Friday, November 20, 2009

History On Sale


A number of items from the wardrobe of the late Duke of Windsor will be auctioned this coming December 8 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London.

Lots 120-123 include shirts, ties, shoes, a cream silk dinner jacket by Metzel and a cream linen suit by H. Harris. Everything on offer was apparently in the original 1997 Sotheby's sale of the late Duke's effects.


Special buttons graced much of the Duke's wardrobe, and the buttons on the linen suit are no exception with the Royal Yacht Squadron emblem etched in gold.

The sale is an opportunity to own a bit of clothing history for what is expected to be about the cost of comparable bespoke items today. There is no need to attend in person as bids may be arranged in advance.


Photos: Kerry Taylor Auctions

8 comments:

Joe said...

Although sartorially very fine indeed, and historically fascinating, I wouldn't want to step in those shoes. I feel the Duke's personality cult with so many fashion types a little disheartening, based on HRH's love affair with fascist Germany before, during and after the war. Although his clothes are timeless, I would hope his character a little less fashionable.

Will said...

Everyone is entitled to his or her point of view. We admire the clothes, not the man.

Joe said...

Thank you, Will, for the clarification. I love your website, it's beautiful pictures and great information. Please keep up the good work, and excuse my rash outburst!

Barima said...

Thanks for the notification, Will. I'm going to try and attend, though I'm not about to delude myself that I'm suddenly 5'6" and rich

Will said...

If you were 5'6" you'd only be four inches too tall.

Robert said...

How come the suit coat is buttoned on the ladies side ?

MCCVI said...

Four inches too tall? How tall was he?

aaron said...

I remember visiting the 1997 sale. It was odd, part museum and part pop-up shop -- I remember men trying on his shoes. The oldest coat, as I recall, was a giant plaid from 1898, made for one of his older relations and then retailored for him.

 
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