Art News

Chanel Treasures on Sale at Paris’ Drouot Richelieu Auction House

PARIS (AP).- Hundreds of fashionistas, collectors and would-be consumers with a dream jostled for a closer look at some of the more than 800 garments, accessories and shoes by the storied luxury giant Chanel that hit the auction blocks Thursday. Lots on display included iconic tweed skirt suits, classic chain handbags, 1980s-era ensembles in screaming hues by the label’s current designer, Karl Lagerfeld, and vintage haute couture gowns by Mademoiselle Chanel herself. The organizer, auctioneer Pierre Cornette de San Cyr, said he expected the sale to fetch between euro200,000-euro400,000, though he added there “could be surprises.” Estimates for the lots range from euro20 ($27) for a bunch of buttons emblazoned with the label’s hallmark double “C”s to euro10,000 for a 1923 drop-waisted dress in ivory silk — though