I recently came across an unusual but wonderful auction that takes place annually known as “Frimousses Designers”.
A “Frimousse” is a strange French word – it means a “cute/sweet little face” – like you’d get on a doll, which is appropriate for this auction since it’s mostly about designer dolls.
“Paris, c’est une brune” by Chantal Thomass,
The Frimousse Designers auction has been taking place since 2003 and all the proceeds are for the benefit of UNICEF who use the funds to fund charitable programmes in Darfur. Top fashion designers, jewellers and artist are invited to participate by creating something to be auctioned and the designer dolls are very popular entries.
When I say designer dolls – I’m talking Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean-Paul Gaulthier, Gucci, St Laurent, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Pierre Hermé and lots more – pretty much a “Who’s Who” of the world of haute couture designer kingdom.
The 2013 theme is “Wonderful Paris”, in honour the capital of fashion and designers are asked to use their imagination and create a Frimousse to go under the hammer – not literally, but for auction in Paris. Some designers have provided drawings and sculptures, as well as dolls and according to the auction website, the starting estimate is €500 for each item.
All the designs will go on show from November 25 to December 1, 2013 at the Petit Palais, Paris Fine Art Museum
The auction takes place at the chic Four Seasons George V Hotel in the evening of December 2, 2013 (details on the Artcurial website below).
Photos Courtesy of Artcurial, Paris auction house for Frimousses Designers
