L'Wren Scott wearing a couture embroidered kimono tailcoat of her own design from the Tagasode collection; the ensemble is expected to bring £2,000-£3,000 during Christie's upcoming auction. Photo: David Fisher/ Shutterstock
When fashion designer L’Wren Scott unexpectedly passed away in March 2014, it sent shockwaves through the world. Her remarkable pieces of wearable works of art were exalted by editors and industry experts, and many of the most glamorous women in Hollywood frequently modeled her exquisite gowns at red carpet events.
“L’Wren was exceptionally chic and refined, but she was also very sexy, and I think that her clothes depict that combination,” said Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman. “I miss her dreadfully but I cherish our time together. I can’t name just one piece I loved that L’Wren designed, there were so many. We had an enormous amount of fun together. We had very similar body shapes, which is always quite good with a designer so she was able to design to my frame—anything she would wear I would wear.”
The L'Wren Scott Under My Skin collection gown Nicole Kidman wore to the Rome Film Festival premiere of Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's London
The L'Wren Scott black and gold sequin dress Nicole Kidman wore to the 85th Academy Awards in February, 2013. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's London
Now 55 pieces from the designer’s archives are coming to auction at Christie’s London in an online sale taking place from June 9 through July 1. Additionally, the pieces, designed by Scott between 2006 and 2014, will be on view in a public exhibition at the auction house’s King Street location June 11 through 16.
“Christie’s is honored to bring the L’Wren Scott Collection to the market in celebration of her illustrious career,” Caitlin Yates, Head of Sale, said in a statement. “L’Wren Scott was well known for her seductive, old-world feminine silhouette. She was equally recognized for the range of her important clientele, their complete trust in L’Wren formed on her flawless combination of raw talent, warmth, and sheer professionalism. Both of these themes run throughout the collection.”
Mick Jagger wearing the L'Wren Scott designed butterfly jacket during a concert performance with the Rolling Stones. Photo: Brian Rasic
Proceeds from the sale will go towards the L’Wren Scott MA Fashion Scholarship at Central Saint Martins, an award established by Mick Jagger in 2015. It was Jagger, along with the Scott family, who approached Christie’s about the sale, which will include two bespoke jackets the designer crafted for the Rolling Stones frontman. Up for auction is the 2013 Oak Leaf “Glamouflage” sequin jacket Jagger wore for the Rolling Stones’ performance at the Glastonbury Pyramid stage, as well as a black satin and sequin design featuring a swarm of blue butterflies, worn in a concert at Hyde Park during the band’s “50 & Counting” tour. Both are expected to be some of the sale’s top lots, fetching between $29,000 and $42,000.
Along with pieces Scott created for Jagger, her long-time partner, and herself, the auction features a number of glamorous dresses crafted for some of today’s leading actresses. Featured in the sale are several designs worn by Kidman, including a memorable nude sheath from Scott’s Spring-Summer “Under My Skin” collection that the actress donned for the Rome Film Festival premiere of Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus.
L'Wren Scott and Mick Jagger collaborated on his clothing for the Rolling Stone's "50 & Counting" tour; the rock star wore this jacket during a performance at Hyde Park. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's London
Mick Jagger's oak leaf "Glamouflage" jacket worn during the Rolling Stone's performance on Glastonbury's Pyramid stage. Photo: © Photographer Natalie Parrish I Stylist Martha Ward
Other gowns making their way to the auction block are a blue sequin evening gown worn by Daphne Guinness to The Met Costume Institute Gala in 2008, two dresses worn by Tina Fey during the Golden Globes, and a dramatic Art Nouveau number featured on Isla Fisher for the New York premiere of her movie Now You See Me. Styles worn by Julianna Margulies, Sarah Jessica Parker, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Dockery, Naomi Campbell, Jessica Lange, Madonna, Shailene Woodley, and more round out the lots.
Daphne Guinness wore this L'Wren Scott sequin gown when she accompanied the designer to the 2008 Costume Institute "Superheroes" gala at The Met. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's London
L'Wren Scott was inspired by her peony garden for this gown from her 2010 collection, which was celebrated at Gagosian gallery in New York. Penélope Cruz wore it to the Paris premiere of the film Nine. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's London
“The L’Wren Scott Christie’s Collection sale in June is a celebration of L’Wren’s remarkable work and a wonderful opportunity for the public to see and enjoy her creations,” Jagger said in a statement. “L’Wren was a talented and passionate designer with a keen eye for detail. Everyone who wore her dresses was at the center of her designs. She created beautiful pieces that were the epitome of elegance and sophistication, yet with a contemporary feel. I’m delighted the proceeds of this auction is going to benefit young students, helping to nurture emerging talents in fashion.”
