The Costume Council Of LACMA is known for its contributions to style and fashion through its programming vehicles. This week’s curated-led tour was held at the beautiful Hertiage Auction of Los Angeles.

Kathleen Guzman, a true visionary, who you may have also seen on the “Antiques Roadshow”, is the Managing Director of the luxury auction house, took us on a glimpse of a journey into the world of the auction industry. With a landmark beginning, Kathleen first auctioned the Marilyn Monroe estate where she was the first to view all of Marilyn’s belongings. To add to an impressive list of work, she was also responsible for Dorothy’s red slippers and Tom Thumb’s estate both to be auctioned. Guzman has quite the resume in her field also to be named the second woman to be a licensed auctioneer.

Heritage Auctions’ twice yearly sale event gives collector’s and the fashion obsessed the opportunity to purchase luxury items not readily available to the general public. Guzman said the collection currently on view, which is set to auction on April 29, is special because “It’s the opportunity to see more Hermès in one place than in an Hermès shop. These bags are [usually] special order or only available to VIP clients. That fact that they are available to purchase is an amazing opportunity.”

LACMA was founded in 1965 and has since been dedicated to building an encyclopedic collection of art that represents the diverse and unique population of Los Angeles. The Costume Council is the largest of the museum’s ten Art Councils with the most expansive slate of programs. The mission of the Costume Council is to expand public awareness of fashion, design, costume and textiles as art — something it achieves through events including curator-led tours of special exhibitions, studio visits with notable designers,lectures by prominent scholars, red carpet film premieres, fashion shows, cocktail receptions,book signings with influential authors, behind-the-scenes previews and more.Recent programs with Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Cirque du Soleil and Judith Leiber have garnered press coverage across the globe from Reuters, the International Herald Tribune and Canal Plus to Vogue, C Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, across social media and with every major television news station.

The Costume Council has several upcoming affairs to look forward to. For instance,Hal Rubinstein, InStyle Fashion Director, will appear on May 9, 2012 to discuss his book 100 Unforgettable Dresses. The Costume Council Gala Finale program will commence on June 20, to celebrate 100 Years of Western Costume Company. There will be a fashion show with costumes from films of the last 100 years + as well as an Academy-Award winning costume designer presentation and a festive, red carpet cocktail party for approximately 600 guests. For tickets go to www.costumecouncil.org

To learn more about the Costume Council and how to join visit www.costumecouncil.org  For questions or inquiries please email: [email protected]