Renowned French actress Catherine Deneuve, a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication, recently caused a stir in the fashion world by putting up for auction some of her most exquisite gowns. The highlight of the auction was a beaded dress worn by Deneuve in a meeting with the legendary Alfred Hitchcock back in 1969. The event, held in the vibrant city of Paris, was a huge success, raising a staggering 900,625 euros ($1.02 million) under the careful supervision of Christies auction house.
Deneuve’s collection consisted of nearly 130 meticulously crafted dresses, all of which were exclusively designed for her by her dear friend and iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. One of the show-stopping pieces was a dazzling gold gown that she flaunted at the prestigious Oscars ceremony.
Fashion enthusiasts and avid collectors from all corners gathered for the auction, with attendees like retired graphologist Isabelle Lugagne expressing sheer delight at the chance to view and potentially acquire one of Deneuve’s legendary dresses.
The decision to part ways with these magnificent gowns was prompted by Deneuve’s recent sale of a property in Normandy, where she had stored her cherished dress collection for years. Despite her passion for fashion and frequent appearances at Parisian fashion shows, the actress has remained mum about her plans for the funds generated from the auction.
Yves Saint Laurent, the visionary designer behind many of Deneuve’s iconic outfits, revolutionized women’s fashion with his groundbreaking “Le Smoking” tuxedo for women. His close bond with the actress, formed when she was just 22, shines through in the timeless pieces that went under the hammer.
Apart from the 130 ‘Haute Couture’ looks auctioned off, another set of 170 items are currently up for grabs in an online auction set to conclude on Jan 30. This exceptional opportunity allows ardent fans and dedicated collectors alike to possess a slice of fashion history from the legendary Catherine Deneuve.
Useful links:
1. Christies auction house
2. Yves Saint Laurent official website
