To Bid or Not to Bid...This is the Question

Hudson's Mink Stole: DuMouchelles On-line Catalogue

Auction houses have a historic and distinguished presence in the market place. Sotheby's and Christies are known world wide, but here in Detroit, we have DouMouchelles, Fine Art Auctioneers and Appraisers, in operation since 1927.

Earlier this year I searched their on-line catalogue http://www.dumouchelle.com/ to get a feel for the type of clothing items to be found. I was happy to spot this Hudson's Vintage Mink Stole in the lot. The bid price range for the piece was reasonable to my thinking so I made a special trip to 409 East Jefferson in Detroit.

There it was in the gallery hanging on a mannequin ready for me to inspect. I studied the lining, seaming and condition of the fur. It was well cared for over the years. I tried it on for fit, and quickly began to dream of owning a piece of retail history. Hudson's was a retail gem back in the day and has a special place in the memories of many native Detroit families.

I could not be available to attend the actual auction so I decided on a "Telephone Bid" process, and filled out the necessary paperwork to participate. I found the staff to be genuinely helpful and attentive. This made my first splash into the world of auction bidding easy and enjoyable.

Long story short, I lost the piece to another bidder with deeper pockets. I had a definite price limitation going into it and quickly lost my dream in three bids.

I was told by a staff member at DuMouchelles that they don't normally get large amounts of clothing or collections come to auction. I hope this will change soon. I just know there are so many collectors of Important Fashion in the Detroit Metro Area. Those who collect, take care of the investment and understand the value of buying and selling it. Those of us who hunt for fine Vintage Clothing are links in the recycling chain of history and Style. Clothing is a Cultural element of history and DuMochelles has a special place in both the past and future of Detroit's fashion runway. Happy Bidding!

Photography....Artist Archive of Family Style

"I guess you are kind of curious as to who I am, but I am one of those who do not have a regular name. My name depends on you. Just call me whatever is in your mind." This quote is from the book "Watermelon Sugar". It occurred to me when reading it...that the majority of people we see in our daily lives fit into this category. It's inevitable...our paths cross so many anonymous people...in the parking lot...at the mall...the library. It may also apply to me...many of you don't know me yet.

In this case...I know something about the Stylish Women and girl in these photos. They belong to native Detroit Artist Toni Nunn's personal archive of family photographs. The black and white shot is circa 1955, the occasion was Toni's homecoming. Mrs. Lizzie Lee Jackson (The happy Mother) wears a lovely printed day dress for the occasion. Her look is simple and elegant, it speaks of her refined taste and youthful beauty. The colorized photo was taken in 1962 the day of the Artist Holy Communion. Toni is dressed in a traditional religious outfit and her Mother is wearing a classic pencil dress with Mink Stole.

You may have family photos that capture the Style of a special occasion in your own colleciton. Or perhaps you collect old photos or work with them in your art. If so take another look at them and try to appreciate the care that went into selecting the clothes that help to tell the story of the day. As you call them whatever is in your mind....look for the Style Story.