LONDON.- July 15 was the 25th anniversary of the tragic death Gianni Versace, the inspired fashion and interiors designer to the stars.

The Italian-born icon, who was friends with Princess Diana, Elton John, Madonna and the leading supermodels of the day, remains a leading light in the pantheon of 20th century designers.

His clothes are also highly sought-after among collectors of vintage fashion and textiles and the new head of this department at Ewbank’s will pay tribute to Versace by offering a micro collection of his designs at her inaugural Vintage Fashion & Textiles auction on July 27.

Elena Jackson is well known herself; a celebrated vintage fashion historian, writer, and costume designer with nearly forty years’ experience in the vintage clothing industry, she specialises in 1920s-80s pieces.

As well as consulting with Ewbank’s, she is the owner of Foxtrot Vintage Clothing in Wiltshire, founded in 2005, and one of the UK’s best loved vintage shops supplying film and theatre costume and museum exhibits worldwide. www.foxtrotvintageclothing.com.

Most notably Elena has been involved in assisting the wardrobe departments of productions including Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, Call the Midwife, Doctor Who, and a recent Fox TV series directed by Danny Boyle called Trust with Donald Sutherland and Hilary Swank.

She frequently features in Vogue magazine, as well as on radio and TV, and has a passion for fashion and a wealth of knowledge gained from her many years work with renowned international charities, the BBC, fashion writers, celebrities and museums including the Victoria & Albert in London, where she was involved in sourcing exhibits the recent Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and Mary Quant exhibitions.

“Having the opportunity to put together catalogues of vintage and pre-loved designer handbags and ladies’ clothing, with Chanel, Hermès and Mulberry being of particular interest and value at the moment, is an exciting prospect,” says Elena.

“I have been immersed in this world for decades, met so many interesting people and have had a wonderful time developing my own business, so it was important for me to find the right company to join when it came to auctions. I am delighted to have that in Ewbank’s.

As well as the Versace micro collection, highlights of her launch sale include a vintage Chanel white quilted handbag with gold coloured hardware with its original carrier bag, estimated at £1000-£1200 and a 1930s Lincoln Bennett & Co fine fur felt top hat in original leather case, Size 67/8. It has a guide price of £200-300.

Ossie Clarke, Thierry Mugler and Hermès are names that will also appear.

“We are thrilled to welcome someone of the calibre of Elena to oversee these sales for us,” says partner Ewbank. “Her eye and flair are already evident in the way she has styled her first catalogue, and we look forward to expanding our offer in the vintage fashion and textiles area.”

Live online bidding will be available via www.ewbankauctions.co.uk.