Philippe and Gaston Cape, 1920s

Philippe and Gaston was an Haute Couture house in Paris that was launched in 1922 by Philippe Hecht and Gaston Kauffmann. The house quickly rose in popularity, which it enjoyed throughout the 1920s and early years of the 1930s. By the end of the 1930s, the house was in decline and it was eventually purchased by textile entrepreneur Marcel Boussac who wanted to revive the house by hiring a new designer, Christian Dior. Dior did not like the idea of reviving an older house and preferred to start a new business under his name, marking the end of the Philippe and Gaston history.

Yellow silk velvet cape with a brown mink collar. The cape is cut with a second layer or train that extends lower that the main layer.. Both layers are lined with cream silk satin.
Label: No. 26228 / execut par / Philippe and Gaston / Paris
Underlabel: Made in France
Second Underlabel: Illegible

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 18"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 51"

Deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum to benefit collections care, preservation, and future acquisitions.

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is good with some minor flattening of the velvet with some minor areas of loose seams on the satin lining. The fur collar is starting to wear in some areas.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Philippe and Gaston Cape, 1920s

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