Chanel Auction at Bonhams Nets 609,574 Euros, Outstripping Estimates

A private collection of Chanel clothing and accessories, amassed over nearly three decades, captivated bidders at a recent auction in Paris, realising a total of 609,574 euros – more than double the pre-sale estimate. The eight-hour sale, held by Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr on February 19th, offered 367 lots spanning designs from 1995 to 2023, showcasing the work of both Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard.

A Star-Studded Collection

The auction’s top-selling item was a black wool jacket from Chanel’s Cruise 2005 collection, fetching 6,400 euros – eight times its initial estimate of 800 to 1,000 euros. Notably, this jacket is identical to one worn by actress Anne Hathaway in the film “The Devil Wears Prada.” A long black tweed coat, also from the Cruise 2005 collection and featuring a gold CC patch, sold for 3,840 euros, doubling its pre-sale estimate.

Did You Know? The auction featured a total of 130 jackets, dresses and coats from the private collection.

A Comprehensive Parisian Wardrobe

Hubert Felbacq, director of the fashion and accessories department at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, described the collection as “the ultimate Parisian wardrobe, offering an intimate glimpse into one woman’s meticulously organised dressing room.” The sale included a wide range of items beyond jackets and coats, encompassing 80 pieces of costume jewelry, 70 cardigans, sweaters, and cashmere coats, as well as Première Mini watches, Ultra rings, handbags, ballet flats, and sandals.

Expert Insight: The complete sell-through rate – 100 percent by lot and by value – suggests a strong demand for vintage and collectible Chanel pieces, reflecting the enduring appeal of the brand’s aesthetic, and craftsmanship.

Other notable items included a choker, bracelet, and earrings crafted from imitation white pearls from the fall 1996 ready-to-wear collection, estimated at 1,000 to 1,200 euros, and a fall 2010 “CC” brooch made of champagne-colored metal and glass paste, valued between 400 and 600 euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years are represented in the Chanel collection sold at auction?

The collection included pieces designed between 1995 and 2023.

Who were the creative directors behind the designs featured in the auction?

The designs were created by Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard.

Where did the auction take place?

The auction was held at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris.

As Chanel continues to evolve under its current creative direction, auctions like this offer a unique opportunity to revisit and celebrate the legacy of its iconic designs. It remains to be seen whether future auctions of similar collections will generate the same level of excitement and financial success.