Individual style key to luxury fashion online auction June 2

2003 Christian Dior haute-couture red beaded silk evening gown in excellent condition; no stains. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – “Fashion fades, style is eternal,” declared French designer Yves Saint Laurent, as evidenced by an online auction of vintage haute couture and luxury accessories to be conducted by Jasper52 Sunday, June 2. Few collections mirror the top-tier quality and breadth of this sale. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.

For the next gala on the calendar the auction offers bidders a chance to own a 2003 Christian Dior haute-couture beaded silk evening gown (above). This breathtaking garment from John Galliano’s iconic 2003 collection is a perfect example of why this couture house has stood the test of time. Made of ruby-red silk chiffon, it has a seductive vibe that takes the concept of an evening gown to new levels. The hourglass silhouette is designed to flatter the figure at every angle. The avant-garde kimono sleeves are hand embellished with sparkling beadwork and sequins in a unique floral motif. The semi-sheer mermaid flounce skirting finishes this dress off with an alluring femme fatale vibe. Christian Dior measurements 32-33 inches bust: 27 inches waist, 35 inches hips, 52 inches overall length.

Gianni Versace redefined fashion by combining it with rock ‘n’ roll, art and celebrity. By merging the worlds of fashion and entertainment, his shows became pop-culture events. A classic Versace colorful novelty Vogue print trench jacket from his documented 1991 runway spring/summer collection is a wonderful example of his genius. The most unusual aspect of this garment is its reversible design. One side is the most colorful pop-art graphic pattern while the other side is a solid sunshine yellow. Its measurements are up to 44 inches bust, up to 50 inches hips, 32 inches overall length. The size not marked but can fit a range due to its styling.

Gianni Versace couture colorful vogue print reversible belted trench jacket from his documented 1991 runway spring/summer collection. Estimate: $3,000-$3,500. Jasper52 image

A tad more subdued is the 2001 Chanel blush-pink cashmere read-to-wear two-piece suit, which retailed for over $5,000. Chanel is known to be one of the most luxurious and decadent fashion houses in the world. This stunning blush-pink suit is a perfect example of why this couture brand has stood the test of time.

2001 Chanel runway ensemble of blush-pink cashmere two-piece suit designed by Karl Lagerfeld, size 38, excellent condition with no rips,stains or holes. Estimate: $2,000-$2,500. Jasper52 image

More than 50 handbags are included in the catalog including five by Hermes. A Hermes blue sapphire Togo leather 35cm Birkin in excellent condition is expected to sell for more than $15,000.

Hermes blue sapphire Togo leather Birkin 35cm bag, 2014, complete with padlock, keys and raincoat. Estimate: $15,000-$18,000. Jasper52 image

A unique entry in the handbag category is a needlepoint purse once owned and used by Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe. The purse comes with detailed letters of provenance from a niece of Monroe’s former husband, Joe DiMaggio. In her handwritten documentation, she explains, “She had it on her where she got married to my uncle Joe DiMaggio. Upon her passing, I received it from Joe. I have had it all these years. Marilyn was my friend for eleven years.” If you look at any photos of Marilyn Monroe on the day of the wedding, she is not carrying a purse. This is because she would almost always have someone hold her belongings as she made entrances. Their marriage lasted a total of 274 days and ended with a divorce in October 1954. While their marriage might have flamed out, the embers of DiMaggio’s love for Monroe continued to burn. DiMaggio famously sent roses to her Los Angeles grave several times a week for more than 20 years until his death in 1999.

Marilyn Monroe owned needlepoint purse, 6in. x 9in., with letters of provenance from Joe DiMaggio’s niece. Estimate: $16,000-$18,000. Jasper52 image

Another unusual lot is a pair of 1950s Nudie’s novelty cowboy/cowgirl boots. Nudie Cohn was one of the great makers of Hollywood western-style garments. Nudie began making cowboy attire in 1940, doing orders for clients like Spade Cooley, Tex Williams and Audie Murphy. In 1947, he opened his own Los Angeles shop where he supplied western stars, country music singers, and the movie industry with unbelievable couture custom work. These amazing purple and red cowboy boots are an outstanding example of his genius. The heart inlay applique work surrounded by swirling ropes are highlights of the design. The leather has been worked into an almost Deco diamond pattern.