Good Taste Never Goes Out Of Style: Augusta Auctions’ February 18, 2026 Midwinter Marvels: Museum Fashion & Textile Treasures Event

Legendary 20th century fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) once noted, Fashion fades, style is eternal. And such is the case with Augusta Auctions’ Midwinter Marvels: Museum Fashion & Textile Treasures sale on February 18, 2026. This finely cataloged and curated event features 230 lots of century-spanning daywear, formal wear, outerwear, footwear, and related accessories from premier institutions including The Valentine Museum of Richmond, VA; The Museum at FIT of New York City; the Brooklyn Museum’s Costume Collection; and the International Quilt Museum of Lincoln, NE. Check out these red-carpet worthy highlights that are certain to catch the attention of fashionistas worldwide!

The top lot in this fashionable sale is #229, a Fortuny stenciled velvet evening jacket. This Italian made example from c. 1930 holds a presale estimate of $8,000-12,000. It is made from purple silk velvet which has been stenciled with a geometric Hispano-Moresque pattern in gold and bronze. It features 3/4 length flared sleeves and a proportionally boxy body. The interior is lined in dove grey silk satin. The jacket retains its “Mariano Fortuny, Venise” label.

Fortuny was the fashion house of designer Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949). His Venice based company was known for its exquisitely hand crafted clothing which included design elements based on ancient Asian, Byzantine, and Eastern traditions – often rendered in hand-dyed and printed silks and velvets. Fortuny’s most famous design was its Delphos dress, which was introduced around 1907. It featured intricate, permanent pleating and a flattering fit that did not require a corset. It remains a fan favorite nearly 120 years later, with fine examples selling in the four and five figure range today. 

This event includes a fine collection of formal dresses, including evening and wedding gowns from the 19th century onward. Lot #228, a Lucile brand wedding dress and veil, is estimated at $3,000-5,000. This cream silk organza and tulle wedding gown and matching silk tulle veil was made in Chicago around 1920. The gown is detailed with silver metallic hemstitch trim and a cream silk satin and silk crepe chiffon underskirt and is decorated with flowers and buds made from ribbon. The veil features a flower and bud crown and is edged silver metallic threads. The dress retains its original “Lucile Ltd, 1400 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago” label.

Lucile Ltd., an international fashion house, was founded by Lucy Christiana, Lady Duff-Gordon (British, 1863-1935). The brand was noted for its distinctly feminine styling, high-end lingerie, formal wear, and wedding wear, often styled with handmade fabric flowers. Lucile Ltd.’s clientele read like a who’s who of the era, and included affluent families, international royalty, and Hollywood celebrities. The company had offices in Chicago, London, New York, and Paris, and was in business through the 1930s. 

Antique to vintage outerwear is also well represented in this signature mid-winter sales event. Lot #227, a Gallenga attributed stenciled velvet evening coat, is estimated at $2,000-4,000. This long sleeved example has a puffy collar and was produced around 1926. It is made from blue silk that has been stenciled with a gold and silver motif inspired by a 15th century pattern. The coat is unsigned but attributed to Maria Monaci Gallenga.  

Textile and fashion designer Maria Monaci Gallenga (Italian, 1880–1944) was also a scholar of medieval and Renaissance history. These influences were often noted in her textile designs and as well as names. She worked with her husband, Peter Gallenga, to create a process for block printing that gave her custom produced fabrics especially brilliant coloration as well as metallic highlights. On September 30, 2025, Akiba Galleries of Dania Beach, FL, sold lot #0313, a Maria Monaci Gallenga silk velvet cape for $3,840 on its $500-1,500 presale estimate. 

Also on offer is a fine collection of century-spanning footwear. Lot #219, a pair of ladies silk shoes from the c. 1775-1785 timeframe, is estimated at $800-1,200. These were produced in Great Britain and are made from figured cream silk woven with silver metallic stripes and nature-inspired textures and patterns.  Their detailing includes Italian heels, white silk bindings, leather soles, and linen-covered leather insoles. 

These shoes have all the hallmarks of fine Georgian-era (c. 1714 to 1837) women’s footwear designed for formal or dress occasions. Often hand-made from custom produced silk, patterned damask, and/or fine leathers, these shoes usually featured high, curvy heels, pointed toes, and oversized decorative buckles or rosettes. It is interesting to note that most shoes through nearly half of the 19th century were made on straight lasts – meaning there was no difference between shoes for the right or left foot. 

This sale comes full circle with fashion accessories, tailoring apparatus, handbags, hats, and other textile related materials. Lot #133, a 1860s-era Point De Gaze lace veil, is estimated at $3,000-6,000. This extremely well tatted example features a beautifully rendered spotted mesh background and lovely decorative accents.

For more information on Augusta Auctions’ February 18, 2026 Midwinter Marvels: Museum Fashion & Textile Treasures, please see https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/augusta-auctions/midwinter-marvels-museum-fashion-textile-treasures-22283.