PRESERVATION, NATURE AND FASHION
Dress: Carmen Marc Valvo Ring: David Webb Bracelet: Tiffany & Company Watch: Cartier Ballin Blue Fur: LF Canada Wrap/Cape
By Sally Kimball, owner of Classic Collections of Palm Beach
One would never think that the world of fashion would be concerned with the preservation, protection and nurturing of our world and nature. Well, many in the fashion industry do NOT care, but there are those that do, and the owner and staff of Classic Collections are among them. Glasses: Prada Shoes: Charlotte Olympia Bracelet: Louis Vuitton Necklace: Monies Bag: Dolce & Gabbana Jacket: Yves Saint Laurent Dress: Naeem Khan
Located in the tropical paradise of Palm Beach, this 12 year old top notch luxury women’s consignment boutique supports preservation and in fact, the owner is on the Palm Beach Civic Association’s Beautification Committee.
This was before the was spandex material for clothing, laser cutting of leathers, mass produced shoes and handbags and jewelry made by young and indigent people in China and India.
Preserving the fashion designs of some of the most prolific, iconic and famous designers in history is like protecting precious art treasures or ancient architectural sites the world over. While we do not specialize in vintage clothing and accessories, we occasionally are blessed with priceless pieces from estates in Palm Beach, Miami and New York.
That is not to say that the famous designers today do not honor or emulate the beauty in their designs. Seaman Schepps is known for the designs using shells and ocean motifs and Roberto Cavalli is the king of animal prints- from tigers, python and all things leopard. Hermes scarves are all about nature, flowers, horses and marine life and Chanel never met a camellia it didn’t adore! Lilly Pulitzer wouldn’t be what it is today without palm trees, orange and lemon slices, sea horses and other topical motifs. Judith Lieber minaudiers honor nature and animals with flowered bags, adorable dogs and kittens, and other nature highlights.
Most of the time, the gowns, handbags and pieces of fine jewelry have been perfectly preserved and stored properly so that there is no deterioration and they are as perfect as they were so many years ago. You simply cannot imagine the amazement when we open a boxed perfectly preserved Elsa Schiaparelli gown, Chanel alligator travel case, Hermes Hunting bag or custom made jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels. It’s like going back in time when merchandise was so perfectly designed, tailored by hand, fabrics and leathers were woven or crafted by artisans and everything was checked several times by designers before being presented to the customer.
Kenneth J. Lane brought nature into almost all of his costume jewelry creations from sea shells to flowered brooches to pearls and coral. And Ferragamo is known for its floral prints and animal motifs on clothing, scarves, handbags and even shoes.
Skirt: John JohnGalliano Galliano Skirt: Top: Sonia SoniaRykiel Rykiel Top: Jacket: Dolce Dolce&&Gabbana Gabbana Jacket: Watch: Cartier CartierDivan Divan Watch:
Classic Collections is so fortunate to have access to the closets of the always tasteful and high luxury ladies who recycle their beautiful possessions at our boutique. We carry every luxury label known from Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Gucci, Pucci, MuiMui, Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, David Webb, Boucheron, Piaget, Baum and Maucier, Fred of Paris, Harry Winston and so many other fine designers and creators of the best fashion pieces and jewelry in the world.
Hat: Thompson Fur Coat: Golden Sabel Swing Bag: Judith Lieber Python Slacks: Versace Photography by Abby Ballin @aballinphoto Make Up: Alyssa Hollywood