Coco Chanel's Personal Wardrobe Auction in 1978

On December 2, 1978, Christie's in London auctioned the personal wardrobe of Coco Chanel which had been bequeathed to Lilian Grumbach (center above) upon Chanel's death in 1971.  At the time, auctioning of "used clothing" or "personal wardrobes" was not the norm, in fact far from it.  There was a lot of speculation prior to the auction about who would want to buy the "out-of-date" clothing and jewelry from an auction house that normally specialized in fine art and antiques.  The House of Chanel itself was floundering in the late 70s and would not become a sensation again until 1983, when Karl Lagerfeld was hired.

Lilian Grumbach was press representative and closest personal associate to Chanel during the last 14 years of her life.  She was also heir to Chanel's personal effects.  The auction consisted of about 40 suits and dresses, either worn personally by Chanel herself or designed by her and kept as part of her personal collection.  There were also 44 pieces of jewelry and 36 other accessories (presumably handbags and such.) 

The auction was attended by museums, department stores, private collectors and women who were wise enough to realize the value of a piece of couture designed by Chanel.  A beige tweed suit with bright pink silk braid brought the highest price of the evening, about $4,800 (about $17,200 today.)  The total proceeds for the evening were $138,000 (about $494,000 today.)

Think about that.  Less than $500,000 for 120 items owned and designed by Coco Chanel herself.  If the same auction were held today, I am sure there would have been single items that sold for that price.  What a difference 35 years makes!

This link will take you to a French news report about the auction on Youtube.  In it, you can see some of the clothing and jewelry that was auctioned being worn by models.  You'll also see some of the bidders.  Enjoy!

The Look - 1978

I am a woman of few words today, but who needs words when you have images such as these? This was the look of high fashion in 1978.

Paco Rabanne

Pierre Cardin

Van Cleef and Arpels

Yves St. Laurent

Per Spook

Disco Fever Fashion - 1978

In the late 70's, Disco was all the rage. In 1977, Studio 54 opened in New York, Donna Summer's music hit the charts, and the film Saturday Night Fever was released. And Disco had it's own fashion statement. Clothes that moved were key. Blouson bodices, elastic waists, thin belts, and drape-y flowing fabrics made it easier to dance, dance, dance . Let's take a look at some hot styles from 1978.

From left to right:
- He wears a Cacharel silk shirt a cotton velveteen trousers. The only thing missing is the gold chains!
- Sue Wong designed this polyester satin jumpsuit for Young Edwardian by Arpeja. The sleeves are slashed, the bodice is wrapped and blouson, and the ankles have elastic.
- A black nylon jumpsuit by On The Rocks has tapered legs and spaghetti straps.

From left to right:
- A polyester jersey top and skirt features a cowl neckline and split sleeves. By California Holiday.
- Patty Woodard polyester crepe camisole and flutter skirt.
- California Holiday polyester jersey dress with ruffle accents.

From left to right:
- Sue Wong dress for Young Edwardian by Argeja has a 40's feel with the pointed peplum. The cream crepe is covered with red glitter hearts and accented with a thin red belt.
- Michael Fredericks polyester jersey jumpsuit with a wrapped halter bodice.
- A tight cotton knit t-shirt with rhinestone accents by Sweet Inspirations is worn with the ultimate red stretch disco pants by J.J. & Co.

From left to right:
- Singer & Spicer polyester satin dress with a blouson bodice and elastic waist.
- Ci Bon black silk wrap jacket and slim pants with elastic at the ankles belted in fuschia.
- Carol Anderson polyester satin draped dress.

Sparkle, shimmer and shine were all the rage in accessories and strappy shoes ruled by day and by night.

- Brass evening bag dangles from a long black cord, by Carol for Eva Graham.
- Van Allen 40's inspired rhinestone fringe pin with a large faux sapphire a the center.
- Whiting and Davis blue and purple sash can be worn as a scarf or as a belt.
- Abbé Creations multi-colored rhinestone belt.
- David Evins evening sandals with removable ankle strap and metal mesh band.

- Van Allen long beaded tassel necklace.
- Halston for Commodore stretch sequined hat. A little satin pouch can be worn as a necklace so your evening bag doesn't get lost.

And don't forget a row of rhinestones up the back of your stockings!

Now get out there and Boogie, Oogie, Oogie!

The Look for Fall 1978

The fall of 1978 sees looks inspired by the film "Annie Hall", looks inspired by the 1940's, and lots of leather for day and evening. Shoulders are becoming larger, hems extend to mid-calf, and shapes are slim. We start to see the emergence of the bigger, slouchy look on top that will become so hot in a couple of years. Fedora hats, boots, spectator pumps, and strappy sandals for evening are all popular.

Calvin Klein grey wool jacket and skirt worn with a maroon silk wrap blouse. The jacket is belted with a soft leather sash.

St. John knit suits offer slim jackets over skirts with movement.

Ralph Lauren designed a brown tweed menswear inspired jacket, belted it, and showed it over a wool challis skirt. But, I must say, whoever thought strappy sandals would look right over pale ribbed tights should have been fired.

Donna Karan and Louis Dell'Olio for Anne Klein paisley silk jacket over a foulard silk wrap blouse with a green leather skirt. Two skinny belts are just right.

The black trench coat by Fox Run has larger shoulder pads, as does the black leather blazer by Beged'Or. The black draped skirt by Cacharel screams 1940's. And everyone who was anyone had a pair of black leather pants, these by Beged'Or.

Donald Brooks gave us the ultimate disco dress - black polyester jersey sprinkled with rhinestones. The neckline is scooped front and back and the waist is elasticized.