Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Lúcia Moreira Salles Late Fashion Model and Noted Philanthropist was an Inspiration to Chanel and Valentino Will be sold at Sotheby’s in New York on 9 December 2009

On 9 December 2009, Sotheby’s New York will offer magnificent jewels from the collection of former Brazilian model and philanthropist Lúcia Moreira Salles. Salles’ career began in Paris at the end of the 1950s, and in the 1960s she became a muse for both Valentino and Coco Chanel, at one point working as Chanel’s exclusive house model. Salles’ collection reflects the innate style and elegance for which she was revered – classic examples by great designers of the 20th century including JAR, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Verdura and Bulgari; stunning natural pearls and spectacular stones in every color.

“Refined, elegant and glamorous – words that describe both the woman and her jewelry,” commented Lisa Hubbard, Chairman, North and South America, of Sotheby’s International Jewelry Department. “Lúcia Moreira Salles did not collect to impress; these are pieces that she loved to wear and which were part of the remarkable style that enabled her to work for two of the most influential fashion designers of all time during a legendary era in Paris. In talking with people close to her, we learned that as a collector, she was actively engaged with her collection – often working with her favorite jewelers to reinterpret individual pieces.

Her taste was impeccable and the December auction will afford collectors the rare opportunity to pursue not only the highest quality jewels, but also an element of her seemingly effortless style.” 

In addition to her successful modeling career, Salles was also a dedicated philanthropist, recognized for her efforts from Brazil to New York. Among her greatest passions was the Synergos Institute, which combats poverty and social injustice around the world. She was also president of Riovoluntário, a non-governmental organization based in Rio de Janeiro that trains volunteers for other NGOs and is renowned for its work on behalf of children. But, perhaps Salles is best known for a remarkable act of generosity she bestowed upon the Morgan Library & Museum in New York just before her death in January of this year - a gift of a lost collection of Oscar Wilde’s manuscripts and letters.

Ms. Hubbard continued, “JAR is the most sought-after jeweler of our time. Any occasion to acquire pieces by JAR signifies a major event and opportunity for collectors.”

NATURAL PEARLS

“Lúcia Moreira Salles loved pearls and she owned a remarkable array – natural, cultured, short, long, double and single strand – which are certain to appeal to connoisseurs all over the world.”

EFFORTLESS STYLE “Lúcia’s taste and style is reflected in merely her choice of bracelets – from an exquisitely made period ruby bracelet, to the Verdura bracelets evocative of Chanel’s style, to a dramatic pair of Van Cleef & Arpels textured gold cuffs, similar in design to those famously worn by another 20th century style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.”

Prior to the auction, highlights from the Salles collection will be exhibited this fall in Hong Kong, Geneva, California and New York.