Dress like Hollywood elite: Snap up eco-concious bargains
The world has changed: it’s not “out with the old, in with the new” but rather “in with the old, and let’s tag it as ’vintage’ on Instagram”. This new motto is particularly true for green shoppers heading to a live auction for timeless designer fashion.
Los Angeles’s Abell Auction Company will feature an array of timeless fashion, handbags, watches, and jewelry by iconic designers at its September 10th luxury goods sale in Los Angeles. Live bidding begins at 10 a.m. PST online and at the gallery at 2613 Yates Avenue. Whether you’re in film, television, or just particularly fond of silver-screen glamor, there’s something for everyone.
“Auctions are reinventing the luxury goods market by recycling and reviving high-quality vintage items,” said Abell Auction Company Vice President Todd Schireson, whose family has operated the auction house for 103 years. “We are creating an ideal space for environmentally conscious consumers to find items they love and that match their lifestyle.”
The auction will feature more than 150 appointments and collections from premier Southern California estates, ranging in value from $100 to $5,000. These include an array of vintage gold, platinum, diamond, and precious-stone necklaces, earrings, and rings; designer timepieces by Patek Philippe, Piaget, Rolex, and Cartier; and coveted fashion and accessories by Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bvglari, and more. If you like quality watches you’ll probably want to check out IWC Portugieser for the biggest bargains and quality products.
Additionally, an auction preview will be held on September 4th, 5th, 6th, and 9th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Abell Gallery on 2613 Yates Avenue in Los Angeles. Visit Abell to see the illustrated catalog or call 800.404.2235.
September 10th auction highlights (with estimated values)
Obviously, we’re invested in all parts of the auction, but especially the sparkly stuff. The auction is expected to feature:
- H. Stern 18-carat, aquamarine, amethyst, garnet, citrine, and tourmaline necklace ($3,000 – 5,000)
- Cartier stainless steel and diamond Tank Francaise watch ($3,000 – 5,000)
- 14-carat diamond and ruby ring ($3,000 – 4,000)
- Patek Philippe 18-carat dress watch ($3,000 – 5,000)
- Rolex stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch ($3,000 – 5,000)
- Louis Vuitton Alzer 55 noir hard suitcase ($2,000 – 4,000)
- Hermes Constance 23 handbag ($2,000 – 3,000)
- Chanel black quilted east west flap bag ($1,000 – 2,000)
Eco-shopping is on the rise
According to the 2019 Resale Report published by thredUP, Millennials buy second-hand more than any other generation, with Baby Boomers coming in as a close second. Can you imagine – Millennials actually beating Baby Boomers at something? In addition, both Millennials and Generation Z consumers are adopting second-hand apparel 2.5 times faster than other age groups.
Green shoppers are willing to pay more for products and services that come from companies committed to positive environmental impact, with a large number that wish to recycle and spend more when their purchasing power is directed toward helping the environment.
Why auctions matter to the environment
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only 15.3 percent of textiles are recycled. By looking at a product’s entire life cycle, new opportunities to reduce environmental impacts, conserve resources, and reduce costs can be discovered. Abell helps recycle and keep in circulation a wealth of items that might otherwise go to a landfill. Shopping at auction creates a “recommerce” platform ideal for green living.
Fast fashion harms earth’s environment in much the same way as cars, planes, cruises, oil, plastics, logging, politicians, major corporations . . . the list goes on. Sometimes it’s nice to buy something new and shiny without feeling wracked with guilt over its potential waste.
What is this company? I must learn more about it
Abell is Los Angeles’s original premier auction house, entrusted with fine estates and collections for 103 years. Abell is still family-operated and it has handled the treasured belongings of many high-profile clients and legendary figures in Hollywood over more than a century. Abell’s clients include silent screen idol Francis X. Bushman, costume designer Edith Head, and Gone with the Wind actress Anne Rutherford, to name a few.
At each weekly live auction, Abell has an influx of 800-1,200 items from up to a dozen Southern California estates. Abell also offers high-end quarterly live and online auctions that attract an international audience of buyers. Its loyal following of clients ranges from set decorators and production designers to interior decorators and private buyers.