FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2007
Jayne Skeff
Publicist
Clars Auction Gallery
(626) 296-6642
email: skeff@sbcglobal.net
For comments on this Auction, please contact:
Redge Martin, President Clars Auction Gallery
(510) 428-0100, email: info@clars.com
VINTAGE FASHIONISTAS TAKE NOTE: FAMED CHICAGO COUTURE CLUB ON THE AUCTION BLOCK IN OAKLAND, CA
Oakland, CA – Known for years as Chicago’s premier destination for the finest in vintage couture, walking into the Chicago Couture Club in the spendy and trendy Chicago shopping district of Lincoln Park, was like boutiquing in the Paris of the 30s and the New York of the 40s. Elegant racks were draped in Chanel suits, Givenchy dreses, Hermes scarves and Gucci bags. Yes, the Couture Club was world class vintage. Meticulously written tags adorned each item with prices ranging from the hundreds into the thousands.
The Chicago Couture Club was the life-long dream of native Northern Californian John Muller who spent over 20 years in the commercial clothing industry but never lost sight of his true passion for vintage couture. His vintage fashion clients included names like Bette Midler, Donna Karan and Mary McFadden. Muller traveled America and Europe, buying at auctions and private estates.
It was significant loss to the world of vintage fashion when one-of-a-kind “retro revitalist” John Muller passed away in September 2006 followed by the closing of the famed Chicago Couture Club.
On Saturday and Sunday, September 8th and 9th, Clars Auction Gallery of Oakland (CA) will offer bidders around the world the opportunity to own select pieces from the Chicago Couture Club. Coming up for auction will be the finest in vintage clothing and designer accessories. Among the amazing clothing offerings will be approximately fifteen original outfits by renowned California designer Bonnie Cashin. Mostly printed leather, these original designs reflect the interest and taste of the 1960s, done in geometric patterns in bright color combinations.
The fashion accessories to be sold include handbags, hats and shoes. Offered in lots, these collections will include designer names such as Chanel, Lucille de Paris, Gilli Originals (New York), Dries Van Noten, Judith Leiber for Neiman Marcus and Kenneth Lane for Rosenfeld.
In addition to the couture accessories , pieces of the actual furnishings which adorned the beautiful shop will be sold as well. Highlighting the furniture coming from this elegantly appointed store will be a Gucci upholstered chair and settee.
The auction of the contents of the Chicago Couture Club will be held as part of Clars Auction Gallery’s Premier September Fine Antique and Estate Auction. Complete details and estimates of the lots to be offered from the Chicago Couture Club and the entire auction will be available online prior to the sale at www.clars.com.
The auction will be held at Clars Auction Gallery which is located at 5644 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, CA. Bidding is available in person, by phone absentee and via the Internet through eBay Live Auctions/Live Auctioneers. For more information, visit www.clars. Com, email info@ clars.com or call the gallery at (510) 428-0100.
