
It was the most precious address in the world of high-end vintage fashion, and it’s about to disappear. Didier Ludot, “l’antiquaire de la mode”, is retiring and closing his Palais Royal boutique for good.
Fashion antique dealer Didier Ludot closes store
Paris is about to lose one of its iconic vintage fashion addresses, its world-famous haute-couture version of Ali Baba’s cave, which had, among its customers, Catherine Deneuve, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone and Kate Moss! In 1974, Didier Ludot set up store on the outskirts of the Palais Royal. It was in the Galerie Montpensier that, in addition to international film stars, he welcomed fashion enthusiasts and lovers of fine fabrics in search of collector’s items, rarities– in short, a small part of the textile and cultural heritage of recent decades!
In his store, a sanctuary of exceptional fashion, you could come across creations by Yves Saint Laurent (to whom he devoted a cult following), but also Christian Dior, Jeanne Lanvin or Cristóbal Balenciaga outfits. From his love, passion and expertise, he earned a nickname:fashion antique dealer! After 50 years, the man who has hunted down and preserved so many collector’s items will be bringing down the curtain on his store for good.
An auction with 350 remarkable lots
The closure is also accompanied by an auction organized by Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr. Le Dernier Passage will showcase Didier Ludot’s treasures and 50 years of immoderate love for haute-couture for the very last time!
350 exceptional lots will be dispersed in two sales (between the end of January and the beginning of February), some of which will be on public display at the Bonhams auction house (in its hotel in the 8th arrondissement).
This exhibition will be a unique opportunity to contemplate exceptional and historic pieces by the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century, such as a Chanel tweed suit from 1971, a Christian Dior cocktail dress from 1959, and outfits by Madame Grès, Jean-Louis Scherrer, Fendi, Jean Dessès, Givenchy and Jean Patou.
📍 Venue: Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr
6 avenue Hoche, 75008 Paris
📆 Date: January 24 to 25, then January 27 to 29, 2025
🎟️ Price: free admission
Further information on the auction and the exhibition Le Dernier passage by Didier Ludot