In Paris, a remarkable fashion history unfolds as 252 exquisite items from Chanel’s couture legacy, curated by the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, are set to go under the hammer. The wardrobe, belonging to real estate entrepreneur Mouna Ayoub, a French socialite of Lebanese origin, boasts the world’s largest collection of couture, totaling over 2,700 items. The auction features standout pieces, including a sequined “ribbon” dress from the spring/summer 1991 collection, requiring 150 hours for creation and an additional 250 hours for embroidery. Another highlight is a silk crepe dress with chains from the following year, identical to one worn by Penélope Cruz in the film Broken Embraces. Both are anticipated to fetch between €12,000 and €15,000, but it is the latter that Ayoub finds most challenging to part with.
Among the treasures is an evening coat, meticulously embroidered over 800 hours to evoke Coromandel lacquered screens. Ayoub fondly recalls wearing it in the presence of Karl Lagerfeld, styling it open over a turtleneck and pants. Estimated to fetch between €150,000 and €200,000, this coat holds sentimental value for Ayoub.Known for her passion for couture craftsmanship, Ayoub reportedly displayed her collection in a glass-walled wardrobe in her office in Riyadh, allowing her to admire the creations while working. The Chanel designs span from the early 1990s to 2014, with some modeled by iconic figures like Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington.
Surprisingly, many of these couture pieces, if not most, have never been worn. Ayoub, formerly married to Saudi business executive Nasser Rashid, explains that she was restricted from wearing certain styles during her marriage, and as a result, these pristine garments are now available for someone else to cherish and wear.
At the age of 66, Ayoub is parting with these items because they no longer fit, making space for new additions. She plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to Fondation des Femmes, a French charity supporting women affected by violence and abuse.The auction, organized by Maurice Auction in Paris and conducted by British fashion auctioneer Kerry Taylor, marks a unique opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to acquire pieces that encapsulate the timeless elegance of Chanel’s couture under the creative genius of Karl Lagerfeld.
