The Yorkshire Tennants auction house holds a sale of designer clothing featuring pieces from Hermes, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana from private collections

When it comes to making sound investments, quality comes out – and nowhere could it be more right than in the designer fashion market, where big names can continue to make big money, long after clothes and accessories are first purchased.

Today’s Sale of Great Designer Clothing at Tennants Auction is the auction house’s first sale dedicated solely to luxury and designer clothing and accessories (fashion is usually included as part of the Tenants’ Costume, Accessories and Textile sale, which is held four times a year).

The sale will feature a curated selection of labels, with some 70 women’s and men’s designer clothing and accessories, all in excellent condition.

Look for Chanel handbags, jewelry and accessories, Herms silk scarves and boots, Chloe and Louis Vuitton bags, Vivienne Westwood, and more. But the highlight is the incredible collection of private men’s items, some of which are featured here in a special fashion shoot staged by The Yorkshire Post at auction house Leyburn Tennants.

Sarah White, costume and textile specialist at Tennants, said: “She has taken great care of it, so most items are in fantastic condition, and she has now decided to move her collection.”

The collection includes jackets by Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada, several suits, and several leather shoes and bags by Herms, Louis Vuitton and Fendi.

The jacket, says Sarah, is small enough for men (European size 44/46) but also the perfect size for many women.

“The top lot in this collection is the Herms taupe Haut Courroies 40 leather bag circa 2015, with an estimate of £5,500-£6,500, plus buyer’s premium,” says Sarah. “Today, this familiar bag is the perfect size for an overnight bag, although historically, around 1900, the Haut Courroies were designed by Herms to protect and transport equestrian saddles and boots.

“Also worth noting is the original Louis Vuitton Mirrored Metallic Monogram Keepall 50 2021, from the men’s fall/winter 2021 collection, for an estimated £5,000-7,000, plus buyer’s premium. It was designed by Virgil Abloh for the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2021 Mirror Collection, featuring an eye-catching silver metallic look. This bag was bought almost seven weeks ago and is unused.”

High fashion cuts can be an investment, says Sarah, if you buy the right brand and care for it. “Focus on top names like Herms, Chanel, Gucci and Dior. “Whatever the goods, goods of high value or goods above their type will always have value. Look for established names, leather goods and accessories or exclusive fashion on/off, all in good condition. But, as always, be careful where you buy your stuff – always buy from a reputable seller as there are lots of counterfeits being sold online.”

The general textile auction market is very strong right now, says Sarah, with interests in costumes and accessories from the antique to the 1960s, fine early quilts, samplers, lace, and Chinese robes. “We have noticed that there is a particular demand for medieval women’s costumes, daytime dresses being a particular favourite, and anything labeled CC41, which denotes utility clothing made in accordance with austerity regulations in wartime and postwar England. ”

The luxury and designer goods market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the auction world, with fashion products being sold at lower prices when new. “The best-selling lots come from selected designers whose names are synonymous with high fashion – Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Herms,” said Sarah.

Named after actress Jane Birkin, the legendary Birkin Herms Bag is perhaps the most sought-after item in fashion history. “It’s a symbol of supreme status,” Sarah said, adding: “The Birkin is selling so well that there isn’t even a waiting list for a new bag. Shoppers should contact Herms stores and boutiques, and hope that they will be one of the chosen ones to contact when some of the prized bags become available.

“It’s no surprise that the secondary market for Birkin Bags is growing rapidly, with a surge in demand recently seen during the first lockdown in 2020. Rare bags can run into the tens of thousands of pounds, and in 2017, Christies was selling limited editions. example for a record £293,000.”

However, the more common examples in good condition start at auction for around £1,000, while the Herms scarf in the original box can be found for £100 to £200.

“Condition is what matters,” Sarah said. “Make sure you look in person, or a reputable auction house will be happy to provide you with a condition report and additional pictures. Look for a lot in the original box or bag and, once you get your hands on the land of your dreams, keep it safe and it might prove a good investment for the future.

* The Fabulous Designer Fashion Sale is being held at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn today, Friday, November 12, at 9:30 a.m., with screenings starting at 8 a.m. See Tennants.co.uk for details on online offers.