In the last two weeks of June, Christie's London branch held two exceptional auctions dedicated to the legacy of the British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Taken together, the auction of iconic pieces from her personal wardrobe and the auction of her unique collection of prints inspired by playing cards brought in an impressive £754,488.
The first, entitled Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection, offered signature looks from the personal wardrobe of one of the most influential British designers. The second was given the title of The Big Picture – Vivienne's Playing Cards, and auctioned a collection of playing cards that reflected the punk legend’s views—hearts symbolize her love of art, diamonds represent money, spades planet Earth, and clubs war and destruction. The Five of Clubs, for example, illustrates the devastating effects of climate change.
Both auctions netted a combined total of £754,488. The card collection alone fetched an impressive £37,800. Following close behind was the silk taffeta corset gown from the “Dressed to Scale” collection that Dame Vivienne memorably wore to a gala event held in her honor at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Visitors could see for themselves the fashion pioneer’s hand-stitching clearly apparent on the “Cinderella” dress from “Gaia The Only One” collection from Spring-Summer 2011. The fairytale-inspired dress sold for £25,200 against an estimate of £3,000. Her faux-pearl choker with an orb pendant also performed well, selling for £10,080 amid audible excitement from the London audience.
Preceding the successful auction was an exhibit that drew 20,000 visitors. Collectors from all over the world, from public institutions to admirers of Vivienne Westwood and environmental activists all placed bids, and the ensuant atmosphere of the London auction house echoed the queen of punk’s energetic spirit. Competitive bidding was in the room, on the telephones, and via Christie’s LIVE.
In accordance with the wishes of the recently deceased designer, the funds raised went to The Vivienne Foundation, Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Greenpeace charitable organizations.
