40 Years of Japanese Fashion Archives at Auction

A Japanese breeze sweeps through Rue de Sèvres. From August 29 to October 18, Japan takes up residence on the Left Bank. At the heart of this celebration of creative excellence from the Land of the Rising Sun, a major event commands the attention of collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike: an exceptional auction of archival fashion curated by Pénélope’s Auction.

For the first time within the iconic department store, this sale honors over forty years of Japanese fashion history. The event brings together a rigorous selection of 225 lots spanning from the 1980s to 2022 collections. The selection encompasses everyday garments, runway silhouettes, women's ready-to-wear, menswear, and accessories created by the most prominent figures in Japanese design: Comme des Garçons under the direction of Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, Undercover, and Noir Kei Ninomiya.

Curated by expert Pénélope Blanckaert, who brings two decades of experience working with institutions and auction houses, this sale builds upon a celebrated inaugural initiative from October 2025. This new edition at Le Bon Marché significantly expands both its scope and ambition.

Ahead of the gavel drop, the pieces will be unveiled to the public in an exhibition open from Tuesday, October 13 to Sunday, October 18, 2026. The live auction will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM, directly inside the store. Conducted in tandem with the Drouot Live platform, the sale will allow floor bidders to compete in real time with collectors worldwide. Estimates range between €280 and €3,000 per lot - a rare opportunity to acquire museum-worthy garments or timeless wardrobe staples in an archive fashion market where the value of Japanese masters continues to rise.