The next “Passion for Fashion” sale at Kerry Taylor Auctions takes place on the 26th June, and there are some wonderful pieces to interest us in it. Let’s look shall we?

The first is Lot 72, a French Gentleman’s ensemble which  dates from the early 19th century:

Gentleman’s Ensemble,French, early 19th century. ©KerryTaylorAuctions

This is fascinating: a green wool hunt coat, circa 1810-1820, which has lapels with sharp “M” notches. The coat is cut high and square at the waist. It has pocket flaps concealed in the tails. The breeches are made from soft white leather. The lower legs have “extenders” for wearing inside boots, and have mother-of-pearl buttons. This set is estimated to fetch £3000-5000 at auction.

Detail of a Gentleman’s Ensemble,French, early 19th century. ©KerryTaylorAuctions

Next is lot 74, a Gentleman’s ensemble dating from the late 18th century:

A Gentleman’s Ensemble, late 18th century, ©KerryTaylorAuctions

The coat is made of ivory silk and is lined in mustard twill silk, and dates from 1780-90. The waistcoat is made of striped orange silk, and is double-breasted and has mother-of-pearl buttons. The breeches are made of sapphire blue silk and date from 1760-1770. This ensemble has a sale estimate of £1000-1500.

Lot 75 is a rare find: a French Fencing ensemble from the late 18th century:

A French Fencing Ensemble, late 18th century. ©KerryTaylorAuctions

The jacket is made of padded linen with a chamois leather breast and upper right arm. The breeches are made of tan calico.

Fencing Mask/Helmet, French,Late 18th Century. ©KerryTaylorAuctions

The helmet/mask is made of wire mesh with red morocco leather bindings, and red morocco leather also covers the head brace. This is estimated at £2-3000.

My favourite Lot is Lot 82:

Lady’s Summer Coat, circa 1790 ©KerryTaylorAuctions

is this elegant Lady’s Summer coat.made from “Holland”, a coarse unbleached linen.  This has an integral caplet to the shoulder which is edged in black velvet ribbon. It is lined in flannel for warmth…well, it is a summer coat after all ;) This has an estimate of £800-1000.

The auction contains some wonderful modern clothes, and some of the Alexander McQueen items  are very tempting. If you would like to see the virtual catalogue of all the items then go here, and go here to the main page for the auction.