Lanvin and Lacroix: Recent Fashion Acquisitions

Tiered evening gown, ca. 1929
Kerry Taylor Auctions

by Nancy DeWitt
© Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

“I can't believe we've lived in Alaska for 6 years and just now found this gem. We were totally WOWed!”  ~ TripAdvisor reviewer from Anchorage

Unless you are an antique car aficionado, when visiting Alaska an automobile museum is probably not high on your to-do list. If so, you are missing out on seeing some treasures at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Without fail, visitors are astonished when they see our collection of beautiful automobiles and antique fashions here in Fairbanks, a region not known for its automotive history or vintage haute couture.

Bradley's opera coat, ca. 1925-28
Kerry Taylor Auctions

When we started planning the museum we knew that a warehouse full of old cars would have limited appeal. So, we filled our custom-built facility with an eye-popping assortment of Victorian and Edwardian finery, flapper dresses, Art Deco gowns, and some of the most visually stunning automobiles ever to grace America’s roads in the early 20^th century. Woven among the vehicles and 100+ fashions are entertaining photographs, videos, and exhibits showcasing Alaska’s wild automotive history.

Jeanne Lanvin 1915 orientalist evening coat
Kerry Taylor Auctions

Museum owner Tim Cerny and his wife, Barbara, acquired the museum’s extensive assortment of cars and fashions from private collections and auction houses throughout North America. In December they attended the "Passion for Fashion" event with Kerry Taylor Auctions and purchased four interesting pieces for the museum. These include a circa 1929 tiered bugle-beaded evening gown attributed to French designer Jeanne Lanvin, and a circa 1925-28 Bradley's brocaded opera coat. 

The rare and early Jeanne Lanvin orientalist evening coat now in our care was reportedly exhibited in the French Pavilion of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in 1915. The other piece we acquired at the auction is a stunning, 1920s gold lamé evening jacket attributed to Parisian designer Margaine Lacroix. It is covered with beaded and sequined oriental figures, and like the Lanvin evening coat, is an interesting example of Western fashion inspired by Asian and Middle-Eastern cultures.

It will be several weeks before these fashions are cataloged and placed on exhibit. Watch our Facebook page for updates!

Coming to Fairbanks to see the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and other area attractions? Support the museum by staying right here at Wedgewood Resort.