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A rare collection of items from top designers amassed by an elderly 'shopaholic'' before she died are going under the hammer in Derby.

HANDED a sum of money to enjoy before she died, an elderly woman suffering from a terminal illness used every penny she had to purchase unique designer items.

From a Paul Smith football, Dolce and Gabbana jewellery and rare Versace handbags – the woman collected more than 500 items.

Now, the fascinating collection is being auctioned off at Bamford Auctioneers, in Derby, at an evening fashion sale on Tuesday.

Justine Hammond-Wiseman, saleroom manager at the auctioneers, said it was a "unique" collection.

She said: "As far as we can gather, the lady was diagnosed with a terminal illness and decided she wanted to live her life before she went.

"She was given money before she died and spent it on designer labels.

"She really was a shopaholic. We have never seen a collection like this before."

Justine said the huge collection was brought in to the auctioneers, in Chequers Road, by the woman's husband, who did not want to be identified.

It is not known where the woman stored the items, nor how much the total collection is worth.

Extensive research has been carried out by the auctioneers to find out more about the host of quirky items, which are packed into half a showroom at the site waiting to be viewed by the public.

Among them is a Union Flag Alexander McQueen clutch bag, embossed with a skull clasp, with matching Union Flag boots.

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Justine said: "The retail price of the clutch was £1,000 and, having done some research, the bag is being sold on eBay for a buy-it-now price of £750.

"There are thousands and thousands of pounds worth – retail price – but we have no idea how they will sell, which is why we have not put any estimates on the products or reserves."

Sought-after designers range from Vivienne Westwood to Marc Jacobs and Dolce and Gabbana.

"We also have a selection of wooden handbags from Enid Collins, a Texas designer, with samples of her work as well," said Justine.

"And, for those who enjoy sport, there is a Dolce and Gabbana football, which was signed by the Italian football team from a couple of years ago. Some of these items you just cannot buy!"

A black "bondage-style" Dolce and Gabbana dress laced with buckles is also among items on the dressing rail – still with its original price tag of £370.

A quirky range from Beverley Hills designer Timmy Woods is also up for grabs. They include unusual handbags in the form of a rabbit, frog, deck of cards, butterfly and monkey.

"There is also an Eiffel Tower-shaped bag, which is the same one that Carrie Bradshaw, out of Sex and the City, had in the TV series," said Justine.

The collection is to be sold in 310 different lots. More than 100 pairs of shoes are being sold, both individually and in lots.

But what would an elderly woman want with such expensive designer items? "From looking at the shoes, the sizes range from a woman's size five to seven," said Justine.

"There is the suggestion that she collected the items as opposed to wore them, although some do look worn.

"Many of the items are still in their dust bags and boxes and a lot of the jewellery and clothes still have their tags on. Some of it has never even been touched. This collection is a shopaholic's dream."

Justine said the sale was the first of its kind.

She said: "We do not know what to expect. We hope that people come along and, hopefully, get themselves a bargain."

DRESS TO IMPRESS

AN evening fashion sale will be held on Tuesday, July 1, at Bamfords Auctioneers, in Chequers Road, Derby.

More than 500 items will go under the hammer, including 100 pairs of shoes.

Designers range from Vivienne Westwood to Dolce and Gabbana.

The public can view the collection on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm at the auctioneers and on Tuesday from 1pm to 7pm. The sale takes place at 5pm on Tuesday. Nibbles and drinks will be served.

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