Having curated an otherworldly couture archive of 102 lots from her personal collection to raise funds for the Isabella Blow Foundation, Guinness auction fetched four times the estimated value and broke three world records.
Bidders from 21 countries, including unconventional singer Lady Gaga (whose bidding total remains private), raised £476,800, with 88% of lots sold.
The top lot of the sale was a photograph of the heiress by Mario Testino. It achieved a final price of £133,250, a new world record for the photographer at auction.
The top frock of the sale was an ivory silk tulle empire-line gown by which sold with a photograph of the heiress wearing the dress. The lot set a new world record price for McQueen at auction, achieving a combined sum of £85,250significantly higher than the £15,000-20,000 estimate.
There were also bargains to be had for bidders who could squeeze into Guinness' diminutive dresses: a silk jersey cocktail dress by Christian Lacroix procured a rather reasonable £238, while a black chiffon evening gown by Narciso Rodriguez was a steal at £125.
Other garments up for grabs included designs by Chanel, Balenciaga, Gareth Pugh, Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Prada, Gucci, Alaia and some lesser-known but equally as avant-garde names.
As I watched the auction from invisible wings this evening, I crossed my fingers and toes. This cause is close to my heart. I am genuinely touched by the response it has generated, and truly excited for the future of The Isabella Blow Foundation, Guinness said after the auction.
Im overwhelmed by how many bidders took part this evening and Im particularly moved by Lady Gagas support for the Foundation. I like her very much, and its lovely to see the nascent beginnings of something that may help other people.
Pat Frost, director of fashion and textiles at Christies, promised many more partnerships of it kind are in the pipeline. Further exciting curated collaborations with both collectors and international clients are planned for the immediate future, commencing with our Vintage Couture sales in November. Mark your diaries now.
