Following over thirty-five years of auctions dedicated to fashion, Christie’s is presenting Vintage Couture, the first in a series of carefully curated live auctions to feature couture, rare vintage pieces and the holy grail of luxury – Hermès handbags.

The sale presents the chance to acquire exceptional early 20th century pieces from the top fashion houses of the era, such as Dior, Balmain, Schiaparelli, Fortuny and Patou – as well as an extensive Jeanne Lanvin wardrobe, from the collection of Spanish film star Cátalina Bárcena. There are more modern aesthetics represented by Ossie Clark, Yoji Yamamoto, Gaultier, Chloe, Lacroix and Versace and the rarest and most exotic luxury handbags by Hermès. It’s a palpitation-inducing treasure trove.

All of the items will be available to browse at Christie’s Old Brompton Road galleries in South Kensington, London, from 24th to 28th November 2012 – with the live auction scheduled to take place in London on 29th November. Remote bidding via telephone and Christie’s Live as well as real-time bids are both available if you prefer the stealth approach.

Vintage Couture will run alongside the Vintage Couture Handbags and Shoes Online Only auction, which comprises 59 lots and features a selection of Hermès and Chanel handbags and wallets, as well as a collection of Christian Louboutin shoes. The accessories sale will begin on the 16th November and will run for two weeks, with bidding ending on the 30th November.

If before you read this you were just teetering on the brink of addiction, this should settle things nicely.

For details visit www.christies.com, or you can appreciate the auction’s full bounty by browsing the catalogue here.