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Upcoming Auctions

Vintage Clothing & Accessories from The Red Rose

February 26, 2010

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PREVIEW PARTY THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25TH 5-8PM

The Red Rose Vintage sale will commence as follows at 12:00pm FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26TH

12:00--We will start with decorative items and art from Debbie's store and inventory.

Notable items include: retro lamps, stacks of antique sheet music, a 1939 Butler University scapbook encased in a wooden book form box with hammered copper trim from the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota; a space age Speidel watch store display, 50 or so Interview magazines from the 1980s, a folk art mechanical smokers box with chip carved terrier dog; a collection of vintage figural 'hippie' candles; a vintage straw handbag with black mermaid embellishment; a pair of black Americana 1950s felt 'Sambo' pillows, and much more.

When those items have been dispersed, we will procede to selling costume jewelry and accessories, (i.e. hats, purses, hankies/scarves, and shoes).

*3:00--We will continue to sell the remainder of the Jewelry and simultaneously begin selling the clothing until

7:00--End of sale.

*Note: We decided to hold off on clothing until 3pm because we wanted to give all who were interested the opportunity to participate during weekday hours.

Dan Ripley's Antique Helper announces a discovery auction of retro and vintage clothing and accessories to be held on Friday, February 26th. It will be followed by an Art and Antiques auction on Saturday, February 27th.

“It's a big auction weekend,” says Antique Helper owner Dan Ripley. The unique Friday auction will showcase a single consignor selection that represents a lifetime of buying, selling and collecting. Consignments for Saturday's traditional catalogued auction will include African and Oceanic art, Murano glass, antique toys, silver, furniture, and fine art.

The vintage clothing sale will disperse inventory from Red Rose Vintage Clothing. For anyone familiar with the Broad Ripple area in Indianapolis, Red Rose was for decades a mecca for those seeking quality vintage clothing. The shop, originally opened by vintage clothing aficionados Don and Daphne Harris, became a landmark during the Art Deco and vintage clothing heyday of the 1980s. Owner, Debbie Noah, closed the long-standing boutique's retail space earlier this month.

Over subsequent decades, the availability of vintage clothing decreased. Consignor Debbie Noah, who worked at the Red Rose for nearly 20 years before purchasing the business, says the advent of the Internet is in part responsible for the change in the vintage clothing market. Collectors and fashionistas familiar with the hunt for quality vintage clothing will at once understand the importance of such a sale event.

Taste in vintage clothing has changed over time, also. This reflects the change in the median age of auction buyers. While there will always be collectors, Debbie notes that typical buyers, who shop for items to wear, prefer to own things that are familiar to them—items that are typically within a decade or two of their own ages. She says, “The younger buyers are not that familiar with the 40s, the 50s, or even the 60s...they tend to gravitate toward the 70s”.

But, with a true collector's spirit, Debbie has never been one to let a tempting lot of antique clothing pass her by. “I still buy to this day, but not as much as I used to,” she quips. Hence, Antique Helper's showroom is bursting at the seams with a variety of merchandise.

“The things that are here are very affordable, wearable pieces,” notes Debbie, as she rifles through a rack crammed with 1970s floor length gowns. Dress after dress could be worn as something stylish and fresh for today. With a few alterations, these pieces could take on a new life of their own. “The nice thing about these '70s dresses,” she says, “is that you can cut them off and make shorties.” The possibilities are endless.

A perusal of the dozen or more clothing racks produces a rainbow of fashionable selections representing every decade from the Victorian era through the 1990s. A prom-going teen could find more than one unique gown for her special evening. Debbie points out that many pieces of vintage lingerie, including those flesh-toned bias-cut silk slips and nightgowns from the 1920s and 30s have been worn as prom dresses for years. There is also an array of traditional 1950s formals with enough lace and tulle to satisfy even the most urgent need for excessive meringue.

There are “MadMen”-esque selections for the Peggies, Betties and Joans who want to cause a stir in the office or at the club. A girl could try a frock that brings out her inner Mary Tyler Moore, Rhoda, Gidget or Mrs. Brady.
Vintage accessories including tables full of vintage and retro costume jewelry, purses, hats and shoes are present in astounding amounts. Cowboy and cowgirl boots in an array of colors and combinations, pocket books and hats fill a table. Coats representing eras from the 20s to the 90s include fur, faux fur, mouton and Persian lamb, suede, leather, and wool. Ethnic and hippie clothes, children's costumes--most notably a tot-sized white Elvis jumpsuit--kimonos and other Asian-inspired dresses and jackets bring spice and interest to this diverse sale.

The men are not left out in the cold in this fashion extravaganza. Groups of 60s patterned Hawaiian print shirts, vintage pajamas, sport coats, jazzy jump suits, and 40s and 50s neckties insure that every male can fulfill his sartorial longings.

Collectors will recognize important names from the fashion world. Labels include a velveteen floral Sigrid Olsen coat, a Lilli Ann Paris coat, a Christian Dior dress suit, and a Molly Parnis Boutique for NYC dress. Lucille Ball fans will be pleased to find a frock by 1950s designer Donald Loper. Their mutual admiration led to guest appearances on “I LOVE LUCY”. Emma Daum, Dior, and Armani Uomo, round out the offerings.

For those not willing to fall victim to fashion, there will also be a variety of Art Deco, kitsch and collectibles. From retro lamps to vintage advertising and antique sheet music, buyers will find plenty to bid on. Notable items include: a 1939 Butler University scapbook encased in a wooden book form box with hammered copper trim from the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota; a space age Speidel watch store display, 50 or so Interview magazines from the 1980s, a folk art mechanical smokers box with chip carved terrier dog; a collection of vintage figural 'hippie' candles; a vintage straw handbag with black mermaid embellishment; a pair of black Americana 1950s felt 'Sambo' pillows, and much more.

A very special preview party, complete with fashion-forward models showcasing some of the auction highlights will take place on auction eve, Thursday, February 25, from 5:00-8:00 PM. The Red Rose Vintage and Retro Fashion Auction is scheduled for Friday, February 26 beginning at noon. The clothing and accessories will begin at 3PM EST and will all be sold by 7PM.

Antique Helper's February Art and Antiques Auction will take place on Saturday, February 27. This fine sale features antique and vintage toys including a collection of railroadiana and an 8 foot Steiff Studio giraffe, also African and Oceanic art, art glass, sterling silver, and furniture selections from English and American antiques to Mission to Modern.

For more information about either of these auctions, please contact Antique Helper at (317) 251-5635 or visit our website, www.antiquehelper.com