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Chado Ralph Rucci strapless alligator and silk gown ($2,5/4,000), 2000s.

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Bob Mackie purple draped silk chiffon evening gown, 1990s ($500/700).

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Black calfskin Hermes “Kelly” ($700/900).

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FOR 5/23

FREEMAN’S WILL PRESENT COUTURE AUCTION JUNE 9 w/3 cuts

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN. — Since 2004 Freeman’s has held couture auctions that have become a twice-yearly destination for museums, collectors and dealers, as well as for women looking to add top-notch frocks to their closets.

This auction, to be held in Freeman’s Center City galleries at 1808 Chestnut Street on Monday, June 9 at 10 am, features a large collection of contemporary couture, all from private collections both local and far-flung.

A smaller selection of vintage will kick off the sale, with perennial names such as Malcolm Starr, Mollie Parnis, Stavropoulos, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Norman Norell. A local woman is selling her (mostly unworn) collection of bespangled St John skirt suits; a collector in Dubai is selling some of her collection, including Chanel shoes and handbags and some spectacular evening gowns from designers such as Alberta Ferretti, Michael Kors and Narcisso Rordiquez.

Also in this sale will be 150 lots sold to benefit the Ann B. Ritt Charitable Trust; 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the trust, which supports a myriad of local and national organizations, including the fine and performing arts, education, Judaic traditions, and integral, as well as alternative medical research.

Included in this section will be gowns, separates, shoes (primarily Manolo Blahniks) and spectacular handbags. Most of the collection is contemporary, but there are a few vintage gems in the mix, including a lovely selection of Galanos, all purchased at the sorely, missed Rittenhouse Square Nan Duskin.

Several dozen Jean-Paul Gaultier Maille pieces (to be sold in lots), Chanel suits and knits, Bill Blass and Scassi gowns, as well as purses from the most coveted designers will all be offered.

Previews are June 4 through June 6, 10 am to 4 pm, and also June 7, noon to 5 pm. There are a limited number of private exhibition hours available by appointment.

On June 6 at 6 pm Freeman’s will hold its “Diamond Diva” cocktail party, which in its fourth incarnation will be benefiting the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. The Diamond Diva party is a “girls’ night out” featuring a live DJ, cocktails, a cheese tasting provided by the Weaver’s Way Cooperative, and desserts, as well as chances to win prizes by raffle and give to charity.

The couture sale is on exhibit during the party, as well as a selection of fine jewels to be sold in Freeman’s Fine Jewelry Sale, Sunday, June 8 at 2 pm.

Call 215-563-9275 or visit www.freemansauction.com for information.