WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – With her impeccable eye for design and effortless ability to set global fashion trends, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the 20th century’s most influential style icon. While the entire world was able to admire her wardrobe choices via the media, very few were invited behind the scenes where she collaborated one-on-one with her favorite designers. That very private aspect of the late first lady’s life is the focus of a January 17 Modern Design, Art & Fashion Accessories auction to be held at Palm Beach Modern’s (PBMA) exhibition center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – With her impeccable eye for design and effortless ability to set global fashion trends, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the 20th century’s most influential style icon. While the entire world was able to admire her wardrobe choices via the media, very few were invited behind the scenes where she collaborated one-on-one with her favorite designers. That very private aspect of the late first lady’s life is the focus of a January 17 Modern Design, Art & Fashion Accessories auction to be held at Palm Beach Modern’s (PBMA) exhibition center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The auction’s centerpiece is an archive of personal notes from Jacqueline Onassis to Bill Hamilton, longtime design director for Carolina Herrera. “Bill dressed Jackie Onassis almost exclusively from the mid 1980s until her passing in 1994. The notes in his archive show that their relationship wasn’t just about business; he and Mrs. Onassis were friends, as well,” said PBMA auctioneer and co-owner Rico Baca. “Some of the notes reveal how involved she was in the design process, but others are very warm notes expressing appreciation for things Bill had done for her.”
Onassis had very definite ideas about detail and fit, and she conveyed them skillfully, Baca said. Auction Lot 51, consisting of a handwritten letter and two notes on blue personal cards imprinted “1040 Fifth Avenue,” includes such comments as: “The zebra costume looks great – but it could use a new pair of trousers in the same cut if the material still exists. If you take the padding out of the cap sleeves that should help a lot.” She goes on to say, “I am most excited about my brown velvet suit – very narrow pants please!” and in a postscript asks, “Could you send a brown satin sample to Manolo Blahnik. I’ll call about shoes.”
PBMA will follow the archival lots with luxury goods, including a superb selection of designer handbags, jewelry, shoes and briefcases. The grouping is led by Lot 79, a rare Hermes nilo crocodile Kelly handbag with traditional sellier styling (having well-defined corners). The luxe bag, which retains its original box and dust bag, has been consigned by Architectural Digest editor emeritus Paige Rense Noland to benefit the Humane Society of the United States. “Mrs. Noland used to pass Hermes on Madison Avenue on the way to work each day. That led to many irresistible buying opportunities, and she was able to amass a fantastic collection of Hermes bags over the years,” said Baca. With a starting bid of $9,000, Lot 79 is expected to reach $15,000-$20,000.
The auction also offers a stylish way for some lucky bidder to return home with their purchases. Lot 104 is a 1956 red Ford Thunderbird with Continental kit and both hard and soft tops. Bidding on this pampered American motoring classic with only 12,000 recorded miles will open at $30,000.
PBMA’s Jan. 17, 2015 auction will commence at 12 noon Eastern Time at the company’s exhibition center located at 417 Bunker Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405. Preview: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9 a.m. onward on auction day.
All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com or Bidsquare. For additional information, call 561-586-5500 or
e-mail [email protected]. Web: www.modernauctions.com. View the fully illustrated auction catalog online at www.LiveAuctioneers.com or www.Bidsquare.com.