Reyne Gauge: Vintage and the City
Virginia de Luce, a 1940s entertainer once owned this unique metal mesh gown. It sold at an MGM auction in 1970. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).
Sarah Jessica Parker helped make Jimmy Choo a household name. Over the years, her outfits have been flirty, dreamy and sometimes a little bit bizarre. Regardless, there was always something you’d covet by the end of each episode.
Skip the gossip about the storyline and the great views of New York City – let’s talk designer clothing.
Patricia Field, the styling genius behind the show, reached out to vintage couture expert Julie Skinner for some of the wardrobe this time around. Fields had rented items from Skinner before to use on the set of Ugly Betty. That’s right, I said rented. Rented means just that, they are used for a short period of time by the actors/actress on a show, and then returned to the store to be rented again, or sold.
Fortunately for us, they are available on her Web site, P.S. (Post Script): http://www.postscript.avl.1stdibs.com
A few of the items seen in the film that are available for sale are a Zandra Rhodes sequin flapper dress listed at $2,800; a Jacques Casia couture gown for $6,500; a Gilli Originals Lucite purse for $375 and a rhinestone belt, which can be purchased for $375.
The pricing of these items might seem a little high, however, collectors are always willing to pay a little extra to have something with a celebrity or film attachment.
If the pricing above is a little out of your budget, there are ways to get a similar look for less. By visiting one of the local vintage couture shops you can quickly put together an outfit that resembles your favorite scene from the movie without breaking the bank.
Houston just happens to have a few haunts you should know about:
For Lucite bags visit Carolyn Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas located at 1001 West Loop Freeway.
Measuring just 6 inches by 5 inches, this Judith Leiber gold tone metal and Lucite bag is early and rare. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).
You can find a wonderful sequins gown at Cheeky Vintage, located at 2134 Richmond Ave. They have an amazing array of vintage dresses, gowns, hats, blouses, etc.
From the estate of Leona Helmsley is a 1960s lilac silk chiffon gown. Photo credit: P.S. (Post Script).
Finally, if retro isn’t your scene but you still wanted to bring out your inner Carrie Diva – visit Couture Blowout at 1621 Westheimer Road. They offer an ever changing inventory of Gucci, Versace, Prada, YSL and even a pair of Jimmy Choos.
Reyne Haines is an appraiser, author and host of The Art of Collecting. Visit her website at www.reyne.com
