Pepito Albert And Maurice Arcache’s Collections Are Up For Grabs In An Estate Sale

In the last few months, Manila society lost two icons who’ve left an indelible mark. Maurice Arcache, the indefatigable chronicler of the country’s social scene passed away in February , with renegade fashion designer Pepito Albert taking his final bow at the end of May. Both are reunited in a rare celebrity estate sale for gavel&block’s October edition, which  features the art, books, furniture and objects that Arcache and Albert accumulated in their lifetime. 

A survey of the lots from both estates offers a revealing glimpse into their private lives, away from the swank gatherings where Arcache often regaled guests with hilarious tales and the haut monde that Albert impeccably dressed. 

Arcache’s collection is a delightful collision of styles and genres, which displays the refined tenor of his upbringing as a privileged scion from an older generation as well as his evolved taste. There are elaborately carved candelabras, Tiffany-style lamps, antique pottery, alongside  ashtrays from luxury brands Cartier and Hermes, and Versace by Rosenthal canape dishes. His art is just as diverse,  the languid landscape by Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza (SYM) contrasting with the surreal imagery and explosive colors of Charlie Co’s works. Among the furniture offered at auction is a lavish display cabinet, elaborately carved with oriental motifs, the ebony finish giving it an unexpected Gothic vibe. 

Outside the glitzy world of fashion, Albert was enthralled by art of just about every kind, amassing quite an inventory of prints, sculptures, and paintings. A selection from his estate shows an independent collecting streak, which echoes his design ethos. There are works by contemporary artists like Valeria Cavestany, Jason Oliveria, and a portrait by Joseph Tecson among many others. 

Albert also enjoyed collecting toys, like Jason Montinola’s sculpture from The Sensational Painter series and the KAWS,BAPE Dissected Milo toy - a highly-coveted collaborative piece with Japanese fashion brand Bathing Ape. Fans of his designs are in for a rare treat with a jacket, vest and a pair of pants, all impeccably tailored and made from Inabel fabric, up for bidding. 

All these objects from Albert will be curated in a setting that will give viewers the opportunity to appreciate Albert’s personal collection in the context of his public persona as one of Manila’s fashion design legends.

There’s more to bid for in this extraordinary edition of gavel&block. From pop art ( a set of original animation cels featuring Popeye, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and the Peanuts Gang),  works by contemporary artists like Geraldine Javier, Andres Barrioquinto, and Yeo Kaa, to paintings and studies by established artists and masters like Juan Luna Y Novicio’s study for La Batalla de Lepanto, Onib Olmedo’s Mother and Child, and Arturo Luz’s Still Life. 

The furniture and antiques section boasts of lots from various eras, such as the towering narra botica cabinet, an ornately carved dining table by Nuguid, an intriguing St. Joseph shadow box, and magnificent cherubs and pomegranate relief. 

With over 500 lots offered at auction, gavel&block’s October edition promises to be an exciting sale. 

gavel&block’s October edition is supported by Exclusive Bank Partner HSBC. Preview starts October 14, Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-6pm. For  inquiries,  email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone +63 917 825 7449 | +63 917 591 2191 | +63 917 107 5581. For updates, follow @galvelandblock on Instagram and Facebook.