Vintage fashionistas take note: famed Chicago couture club on the auction block in Oakland, Calif.
August 8, 2007
( Oakland, Calif.) – Known for years as Chicago’s premier destination for the finest in vintage couture, the Chicago Couture Club in the spendy and trendy Chicago shopping district of Lincoln Park, was reminiscent of a boutique from 1930s Paris and 1940s New York. Elegant racks were draped in Chanel suits, Givenchy dresses, Hermes scarves and Gucci bags. Yes, the Couture Club was world class vintage. Meticulously written tags adorned each item with prices ranging from the hundreds into the thousands.
The Chicago Couture Club was the life-long dream of native Northern Californian John Muller who spent more than 20 years in the commercial clothing industry but never lost sight of his true passion for vintage couture. His vintage fashion clients included names like Bette Midler, Donna Karan and Mary McFadden. Muller traveled America and Europe, buying at auctions and private estates.
It was a significant loss to the world of vintage fashion when one-of-a-kind “retro revitalist” John Muller passed away in September 2006 followed by the closing of the famed Chicago Couture Club.
On Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, Clars Auction Gallery of Oakland, Calif., will offer bidders around the world the opportunity to own select pieces from the Chicago Couture Club during a live auction with online bidding available at www.LiveAuctioneers.com. The finest in vintage clothing and designer accessories will be up for auction. Among the amazing clothing offerings will be approximately 15 original outfits by renowned California designer Bonnie Cashin. Mostly printed leather, these original designs reflect the interest and taste of the 1960s, styled in geometric patterns in bright color combinations.
The fashion accessories to be sold include handbags, hats and shoes. Offered in lots, these collections will include designer names such as Chanel, Lucille de Paris, Gilli Originals ( New York), Dries Van Noten, Judith Leiber for Neiman Marcus and Kenneth Lane for Rosenfeld.
In addition to the couture accessories, pieces of the actual furnishings which adorned the beautiful shop will be sold as well. A Gucci upholstered chair and settee highlight the furniture from this elegantly appointed store.
The auction of the contents of the Chicago Couture Club will be held as part of Clars Auction Gallery’s Premier September Fine Antique and Estate Auction. The entire catalog is available for viewing at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
