In Paris, an Evening Celebrating the Upcoming Ann and Gordon Getty Sale at Christie’s

Ahead of the auction of the Ann and Gordon Getty collection, Christie’s hosted an evening of conversation and music in Paris. Located in the lush 8th arrondissement, the auction house beautifully displayed selected works from the sale, which will hit the block later this month in New York to benefit the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation for the Arts. 1,500 lots include pictures by Degas, Monet, and Picasso, as well as fine furniture and antiques. Some of the most remarkable items are the brilliant textiles that Mrs. Getty lovingly acquired over decades. 

In a special partnership, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia of Oscar de la Renta designed one-of-a-kind dresses and bags using pieces (or, as Kim jokes, “scraps”) from Getty’s collection. Kim and Garcia—joined by deputy chairman, Jonathan Rendell, and specialist Jennifer Wright—spoke to an intimate audience about the process of working with these exceptionally rare, 18th and 17th-century textiles.

“When we first saw the fabrics and trims,” Kim recalled.“ It was almost like going to a museum. For us, it was such a learning experience. ”

Ann Getty maintained a close relationship with Oscar de la Renta, whom Kim and Garcia worked under before his death in 2014. Both designers spoke of the playful sense of exploration that de la Renta embodied and that Ann Getty shared.

“It was incredibly inspiring,” Garcia said. “It shouldn’t be surprising to hear that after ten years or more in the industry, we still get excited about things that we don’t often see, especially that were produced before our time as a designer.”

 After the conversation, guests moved into the gallery space to enjoy a Champagne toast. As attendees moved through the rooms, a string quartet played.