Want to Buy: One of Astaire's suits. Help!

[zjpj83]

Ok, slightly off-topic, but I do like Astaire and think it would be cool to own one of his suits. I'd keep it, and one day have it on a manequin in my 5,000 sq. foot closet..

But, in all seriousness, I am interested in buying one and I was wondering if anyone knew where you can find stuff like that?

Thanks.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Ok, slightly off-topic, but I do like Astaire and think it would be cool to own one of his suits. I'd keep it, and one day have it on a manequin in my 5,000 sq. foot closet..

But, in all seriousness, I am interested in buying one and I was wondering if anyone knew where you can find stuff like that?

Thanks.

I'm entirely out of my league here, as I've never even thought of collecting famous textiles. But it would seem to me that Astaire is a sufficient name to warrant being sold through one of the major auction houses ... Sotheby's, Christie's, etc.

 

[Vintage Gent]

I'd imagine that his wardrobe would have been liquidated by his estate many years ago. Finding one of his suits would depend on the off chance that a private collector is interested in selling.

 

[chorse123]

Wasn't there one of his jackets on eBay like 18 months ago? Maybe I'm thinking of someone else. I'm sure his personal effects, including clothes, were sold at auction. You could try movie memorabilia collectors, but I imagine this would be a very expensive acquisition, no matter how you go about it.

 

[zjpj83]

Good point, I could contact the major auction houses and see if any of the stuff has gone through them.

 

[Margaret]

Originally Posted by chorse123

Wasn't there one of his jackets on eBay like 18 months ago? Maybe I'm thinking of someone else. I'm sure his personal effects, including clothes, were sold at auction. You could try movie memorabilia collectors, but I imagine this would be a very expensive acquisition, no matter how you go about it.

Maybe you're thinking of Larry Flynt? Easy to confuse the two.

 

[zjpj83]

I contacted the Sotheby's "Collectibles" department, we'll see what they have to say for themselves...

 

[Patrick Bateman]

What about the Duke of Windsor? His stuff may be close to your size, actually...

 

[zjpj83]

Originally Posted by Patrick Bateman

What about the Duke of Windsor? His stuff may be close to your size, actually...
True, but not exactly a man I admire nor one whose possessions I have interest in acquiring.

 

[odoreater]

This thread reminds me of the episode of Friends where the guys were getting tuxedos worn my movie stars. "I'm wearing Batman's tuxedo!!!" It would be pretty awesome to be able to walk around and say "I'm wearing Astaire's suit!!!" Good luck in finding one.

 

[Matt]

Originally Posted by odoreater

This thread reminds me of the episode of Friends where the guys were getting tuxedos worn my movie stars. "I'm wearing Batman's tuxedo!!!" It would be pretty awesome to be able to walk around and say "I'm wearing Astaire's suit!!!" Good luck in finding one.
if you actually wear it i may kill you

beside, i doubt they are really wearable anyhow, didnt he used to have them tailored with his arms up so they would fit perfectly while dancing?

 

[whoopee]

I'm trying to think why that might make a difference. Sounds like an apocryphal story to me. His clothing has been dissected by Flusser, members of the LL, and many many others, and I think his clothes fit perfectly while dancing because they fit perfectly.

 

[odoreater]

Originally Posted by m@T

if you actually wear it i may kill you

beside, i doubt they are really wearable anyhow, didnt he used to have them tailored with his arms up so they would fit perfectly while dancing?

Hah, even better!!! Imagine DANCING around in Fred Astaire's suit!

 

[Lucky Strike]

Doyle's in NY also specialises in high-end collectible clothing: http://www.doylenewyork.com/about/default.htm http://www.doylenewyork.com/speciali...lt.htm#couture

Through the years, Doyle New York has been the focus of international media attention as the gallery that auctioned the estates of such Hollywood legends as James Cagney, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, Rock Hudson, Rex Harrison and Ruth Gordon. Doyle also auctioned the estates of world-renowned musicians Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, as well as the stage gowns of opera diva Marion Anderson. Recently, Doyle auctioned fashion memorabilia from the estate of Fashion Editor Carrie Donovan, spokeswoman for Old Navy. Last year, Doyle auctioned the estate of Lady Sarah Consuelo Spencer-Churchill, sister of the Duke of Marlborough and granddaughter of American Heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. Doyle is also well known for its on-site auctions, including the sale of treasures from two legendary New York restaurants, Maxwell's Plum and the celebrated Russian Tea Room, as well as the on-site auction of the estate of noted American painter Ogden Pleissner.

 

[zjpj83]

Great links - thanks.