The Edward Crutchley Research Archive, comprising over 100 lots of designer fashion by leading labels such as Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, will be coming up for sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 20th November as part of the Fashion, Costume and Textiles Sale.
The archive was assembled by Yorkshire-born designer Edward Crutchley, who has worked with many of the leading names in fashion including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Fendi. Included in the archive are unique samples, limited-edition pieces, and textiles gathered from around the world during years of travel and research.
Edward says of his archive:
“Throughout my career I have collected not simply beautiful objects, but sources of inspiration. Every textile, garment, book and artefact has been acquired because it taught me something about the history of dress, the ingenuity of its makers or the cultural stories woven into cloth. It is the working archive that informed my practice as a designer, and it is my hope that these objects will continue to inspire their next custodians, just as they have inspired me”.
Highlights of the collection include a pair of Air Dior, Dior x Air Jordan 1 High Trainers, designed by Kim Jones to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Air Jordan, which are expected to sell for £5,000-8,000 (all figures exclude buyer’s premium). The collaboration between the two iconic labels made its debut at the Dior Men’s Pre-Fall 2020 runway show in Miami, marking the first fashion partnership in Air Jordan’s history. With only 8,500 pairs of high trainers made, many of which were given to Dior’s VIP clientele, these trainers are highly coveted amongst collectors.
A rare Louis Vuitton x Supreme Monogram Red Denim Christmas Stocking designed by Kim Jones was the result of the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and the New York-based skate and streetwear designer Supreme, which brought together high-end fashion and streetwear for the first time. The collaboration was launched in 2017, and the stocking is only one of three to exist, the other two are owned by Kim Jones and Supreme’s former owner James Jebbia, and it will be offered with an estimate of £800-1,200.
Several pieces from Dior Homme’s collaboration with Lewis Hamilton will also be on offer, including a Neon Green Oblique Silk Oversized Shirt and Short Set from the Fall 2025 Capsule Collection (estimate: £600-800). The collaboration between Dior Men and Lewis Hamilton explored the intersection of luxury fashion, sport and cultural identity. Building on their first collaboration, Hamilton worked with Dior to create a collection influenced by his interest in Africa and Afrofuturism, combining traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary, futuristic aesthetic.
Fascinated by the textiles, Edward collected many interesting garments from around the world, and on offer in the sale will be such highlights as a Hinggi Ikat Cloth that originated from East Sumba in Indonesia, and which features Dutch heraldic-inspired crests referencing the lasting influence of colonial trade and culture in the region (estimate: £100-200), and two mid to late 20th century Japanese Formal Silk Furisode or formal robes worn by unmarried women, which are recognisable by the deep, flowing sleeves (estimate: £100-200).
“People often think fashion is about trends or taste. I have never really believed that. At its best, clothing is one of the most immediate records of human culture we possess. It tells us who people were, what they valued and how they wanted to be seen”. – Edward Crutchley
ABOUT EDWARD CRUTCHLEY
Fashion Designer Edward Crutchley grew up in the Yorkshire Dales, and a fascination with clothing and textiles was sparked by a school art project. After studying at Central Saint Martins, he began his career at Betty Jackson before working under Claire Waight Keller at Pringle of Scotland where he developed a deep appreciation for exceptional fabrics, craftsmanship and luxury.
Moving to Paris, Edward spent eleven years designing prints and textiles for Louis Vuitton, first under Marc Jacobs and later Kim Jones. Working with artisans and specialist makers around the world transformed his understanding of textiles. Research journeys to Japan, China, Indonesia and numerous other countries introduced him to extraordinary traditions of weaving, dyeing, embroidery and craftsmanship, and it was during these travels that the foundations of this archive were laid.
Alongside his work in Paris, Edward established his own label which showed at London Fashion Week for over ten years. His work was worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and Nicole Kidman, and exhibited at the V&A and Kensington Palace. In 2019 he became the first designer to win both the International Woolmark Prize and its Innovation Award. Subsequent roles at Christian Dior and Fendi allowed Edward to continue collaboration with some of the world’s finest textiles mills, embroiderers and craftspeople.
View Sale Details
