Norman Norrell for I. Magnin-Couture? Lots of ???

Because we all mispelt from time to time two!

 

Ok, I've been in contact with Deborah at antiquedress.com

She took a guess that Denise could be the name of the style, as we both have brown ones and we have no idea what the green one at FIT says, and 420 could be color number. Who knows.

So once again Deborah, you could be correct!

Sandra

 

Update-I got in touch with the former Director of Textiles at Doyle NY. They no longer do auctions so she is now a consultant for them.

Here's what she had to say about "Denise"

Dear Sandra

Ah yes, I recall this one! Denise was one of his fit models which means it was a runway model. Yes, too bad about the belt missing, it means that no collector or museum curator will go for it.
I recall the Doyle one went to a museum.
I can offer it to Sotheby's London to see if Kerry would be interested for her November sale

Best wishes and thank you.

Clair

So there you have it-Denise was his model.

 

Great bit of detective work, Sandra! Have you decided what you are going to do with it?

Lizzie

 

I thought perhaps Doyle's had closed that department.

If you are in the US, and you are going to send it to live auction you might consider Whitakers in New Hope, PA - you wouldn't have to deal with the international shipping, lack of insurance over $650, and difficulties of the falling dollar and currency conversion.

And as most of us know from trying to buy at Whitaker's- the prices go high there!

Hollis

 

I have no idea.
Clair did give me an estimate, which was much lower than the price it fetched at Doyle because of the missing belt. That made me sad. Stupid belt!

Plus I would pay 15% commission, 1% insurance and photography fees, all in Sterling Pounds. Sounds expensive.

I might have to do it here in the states. Hollis, do you have contact info for Whitaker? I'm curious what their estimated value is.

I don't want to put it on eBay, because I just don't think it would go for its estimated value.

Maybe I'll consign it at a place like Decades or something. I'm in California.
I've had one interested potential customer already. Maybe a private sale.

What are your thoughts?

Sandra

 

That would be Karen Augusta and Charles Whitaker.I think it's Whitakerauctions.com, but if you Google, you will find it.

Hollis

 

Any updates on this?!?

 

The coat in the FIT exhibition has a 4" wide belt. Claire

 

Ok, I have updates!

Whitaker said they only take lots of 30+ items. I thought that was odd.

Leslie Hindman is interested in it. but I've heard mixed reviews about their auctions. Anyone care to elaborate?

Do I dare sell it in my store? I just don't think I can attract the type of customer that is willing to pay the amount that has been estimated for the coat.

Thoughts? Advice?

Sandra

 

You have nothing to lose by putting it your store for a bit while you sort out what you want to do.

Hollis

 

That is just GORGEOUS!!

 

Very true Hollis.

Now if I can just get my manni to stand up straight...

 

Just wanted to let you all know that the coat has been shipped to Leslie Hindman Auctions is being prepped for the Sept. 27 auction!!!

I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks to everyone for all your help and guidance.

Sandra

 

Sandra,
Awesome find. Is it velvety?
I would have been wearing that thing all around the thrift store strutting it lol!!!
I am addicted to thrift stores!

Billie

 

Hello,

I am new to the forums - what a great coat!

I found a vintage mid 40's Traina-Norell, not thrifting, but at a local fund raiser for the Educational Fund. Imagine my surprise. I chose to donate mine, contacted the V&A and they accepted the dress. It was a buttery soft silk that melted in your hands. Loved that dress. I do hope that is okay that I am posting a picture of it.

When I was researching I checked the VTG labels for this one but it was not there. The I. Magnin label was not there either.

 

Oh, wow, that is great! You may want to post your labels here, too. That way they can easily pick them up for the Label Resource.

http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/forums/viewthread.php?tid=48034

Welcome!