Hindman Auction: Round 2
Lot 446: Novelty handbag--Pennywise/Pound Foolish Pockets
If you enjoyed my first batch of auction picks from the Leslie Hindman auction, maybe you’ll like my other choices. I wonder if there’s a feeling among people who know me that my selections are predictable. If you’re thinking that these selections are schizophrenic, I can see why you might think that. Let me explain how I chose.
These are my general interests/criteria for vintage fashion. There are more, but for the sake of moving along, here are many of them. When something fit more than two of these descriptions, I considered it for inclusion. Mostly, I looked at the photo and asked myself if I saw someone wearing this, “would I fascinate on it?” If the answer is yes, I’m featuring it.
- Sculptural
- Whimsical
- Classic
- Very representative of the era/designer
- Not easily identifiable in terms of era/designer
- Chic
- Wearable
- Unwearable by most, but not so Art oriented that some lucky person wouldn’t be able to wear it
- Ironic
- Pretty
- Simple
- Minimal
- Excessive
- Elegantly detailed
Lot 229: Todd Oldham Jacket
I purposefully neglected selecting obvious things like an Hermes Kelly bag (though I would love a Constance belt only because the buckle is my initial. (Yes, there’s monogram loving Martha Stewart wannabe inside me.) I avoided Chanel Maltese cross brooches and quilted bags, but I do appreciate them. I also bypassed Vuitton monogrammed gear even though I do love Stephen Sprouse’s contribution to that genre. I am usually not a fan of Gucci besides the stuff that is ’70s or earlier. There are current bags in the line I love, but they’re about eight thousand dollars each. (That is not an exaggeration.)
Lot 456: Velvet Gucci Bag
There were scarves I liked, but I can’t say why I like them due to the lackluster photos. I expect that an Hermes scarf would likely be something I want to wear just because. It instantly confers status upon the wearer. To me that’s somehow shallow, yet I can’t overcome my own desire to own a classic branded item like an Hermes scarf. If these things float your boat, the catalog is ripe with them. Also, if you love things that are more glitzy, sexy, lacy and exuberant than I do, there’s a good deal of that available, too.
Lot 333: Yohji Yamamoto Jacket
Lot 538: Chanel Necklace
Lot 56: Maurice Rentner dress
Lot 318: Moschino Suit
Lot 267: Versace Navy Gown
Lot 316: Moschino Jacket
Lot 283: Yves St. Laurent Couture Coat
Round three coming tomorrow! I could sit and look at this catalog for hours. Please tell me in the comments what you find intriguing from the online catalog.
I'm Holly, the author of Hollygab. I write about vintage clothing, fashion, interior design, shopping, other pressing matters. Many Hollygab musings have to do with purging my obsessions. 
Love the Moschino(s), Chanel necklace and Yohji!!
Moschino is one of my favorites of the 80s. His style often fits the criteria of unwearable by most, but not so Art oriented that some lucky person wouldn’t be able to wear it. That’s why I think the handbags are so great, too. Sometimes I wonder if he didn’t design clothes while wearing a jester suit and bells on his boots.
I picked this Yamamoto jacket with the fantastic seam work over the other one because it’s more representative of his schtick than the coat with the fringey edges. I think he’s also one of those arty avant garde designers that not many people can easily wear, but who wouldn’t want to? I’ve handled some of it. It’s fabulous. I love all of those Asian designers. Rei Kawakubo is my favorite, I think. I would also like to live in a home that’s Comme des Garcon-esque. Unfortunately, that doesn’t permit any kitschification which seems dominate here.
Holly, I love your selections from the catalog. The “Penny-wise and Pound-foolish handbag” is so great I can’t believe it. The Maurice Rentner you selected makes me want to know more about the designer. Do you have any skinny about him?
Hi! Thanks, Aneff! Isn’t that handbag the best?
Maurice Rentner is a bit off the radar, but shouldn’t be. He was the spokesman for Fashion Originators Guild, a group of designers, who, during the ’30s and early ’40s (loosely) attempted to copyright garments so that their designs wouldn’t be knocked-off. They banded together to black-list stores that sold pirated designs. They agreed not to sell to those stores that didn’t respect their guild and the “copyrights” they placed on their designs.
The FTC got involved at some point during the ’30s and eventually put the kabosh on F.O.G. I bet you remember my F.O.G. black dress with the satin bodice. The one with the big diamond shaped rhinestone studded buttons on the jacket and finials on the necktie? (My heart breaks when I think of that!)
Let’s see what else? In the ’50s Wilson Folmar designed under the Rentner label. Folmar went on to have his own company–oh how I love the ones I’ve seen!
When Rentner died, his company was merged with Anna Miller (his sister’s business.) Bill Blass worked for Miller so essentially, Blass his start during his Rentner affiliation. (You can find Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner labeled garments.) By the late 50s, Blass took over the company and changed its name to Bill Blass, Ltd.
I have a Rentner, but Mr. Blass does not appear on the label. I’m glad I really looked it over, because the Rentner Originals label is hidden near the hem.
That’s my hazy synopsis with just one cup of joe and one phone call interruption! I sorta thought that mauve dress was very “you,” by the way.
Hi Holly,
Thanks for the info about Maurice Rentner. You are so right about the mauve dress. I’m so into soft colors tinged with grey right now. The detailing is great too.