Oh my – this is a treat (for the eyes) indeed. October 2nd is the live auction day of the Quidam de Revel fashion and haute couture collection (tantalizingly labelled Part 1) auction at Bonhams in Paris. Placed by vintage specialists, Emmanuelle and Philippe Harros, who named their business after legendary show-jumping stallion, Quidam de Revel, the clothes and accessories have remained unseen by the public for twenty years.
The couple specialise in seeking, curating and restoring haute couture fashion and jewellery items, selected for their individuality, history and quality. What you’ll see on the Bonhams website is just a fraction of their collection that glides through decades from the 1930s onwards. Because the Harros couple are so prestigious within both vintage and fashion circles, their collections are sourced from the rich and famous – the pair do not, under any circumstances, kiss and tell – and meticulously preserved for many years until they’ve lived their best Quidam de Revel life (sometimes hired by the fashion houses themselves as references for future designs) and are moved to auction. Viewing (a selection of) their 4,000 pieces is, of course, by appointment only and, it seems, for a very limited time because the Harros’s are closing shop.
Should you be granted an appointment, you’ll find Chanel, Madame Grès, Yves Saint Laurant, Givenchy, Alaia, Courrèges, Bill Gibb (wait – I have a Bill Gibb suit tucked away!) and Biba, to scratch the surface. I have bought from auctions occasionally – and sold – and I have some key tips for paying Substackers coming up. Please enjoy browsing the collection HERE – it’s unique, exquisite and deliciously expensive.