Got Some Savings To Spare? The Pieces We’re Coveting From Sotheby’s ‘Fashion Icons’ Auction

Pieces from the wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy / Image: Sotheby’s

If you’re like us, then you know the familiar yearning that comes with wasting hours scrolling through the pages of auction houses, looking for a steal. While the prices might be a little out of our budget, interest around vintage has risen considerably in recent years. From Joan Didion’s Celine sunglasses to Chloë Sevigny‘s ‘Sale of the Century’, our growing interest in estate sales and the closet clean-outs of style icons has reached a fever pitch. If you ask us, this has culminated in one of the most major collection sales to date.

For its second annual Fashion Icons auction, Sotheby’s celebrates the art of fashion throughout the decades, putting notable pieces from fashion figures and designer eras front and centre. From beautifully crafted everyday staples to ornate eveningwear, the spectrum of items on offer is an ode to important moments in fashion history.

Taking place in December, the auction showcases garments and accessories that encapsulate moments of cultural and fashion significance and plucks pieces straight from the archives of icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Naomi Campbell and Audrey Hepburn. Along with looks from their personal collections, there are also rare finds on offer from lauded chapters in the history of fashion houses, from John Galliano’s Dior to Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel.

The bidding process offers both in-person and online participation, making it accessible globally. Participants can register through Sotheby’s website and place live bids or absentee bids, ensuring flexibility for collectors across time zones who want to snag their part of fashion history.

With the logistics covered, scroll on to peruse our top picks for the items worth copping in the auction.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Faux-Leopard Printed Double-Breasted Coat, circa 1969 / Image: Sotheby’s

Is anything more chic than a vintage leopard coat? We, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, think not.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Yohji Yamamoto Black Wool Double-breasted Jacket, 1997 / Image: Sotheby’s

Another stunning—and timeless—piece from the icon’s wardrobe is this form-fitting jacket by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. With its structured tailoring and understated elegance, it is the epitome of 1990s minimalism.

Chanel By Karl Lagerfeld Houndstooth-checked Tweed Suit, probably Autumn-Winter 2004 / Image: Sotheby’s

This Chanel tweed suit from Karl Lagerfeld’s Fall/Winter 2004 collection is making a case against keeping savings…

Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy Haute Couture Cocktail Gown, Autumn-Winter 1966 / Image: Sotheby’s

Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn were a match made in heaven, but this dress is too stunning not to have its time again.

Bob Mackie Beaded Evening Gown, circa 1990 / Image: Sotheby’s

Honestly, we’d wear a Bob Mackie-designed sack.

Christian Dior London Fine Canary-yellow Slubbed Silk Evening Gown, early 1960s / Image: Sotheby’s

I mean…c’mon!

Christian Dior by John Galliano Newspaper Print Slip Dress, ‘Fly Girl’ Collection, Autumn-Winter 2000 / Image: Sotheby’s

And just like that… you could own Carrie Bradshaw’s legendary Gallian-designer Dior ‘Fly Girl’ dress.

Paris Hilton worn Donatella Versace Micro-mini Dress, Spring-Summer 2003 / Image: Sotheby’s

Reminiscent of the iconic mini dress Jennifer Garner wore in Suddenly 30, this Versace cut-out number is essential for the impending party season.

Discover more about Sotheby’s Fashion Icons (or get in your early bids!) here.