JASON JOBSON & JUDITH LYNCH AT FERRAGAMOReaders of this site know that sales of any kind are not the usual topics covered on any of our pages. In fact, in the three years since I launched aLIFEofSTYLE.com, I have never written about the oh-so-popular designer resales. Although the requests come in regularly, I've never felt comfortable giving one my stamp of approval. 
COCO'S PROFILE - CALF/ FELT W/ COSTUME JEWELRY That is, until this month! A very special private sale is happening now in Michigan and it is one that any serious fan of designer handbags should not miss. It makes sense that a super chic woman is behind this rare event. 
GUCCI TOTE & DRAWSTRING IN PRISTINE CONDITION Judith Lynch has style by the mile, and she is that special type of collector that has put her on the "best customer" list of the biggest names in fashion. Ms. Lynch is a trunk show staple at the Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue in Troy, Michigan - however that's just when she is in her home town. A connoisseur of fashion like Judith has the private numbers of sales associates in New York and Beverly Hills, and she has been known to do some serious shopping in Florence, Paris, and a list of international cities. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel are among her favorites, as well as Dior and Celine - and her inventory is in the hundreds.
In all my years in the industry, I have never seen a collection like Judith's. 
VINTAGE LOUIS VUITTON VALISE In fact, I personally witnessed many of the purchases made in Troy, during various events and trunk shows over the years. If a handbag was unique or limited, Judith was drawn to it. Like a serious collector of fine art or jewelry, Ms. Lynch has the skill of an editor. Her natural instinct and style gives her the ability to look at a collection of thirty bags and know which will be the top three or four best sellers. Obviously one smart cookie, it is no surprise that Ms. Lynch has an engineering degree and has worked in the automotive industry for many years. Even with the tremendous challenges that industry has seen, Lynch remains a sought after consultant in the field, specializing in drive systems. Style and brains - winning combination!
CHANEL COSTUME JEWELRY - NECKLACE, BRACELET, EARRINGS
It makes sense that handbags have attracted a serious class of collectors over the last ten years. The quality and savoir faire that are utilized to create these bags has never been higher or finer. Certainly, the price points too have reached astronomic levels. Putting everything in perspective - handbags and shoes have risen dramatically when compared to ready to wear clothing. When I worked with Thierry Mugler fifteen years ago, a skirt suit retailed for $3,000.00, and that was one of the most expensive in the industry. 
CHANEL -PINK TWEED CLASSIC At that time, it was possible to purchase a designer handbag on the main floor of Neiman Marcus for $800 - $1,000.00. Fast forward fifteen years and a designer skirt suit is now about $4,000.00 - (typically broken up as a $3,300.00 jacket and $900.00 skirt). Handbags on the other hand now regularly retail for 3, 4, and $5,000.00 from many designers - some with no legacy at all. So while clothing has increased 30% to 40%, bags have increased 4 to 500%! Serious collectables indeed!
Ms. Lynch's love of designer creations doesn't stop with handbags. 
CHRISTIAN DIOR TOTE WITH HARDWARE Her collection of costume jewelry is probably the largest private collection in the U.S., and that means - probably in the world! In many cases, Judith would buy multiples of the same style - keeping them intact and ticketed - just as any true collector would!
Just like many who collect antique furniture, fine art, or jewelry, Judith has reached the point where she is finished collecting. No one can say when or why, put only the collector knows when they are done. Judith and I caught up at a Ferragamo Creations event in Troy and she let me know she was planning her sale.
WRIST TO ENVY! - ARM FULL OF LOUIS VUITTON RESIN BRACELETS After gifting dozens of items to friends and family, she has decided to sell her carefully cataloged and organized collection. The bags are kept packed away like little works of art, and they are carefully stored in a professional facility. Judith plans to arrange small group showings, or one on one appointments before the holidays, and a public sale sometime in the new year.
This opportunity is not to be missed, and I highly recommend passing along this information to any fashion fan you have in your life!
To inquire about this most spectacular collection-Click- Email Judith