet sounds of everyone’s favorite tune spinners, DJ Crate Digga HasH and DJ Mike House all weekend long. The full musical lineup is as follows:

Saturday, July 29

● All Day: DJ Crate Digga Hash (Building Lower Hall)

● All Day: DJ Dave House (Building Ballroom)

● All Day: DJ TigsB (Outside Mainstage)

● 10:00 am – 11:30 am: Woodstreet Bloodhounds Bluegrass & Country Swing (Outside Mainstage)

● 11:30 am – 1:30 pm:Feel Good 80’s & Cover Band (Outside Mainstage)

● 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: JP & Jenny James Rockabilly (Outside Mainstage)

● 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Maxwell Street Blues Band (Outside Mainstage)

Sunday, July 30

● All Day: Poems While You Wait

● All Day: DJ Dave House (Building Ballroom)

● All Day: DJ Crate Digga Hash (Building Lower Hall)

● All Day: DJ TigsB (Outside)

● 10 am – 12 pm: Tony Morrison Jazz Quintet (Outside Mainstage)

● 12 pm – 2 pm: Joe Wortell & Natural Good Country Western Band (Outside Mainstage)

● 2 pm – 3:30 pm: Contrabanda Latin Jazz Band (Outside Mainstage)

● 3:30 pm – 5 pm: Al Simon & The Saturn Kings Rockabilly Band (Outside Mainstage)

A rain or shine event, the festival will take place both out and indoors, offering visitors a chance to beat the heat and continue the fun with a massive air-conditioned indoor portion featuring market vendors, Andi’s Sunflower Café for delectable signature drinks including their Bananas Foster Latte and more. For added convenience, festival-goers will have access to a huge on-site parking garage.

The Randolph Street Market Festival will be open Saturday, July 29 from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, July 30 from 10 am – 5 pm. Tickets are on sale now at randolphstreetmarket.com with an early bird pricing of $12 ($15 at the gate), plus a range of exclusive packages perfect for groups and families featuring merch, food and beverage offerings as well as special entry rates for seniors, military personnel, students and first responders. Children under the age of 12 are free. The Market will also be offering an “Early Buy” ticket this year for $25, which allows entry an hour before open at 9 am, with all proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago. Parking for the festival is available with street parking around the festival or through a large onsite indoor parking garage on 1371 W Randolph St. with a $4 hourly rate. The festival will also be hosting a “West Loop Treasures” Giveaway this year for each market, including an exclusive package for two that features admission, Bloody Mary’s, Randolph Street Market Tote Bag, a stay at the Nobu Hotel, dinner at El Che, cocktails at Hide + Seek, sweet treats at BomboBar and gifts from Tribeca Boutique and The Fig. Winners will be announced on Instagram. For more information or 2023 season dates, please visit randolphstreetmarket.com.

About Randolph Street Market:

Now in its 20th year, the Randolph Street Market Festival is home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, RETROSPECT Chicago and the Holiday Market. Touted as a “mecca of cool,” “the best hotspot for antiquing” and “the Barneys of vintage” by magazines such as Travel & Leisure, The New York Times, Lucky, Architectural Digest, USA Today, Elle Décor, goop, plus numerous broadcast outlets, the Randolph Street Market Festival is Chicago’s most exciting shopping destination! Vendors from across the country showcase an unusual and stylishly-crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, art, hostess gifts and more. Randolph Street Market is the spot to shop all year round while supporting Chicago charities such as Project Onward, PAWS, Chicago House, Chicago’s Children’s Charities, Chicago Lights Tutoring, I Grow Chicago and many others.

Media Contact: Heron Agency Gianna@heronagency.com

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM ONE OF MY MONTHLY POSTS FOR THE RSM BLOG…REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION…

Sally and Nena at one of Nena’s first Randolph Street Markets as Fashion Director, photo by the late great Steve Starr! I’m wearing a fabulous Bakelite pin from RSM one of many in my collection.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary year of The Randolph Street Market I wanted to tell you how I became involved with RSM many years ago. I was so pleased that Sally Schwartz agreed to answer my nenasnotes blog questionnaire in 2017. The following is how I began that two part post.

“Sally and I have known each other for many years and when I retired from Saks Fifth Avenue in November 2009 one of the many articles about me that appeared in the local press asked about my favorite things in Chicago…one was the Randolph Street Market. I had attended all of Sally’s endeavors through the years and never missed the RSM. Sally saw the article and asked if we could get together. Over breakfast at Ina’s (don’t we all miss that fantastic unique restaurant and Ina’s huge warm personality, at least we can follow her on Facebook, not quite the same!!!!) we discussed everything we could think of and I casually said, “if there is any way I can be of assistance to you, let me know”! Sally didn’t miss a beat and said come work with me!

My first RSM wearing my glorious vintage kimono accessorized with a spectacular beaded necklace from one of the many jewelry vendors always featured at RSM.

I became the Fashion Director for RSM in January 2010 for several years and assisted vendors in their presentations, did fashion lectures, fashion shows and, of course, brought in clients and helped them shop.”

I am no longer formally with the Market but am called upon to attend special preview nights and, of course, attend (and shop, naturally) the monthly Markets, how could I miss them! I love posting finds on my Instagram and Facebook sites as well as showing some of my RSM treasures in nenasnotes. What is more important is that Sally and I have become very close friends, a friendship I treasure! And now I write two monthly posts for the RSM Newsletter…one on fashion, one on collectibles….love doing them! Check the archives to see all the posts. Got to love our Sally!!!!!