Socialite Ann Lytle’s couture fashions, designer handbags and fine jewelry to be auctioned Feb. 27 in Savannah

Collection includes daywear, outerwear, bags, shoes, hats, watches and other accessories by Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, Hermes, Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, many more

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Hard-hearted Hannah may have been the legendary “vamp of Savannah,” but the city’s most colorful personality of recent memory was an art aficionado and community-minded socialite named Ann Lytle. A beloved Savannah figure who passed away in 2024, Lytle’s designer wardrobe and accessories will be offered to a new generation of fashionistas on February 27, at the third and final session of a three-day sale conducted by Everard Auctions.

Ann Lytle was known for her signature style of dress that unapologetically combined artful patterns with vibrant hues to achieve an eccentric, utterly original result every time she stepped outside her charming Bull Street residence in Savannah’s Historic District. Her eye-catching outfits were rivaled only by the colorful furniture and decorative art with which she filled her home. 

Lytle’s extensive collection of couture fashion and accessories will be presented in its entirety in the 447-lot auction. Selections include daywear, outerwear, bags, shoes, hats and other accessories. A Valentino long blue mink vest with leather-studded vertical inserts on both sides carries an estimate of $2,000-$3,000. Many Chanel jackets, long coats, jackets and chic dresses are included. A Chanel 2004 checked tweed long coat and matching skirt set is entered with an $800-$1,200 estimate, as is a wonderful 2019 white minidress with and gold trim and signature gold double-C buttons. 

Extremely reasonable estimates have been assigned to many fashions, such as a Valentino black-and-white striped maxi dress, a Sonia Rykiel fringed multi-colored skirt, and a Kate Spade long jacket with a charming camel motif. Each is guided by a $100-$200 estimate.

An ultra-chic Chanel cream calf leather matelassé En Vogue handbag estimated at $2,000-$3,000 is just one of many desirable Chanel accessories entered in the auction. They join an enviable group of luxury items from other prestigious brands, such as Dior, Valentino, Hermes, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo. 

A large collection of fine jewelry is featured alongside the couture lots, with some pieces coming from the Ann Lytle estate and others from collections and estates in Hilton Head, S.C., and across the Southeast. A showstopping GIA-certified 18K gold Bulgari Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond cocktail ring leads the offering with an estimate of $90,000-$120,000. The 6.52ct yellow diamond is bracketed by a pair of brilliant-cut white diamonds whose total weight is 1.03 carats. Timepieces by Cartier, Rolex, Hermes, Tiffany, Ebel and Omega also await bidders, with a highlight being a sophisticated Cartier 18K gold and diamond oval-face ladies watch estimated at $10,000-$15,000. 

The February 27 Couture, Designer Accessories & Jewelry Auction will start at 10 am EST. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online via Everard, LiveAuctioneers, Bidsquare or Invaluable. In-gallery previewing is available during normal business hours Feb. 20-21, or at other times by appointment. For more information on any item in the auction, call 912-231-1376 or email [email protected]. Everard is located at 2436 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31404. Online: https://www.everard.com