Renowned French actress Catherine Deneuve is parting ways with a collection of her most cherished Yves Saint Laurent gowns in an upcoming auction set to take place in Paris. This exclusive collection consists of 130 ‘Haute Couture’ looks and an additional 170 items, all of which will be available for online bidding from January 23 to 30.
Among the exquisite gowns being auctioned is a mesmerizing beaded dress that Deneuve wore when she met Alfred Hitchcock back in 1969. These one-of-a-kind pieces were personally tailored for Deneuve by the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, with whom she shared a close friendship. The lineup includes glamorous red carpet ensembles, such as a dazzling gold dress that Deneuve donned at the Oscars, anticipated to fetch between 2,000 to 3,000 euros ($3,400).
Known for her impeccable style, Deneuve made the decision to part with these cherished designs after vacating a residence in Normandy where she stored them for many years. François de Ricqles, president of Christie’s France, explained that Deneuve had limited space in her Paris home for all her clothes, prompting the decision to auction them off.
Now at 75 years old, the iconic actress has chosen not to disclose the intended use of the funds raised from the auction. Yves Saint Laurent, a pioneering designer who left an indelible mark on the fashion world, famously introduced tuxedos for women known as “Le Smoking”. Deneuve and Saint Laurent enjoyed a close bond, with the actress playing a vital role in his career milestones.
Camille de Foresta, a sales coordinator at Christie’s, shared that Saint Laurent’s creations gave Deneuve a sense of empowerment and confidence, almost like wearing a suit of armor. Their mutual admiration and respect for each other were evident in their longstanding relationship.
In addition to the coveted ‘Haute Couture’ gowns, a diverse selection of 170 other items will also be available for bidding in the online auction. This event is expected to draw fashion aficionados and collectors from across the globe who seek to own a piece of fashion history from the iconic collaboration between Yves Saint Laurent and Catherine Deneuve.
To explore more about the upcoming auction, you can visit Christie’s official website. Additionally, for a deeper dive into the world of vintage designer fashion, check out Vogue’s fashion section.
