Derek Thompson

7

in f o r m

Change of pace

For a while it looked like London was going to lose a treasure. After 30 years supplying ‘wearable costume’ for film and selling inspirational garments to individuals and designers such as John Galliano, Romeo Gigli and Stella McCartney, the Gallery of Costume & Textiles was on the verge of closing its doors. Fortunately when the time came Justin and Kyra Segal found they just couldn’t bear to part with it.

The Gallery was founded by their father Lionel Segal in the late 70s and offers exceptional pieces far removed from the ‘interesting’ mixture of tat and treasure found in most vintage stores. Very few of the pieces on sale are later than the 1940s, with the exception of the beautiful collections recently designed by Kyra.

The success of her collections may have provided the germ of an idea how to keep the Gallery in the family. They have refined their already selective stock – some will be auctioned by Kerry Taylor in association with Sotherbys in June – and expanded the range of individual services they offer. In their three-storey Georgian townhouse GACT arrange the occasional champagne soirée that doubles as an opportunity to dress up in borrowed finery and then buy it. They will undertake research on your behalf and find you the perfect dress for any occasion – even the once in lifetime ones. Bride-to-be in a state of despair should view their range of bridal wear that includes panelled 1930’s style silk dresses hand dyed in delicious shades of iced green, lavender or silver. The range is firmly descrbed as ‘non bridal’ and is suited to those who envision themselves slinking stylishly down the aisle rather than hurtling toward the groom like a merengue in a food fight. Its an option that will be greeted with delight... definitely a change for the better.

Gallery of Antique Costume and Textiles, by appointment T: 0845 207 9981 www.gact.co.uk Auction, June 26th, Sotheby’s New Bond Street, T: 020 8676 4600 www.kerrytaylorauctions.com s e l v e d g e . o r g