If you care about fashion in Australia you’re probably familiar with the Darnell Collection, the largest private collection of international couture in Australia, curated by Charlotte Smith and frequently put on display at exhibitions and events.

Over the past ten years, the collection has grown and grown and Charlotte is now offering up a selection for your acquisition, so she can focus on the more special pieces.

From the official site:
Theodore Bruce are proud to present the de-accession of The Darnell Collection with over 500 lots of antique and vintage fashion, including garments, accessories, lace and mannequins. Ranging from the Edwardian & Victorian era through to the 1980’s all lots to be sold unreserved.

What: Vintage Fashion: The Darnell Collection
When: 23 November 2014 – from 11am
Where: Theodore Bruce auctioneers, Primary Saleroom : 6 Ralph Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015, Australia.
Cost: free to attend, buy as much as you like
More information: See the catalogue online here.

If you do go to the auction to buy I recommend that you inspect each item carefully for damage, as it greatly affects the value – especially if you want to wear it. I always travel with a tape measure and this can be particularly useful at auctions where there may not be a facility to try things on.

Auctions offer a great way to pick up good things at reasonable prices and there are some very nice items available in this collection. Assume nothing though, as all items are sold “as is”.

I’ve gone through the catalogue and picked out some interesting pieces for you. My best pick is lot 187 – the silk velvet ’20s opera coat. Check out the Deco styling! Worthy of Miss Phryne Fisher.

Lot 187 – An Cream Evening Cape with Contrasting Black Hem Detail with long neck sashes, smot[sic] at back collar, gathered over shoulders, zigzag pattern at back along hem, fully lined; silk; 1920s;

Lot 249 – A Yellow Bridesmaid/Party Dress; comes with an original sketch by grant cowan featured in Dreaming of Dior page 138-139

Lot 256 – A vintage calico cotton travel clothes line with pegs and hooks all original; excellent condition 13cm

Lot 385 – A Victorian ear trumpet ceramic, silk thread, rubber; American

Lot 136 – Two pairs of early 20th century spats and one single civil war spat felted wool, cotton, wool; American

Lot 359 – A Blue Opera Coat with Blue Flower Embroidery Large bow to front, with hook and eye closure, elbow length wide sleeves, knee length; 1960s;

Lot 34 – A Black and White Smock Style Dress sleeveless, collar with covered buttons down front, 2 large pockets on skirt; by Prue Acton (labelled); 1970s;

Lot 48 – A Black and Rust Patterned Cocktail Dress bubble-style skirt.

Lot 91 – A Black and Pink Party Dress with empire waist, wide waistband, appliqued flower pattern at hem with sequin detail, side zip closure, fully lined; by Chelsea Design, Labels still attached; 2000

Lot 159 – A Peach Evening Dress with White Glass Bead Decoration lined, no waist band, round neck, sleeveless with bands of glass beading around armholes, sack shape typical of the twenties; 1920s;

Lot 198 – A skirt and two jackets 1950s

Lot 168 – Five Bathing Suits from the 1950s -1980s various labels

Lot 164 – A Two Piece Seaside Romper Suit sleveless with no collar, button closure to front, has bloomers, unlabelled; early 1900s;

I’ve just come back from a sneak peek viewing of a large collection of costumes and fashion that is being auctioned this Sunday. This is the private collection of one person, that was stashed in an historic home in the country Victoria and it’s quite a find.

What: Costume and vintage clothing auction
When: Sunday October 27th from 10.30am
Viewing: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.
Where: 17 Wills Street, Melbourne
More information at the Glenelg Auction Centre site and auction Facebook page.

There is a mixture of film and theatre costumes, fancy dress costumes (especially lots of childrenswear) and authentic vintage.

Most of the vintage is from the ’60s to the ’80s with a smattering of early to mid 1990s with some great prints and bright colours. Quite a few military uniforms of different types and eras and leather jackets, skirts and coats. There are a small number of ’50s dresses that have been adapted into costumes and some modern reproductions in the ’50s style.

Lots of menswear, some of it quite old and a couple of ’20s wool swimsuits. Hats, shoes, bags and belts. A fine collection of wedding dresses from the late ’70s and ’80s. Ballroom dancing gowns. Some of the costumes are vintage that have been adapted – eg, a ’50s velvet coat that has had ruffles added to make it into a costume piece. Academic gowns and capes, including a couple of cute ’60s styles.

The best bit is that it’s all in good and clean condition: the collector looked after it and so there probably isn’t much work to be done on the pieces.

There are about a thousand lots to be auctioned in one day – which means it will move quickly. Everything must sell so there are sure to be bargains, including a large number of mannequins and a couple of display cases. Some items are being sold separately and some in lots but there are treasures to be found, especially in the lots.

If you’re interested in the more retro end of vintage, or older menswear or can’t resist a sparkly costume for your or your family, I recommend it. Allow plenty of time at the viewing because you’ll need to go through the lots thoroughly as they’ve very mixed – take your tape measure with you too and as always: check for condition.

There is food and drink available at the venue too, which is a nice bonus. Here are some pics of what you’ll see – if you go, I hope you have a good day and pick up some lovely pieces!