LONDON.- Christies unveils the Stella X Smart Works Fashion Auction, an online charity sale comprising 33 lots, each donated by an iconic woman based on its significance, from representing a particularly important moment, memory or achievement to a defining look from their fashion journey. Donors include Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Lara Stone, Gemma Arterton and Dame Shirley Bassey amongst others. The auction is now live online
here, and will be open for bidding until 15 September, to raise vital funds in support of UK charity Smart Works.
The auction features Jane Birkin's iconic Black Togo Leather Birkin 35 (estimate: £8,000-10,000) and Dame Helena Morrissey's Alexander McQueen gown (estimate: £10,000-15,000), worn to the Soiree dOr dinner in 2011, and part of the legendary designers final 2010 collection. Further highlights include two of Victoria Beckham's black bustiers (estimate: £700-1,000) worn to launch events; Kate Moss's vintage jumpsuit worn to Moët Impérial's 150th Anniversary at the château de Saran, France, May 2019 (estimate: £500-800); Dame Twiggy Lawsons Tommy Nutter suit, 1971 (estimate: £800-1,200), of the same design as she wore on the cover of her debut album; Betty Jacksons sunglasses used in the Absolutely Fabulous wardrobe of Joanna Lumley, together with a Barbara Daly bespoke red lipstick (estimate £300-400); and Ralph & Russo's silver liquid velvet asymmetric dress worn by Kylie Minogue to the Royal Academy Summer Party in 2019 (estimate: £2,000-3,000). The lots are offered without reserve, with estimates starting from £200, presenting collectors an exciting opportunity to harness the power of fashion to help transform the lives of women across the UK.
Smart Works is a UK charity that provides high quality interview clothes and interview training to unemployed women in need. Smart Works recognises the power of clothes and confidence to allow a woman to be her best at a crucial moment in her life, giving her the self-assurance and the practical tools required to succeed in an interview and transform her life.
Caitlin Yates, Head of Sale, Private & Iconic Collections, London: We are honoured to have been entrusted with this Fashion Auction to benefit Smart Works and to be working hand in hand with Stella. The online sale from 21 August to 15 September 2020 provides fans, admirers and collectors with the opportunity to obtain an era-defining memento from our iconic donors and support such a noble cause at such a profound moment.
Kate Stephens, Smart Works CEO: Passing on a treasured possession to help another woman succeed is a powerful concept and one we passionately believe in at Smart Works. All proceeds from the incredible pieces in this auction will help give women across the UK the toolkit they need to transform their lives. As we navigate this pandemic, we know more women than ever before will need our support and its been wonderful to see our community come together to help us during this time. Were thankful to those who have so generously donated their cherished items for this cause, and to Stella and Christies for making this concept a reality, so we can carry on providing support to those who need it most.
Caroline Barrett, Editor Stella: This is no ordinary auction. Every item represents a piece of fashion history and we are so grateful to all of our 34 high-profile donors for kindly parting with something which clearly meant a lot to them. Their generosity will literally change the lives of the thousands of women who are helped by Smart Works charity every year.
Lots have been donated by: Gillian Anderson OBE, Gemma Arterton, Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, Victoria Beckham OBE, Jane Birkin OBE, Alexandra Burke, Mel C, Samantha Cameron, Alexa Chung, Poppy Delevingne, Michelle Dockery, Bella Freud, Jerry Hall, Anya Hindmarch CBE, Roksanda Ilincic, Betty Jackson CBE, Maya Jama, Stella McCartney OBE, Jessica McCormack and Emilia Wickstead, Marian Keyes, Dame Helena Morrissey DBE, Kate Moss, Arizona Muse, Jenny Packham, Grayson Perry CBE, Ralph & Russo, Alexandra Shulman CBE, Lara Stone, Nadja Swarovski, Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE, Stella Tennant, Dame Twiggy Lawson DBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE