Dedicated exhibition showcasing the collection ahead of the sale sees over 2000 visitors

Balenciaga, Dior, and YSL gowns achieve 10 times estimate

Sale achieves more than twice its pre-sale estimate following 10-hour auction

Paris - Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr held the prestigious sale of the Didier Ludot collection entitled 'Le Dernier passage' on January 30, 2025. The sale formed the final part of its collections and offered historical designs evoking the quintessence of luxury fashion with exceptional 20th century Haute Couture pieces signed by the greatest designers Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Pierre Cardin, Carven, Mademoiselle Chanel, Christian Dior, Marc Bohan, Givenchy, Madame Grès, Karl Lagerfeld, Jeanne Lanvin, Jean Patou, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Louis Scherrer and Roger Vivier.

The star of the sale was a Balenciaga, collection Haute Couture, Autumn/Winter, 1958 red satin and velvet cocktail outfit from the collection of Sarah Wolfe, which achieved €40,960, more than 10 times its pre-sale estimate of €3,000-5,000.

Another notable lot was a Christian Dior, Haute Couture collection, Spring-Summer 1959, "Sevillane" model evening dress, which sold for €32,000 against an estimate of €5,000 - €7,000.

The 384-lot sale, which lasted 10 hours, made a total of €695,000 with 98% sold by lot and 99% sold by value. An online sale continues until 10 February.

A Balenciaga, collection Haute Couture, Automne-Hiver 1958 red satin and velvet cocktail outfit, achieved €40,960, more than 10 times its pre-sale estimate of €3,000-5,000.

Hubert Felbacq, Director of the Fashion and Accessories department at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris, commented: "I thank Didier and Felix for placing their trust in me for more than 30 years. During Paris Fashion Week, more than 2,000 people came to Avenue Hoche to admire the last pieces from this collection, signed by the greatest couturiers. Many creations have been acquired by the Heritage departments of major fashion houses and by foreign museums. Collectors, foundations and fashion professionals were there in a packed room or on the phone to outbid each other for these treasures. An online sale continues until 10 February."

The sale saw a selection of notable lots from Didier Ludot's loyal client from New York City - Sarah Wolfe - an American in love with Parisian Haute Couture. The friendship between Sarah and Didier was born more than 35 years ago, at the Palais-Royal, among Haute Couture dresses. Highlights include:

• A Cristobal Balenciaga, collection Haute Couture, Autumn-Winter 1961 dress. Sold for €14,080 against an estimate of €3,000-5,000.

• Christian Dior, collection Haute Couture, Autumn-Winter 1977 gown, directeur artistique Marc Bohan. Sold for €10,880, against an estimate of €2,000-3,000.

Other notable lots include:

• Yves Saint Laurent, collection Haute Couture, Printemps-Ete 1992 dress. Sold for €15,360 against an estimate of €2,000-3,000.

• A Christian Dior, collection Haute Couture, Autumn-Winter 1959 dress, directeur artistique Yves Matthieu Saint Laurent. Sold for €9,600 against an estimate of €5,000-8,000.

31 January 2024