LONDON.- Christies Stella X Smart Works Fashion Auction totalled £77,000 / $101,101 / 84,931. 100% of proceeds from the auction will benefit UK charity Smart Works, providing clothing 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.
The top lot of the sale was Jane Birkin's iconic Black Togo Leather Birkin 35, which achieved £35,000 / $45,955 / 38,605, alongside Dame Helena Morrissey's Alexander McQueen gown, part of the legendary designers final 2010 collection, which realised £6,875 / $9,027 / 7,583. Further highlights included Barbara Taylor Bradford's limited edition Hermès Kelly 32, which sold for £6,000 / $7,878 / 6,618 and Dame Twiggy Lawson's lavender three piece suit, which achieved £4,000 / $5,252 / 4,412.
Caitlin Yates, Head of Sale, Private & Iconic Collections, London: We are delighted with the response from all those who made the Fashion Auction such a success - from the women who kindly donated their treasured items to the generous fans and collectors across the globe in order to raise vital funds for UK charity Smart Works. It was such a pleasure partnering with Stella and Smart Works to present this auction of iconic fashion moments to help transform the lives of women across the UK.
Kate Stephens, Smart Works CEO: The partnership between Stella, Smart Works and Christies is a testament to what can be achieved in the most difficult of circumstances. We have loved watching the donations come in and cant thank the donors and bidders enough for their generosity and for sharing our passion to help women to be their best. As we continue to navigate new challenges, we know more women than ever before will need our help and the extraordinary amount raised will ensure we can continue to reach those who need it most.
Caroline Barrett, Editor Stella: Its been an absolute pleasure working alongside the fabulous women at Smart Works and Christies on this auction. A huge thank you to everyone involved, particularly our celebrity donors - and the generous bidders!
Lots 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