Countess opens couture-filled closet for Hindman sale, June 2
Pierre Cardin 1987 tiered flounce lace dress, est. $700-$900
CHICAGO – Hindman will offer a collection of Parisian haute couture from the Countess Anita von Galen, a German aristocrat and socialite known for her avant-garde sense of style and brilliant entertaining, as the focal point of its June 2 Summer Fashion & Accessories auction. This auction contains one of the richest collections of haute couture to come to market in recent years. The majority of the 67-lot selection was custom made for Countess von Galen, and features top designers including Hubert de Givenchy and his partner Philippe Venet, Yves Saint Laurent, as well as avant-garde designers Pierre Cardin, Kansai Yamamoto and Yohji Yamamoto. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Born Anita Hengst in 1936 to a renowned banking family in Germany, she married Count Ferdinand von Galen, a member of one of the oldest aristocratic families in Germany, in 1966. In the 1970s, the Count and Countess moved to southern Arizona, where they acquired a historic cattle ranch.
Givenchy circa-1977 embroidered skirt ensemble with fur trim, est. $2,000-$4,000
They remain active in Tucson as patrons of the arts and sciences, supporting the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Arizona Historical Society among many other organizations.
Hubert de Givenchy Designs
The auction will lead with a selection of Hubert de Givenchy and Philippe Venet designs. Countess von Galen developed a close relationship with Hubert de Givenchy and his partner, Venet.
Givenchy 1974 christening gown, est. $3,000-$5,000
Lot 1, a Givenchy haute couture christening gown, is a unique offering that Givenchy designed for Countess von Galen’s son’s baptism. The design is thought to be inspired by a christening gown worn by the King of Rome.
Avant-Garde Fashion
Avant-garde fashion from Pierre Cardin will also be among the highlights of the selection. Pierre Cardin standouts are a Butterfly cocktail dress from 1993, estimated at $500-$700, which was featured in the entrance to the Brooklyn Museum’s 2019 exhibition Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion.
Pierre Cardin 1993 Butterfly cocktail dress, est. $500-$700
Sculptural silhouettes such as a wired collar lace dress, estimated at $600-$800, and a tiered flounce lace dress from 1987, estimated at $700-$900, are also among the highly anticipated lots.
Kansai Yamamoto pleated shirt dress, 1970s or 1980s, est. $400-$600
Additional avant-garde highlights include pieces by Japanese fashion designers Kansai Yamamoto, who is represented by lots 61-62, and Yohji Yamamoto, whose work appears as lot 63. Kansai Yamamoto is known for creating many of David Bowie’s most iconic costumes, while Yojhi Yamamoto is known for his oversized yet sculptural designs that often incorporate draping.
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