Have an old Gucci bag from the ’70s lying around? It might be time to go through those family heirlooms because Gucci and Christie’s are interested. Or, at the very least, they’ll give you a free appraisal. An online service, called “Gucci Collector: Presented by Christie’s” is the auction house’s first ever single fashion house specialization. It launched in January and has gotten over 600 submissions from over 25 countries. Basically, “Gucci collectors” can upload pictures of their vintage items online and within two to four weeks, an expert panel made up of Christie’s Director of Fashion and Textiles, Patricia Frost, her team of costume specialists and the Gucci Archive Department will studiously examine the item and present you with an auction estimate. And if you are looking to sell, you will also be told whether your item is appropriate for a Christie’s auction or of interest to either Gucci or Christie’s from a “historical perspective.” We’re not sure what kind of commission they’re offering, but this sounds a lot easier than selling through eBay or a consignment shop. And if you do ultimately decide to sell through consignment, at least you can find out what your bag is really worth. Looking to purchase your own piece of Gucci history? On December 2, 30 of the best items they’ve acquired through the service will be put up for auction in Christie’s Fashion Through the Ages sale. The items will range in value from £600 to £3,000 ($966 to $4,830), to which is pricey, but at least their authenticity isn’t in question. Particularly lust-worthy offerings include a rare beauty case from the late ’70s/early ’80s and a white leather handbag with bamboo detailing from the late ’50s. Those items that interested Gucci from an “historical perspective” on the other hand, might end up in a Gucci museum. The house is planning to open one in Florence next year to coincide with Gucci’s 90th anniversary.
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