Vintage Handbags. Image courtesy of Barnebys/Bukowskis
Just like your favorite second-hand store, auctions are a vintage treasure trove where you can find rare pieces from archive collections and fashion designers’ sketches, as well as pre-loved bags and purses. I have picked up a number of vintage gloves, men’s shoes, hats, and decor at my local auction house. It is a thrilling experience to bid and win! Sadly my local auction house closed, but thankfully I can still turn online to find some great vintage pieces for my collection.
This article is sponsored by Barnebys. Barnebys is the leading search engine for art, antiques, and collectibles from more than 2,000 auction houses around the world. Barnebys users are – for the first time – able to search the entire auction market on one user-friendly site. Let Barnebys give you the inside scoop on what to buy, how to buy, and how to sell – the fashion edition!
Four Hermes neckties at auction now. Image courtesy of Barnebys/Bukowskis
Many may associate auctions with big auction houses selling items such as rare art, exclusive furniture, and expensive jewelry in crowded auction rooms with paddles going up in the air, raising prices to imaginary sums. Sure, this is part of the reality. However, there is another side to the market.
Today, there are thousands of auction houses all over the world specializing in different areas such as art, design, or fashion. Whether you’re looking for the perfect suit or a glamorous party attire, you can win it at auction
But why buy something pre-owned? What’s so good about auctions? Just like shopping at flea markets or second-hand stores, buying your clothes at an auction is a real eco-friendly way of consuming. Even better, it also ensures authenticity in a way that the second-hand store doesn’t, as auction houses conduct brand-specific and detailed authentication processes before a sale.
Vintage collectables. Image courtesy of Barnebys/Bukowskis
Old wealthy people bidding on pricey jewelry and valuable art in a room lined with mahogany wall panels is a common misconception of what the modern auction world looks like. Actually, most auctions don’t even run live sales anymore. Just like the rest of the world, the auction market has gone online.
Today, almost every auction house has a website or is connected to an auction platform where they can hold their auctions online. As a bidder, you can log on, browse the catalog, and place a bid from your computer or smartphone from almost anywhere on the planet. You don’t need to be wearing your family heirlooms or have a passport to bid at auction.
But with thousands upon thousands of places to buy your Louboutin shoes, your Hermès handbag or your Chanel dress, it can be hard to know where to start. This is when you turn to the search engine Barnebys.
More vintage handbags and trunks. Image courtesy of Barnebys/Bukowskis
There are more than 2000 auction houses and dealers listed at Barnebys. So with one simple search for your desired item, you will get results from houses all over the world – all in one place.
The auction houses listed at Barnebys offer all sorts of items, from watches and jewelry to vintage furniture, collectibles, art, fashion, and even vehicles. Whatever you’re looking for, Barnebys will help you find it. Didn’t find what you wanted? Barnebys’ search alert service will keep you updated when the item you want turns up at an auction.
1920s dress at auction this week. Image courtesy of Barnebys/Bukowskis
When you do find what you’re looking for, we have a few tips to share with you before bidding. Firstly, you always should check the details and the condition of the item you want to purchase. If you want to buy a vintage Hermès bag, you want to be able to use it and love it forever.
Secondly, it’s important to set a limit to how much you are prepared to bid. Start low, as the starting price is set by the auction house’s initial valuation which provides a good indicator of where to place your bid. And don’t forget that additional auction fees might occur – find out what they are and add them to your final price before you start the bidding!
Do you have something at home you’re thinking about selling? Use Barnebys appraisal service to find the expected market value. By simply uploading images and a description of your item on their website, you will have a reply, including estimated value and certificate within 48 hours.
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
