leather sofa from portuguese Haute Couture Designer Manuela Gonçalves
By LuiLa, 11 May, 2025
Description
This leather sofa in excellent condition was owned by the portuguese Haute Couture Designer Manuela Gonçalves, who was one of the initiators of haute couture in Portugal.
Item Description: This is a vintage or mid-century style leather armchair featuring brown leather upholstery and sleek tubular chrome arms—typical of modernist design popular in the mid-20th century. The piece is visually striking in its minimalist elegance and is in excellent condition.
Provenance: The chair belonged to Manuela Gonçalves, a notable figure in Portuguese fashion and one of the pioneers of haute couture in Portugal. Provenance like this—especially when linked to a recognized designer—can add substantial value, particularly for collectors of fashion history or Portuguese design heritage.
Construction & Materials:
Upholstery: High-quality brown leather, well-preserved with no visible cracking or distress
Frame: Polished chrome or tubular steel arms, often used in Bauhaus-influenced or Art Deco designs
Design Era Influence: Likely mid-century modern (1940s–1960s), or a custom piece drawing from that style
Condition: Excellent – appears to be structurally sound, with maintained surface and original fittings
Estimated Value (as of 2025):
Market
Estimated Value
Retail/Gallery
$1,200 – $2,000 USD
Auction/Private Sale
$800 – $1,400 USD
With Provenance Documentation
Up to $2,500 USD
Note: Documented provenance (receipts, photos, catalog features, signed statements) could push the value higher—especially in Portugal, France, or collector markets focused on fashion memorabilia.
Recommendations:
1. Obtain Documentation: If possible, secure any proof of ownership or documentation linking this chair to Manuela Gonçalves. A signed letter, receipt, or photograph of her with the item would significantly enhance value.
2. Consider a Professional Appraisal: For insurance, auction, or museum inquiries, consider contacting:
CML - Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (for fashion archives)
Artcurial Portugal (Lisbon) or Christie's (Europe division)
International Society of Appraisers (ISA) or CINOA (for European pieces)
3. Ideal Markets to Sell (if desired later):
1stDibs.com
Pamono (EU-based design resale)
Local Portuguese design galleries
Fashion museum or couture exhibitions (as a donation or consignment)
Portuguese Haute Couture Leather Armchair
Item Description:
This is a vintage or mid-century style leather armchair featuring brown leather upholstery and sleek tubular chrome arms—typical of modernist design popular in the mid-20th century. The piece is visually striking in its minimalist elegance and is in excellent condition.
Provenance:
The chair belonged to Manuela Gonçalves, a notable figure in Portuguese fashion and one of the pioneers of haute couture in Portugal. Provenance like this—especially when linked to a recognized designer—can add substantial value, particularly for collectors of fashion history or Portuguese design heritage.
Construction & Materials:
Estimated Value (as of 2025):
Market
Estimated Value
Retail/Gallery
$1,200 – $2,000 USD
Auction/Private Sale
$800 – $1,400 USD
With Provenance Documentation
Up to $2,500 USD
Note: Documented provenance (receipts, photos, catalog features, signed statements) could push the value higher—especially in Portugal, France, or collector markets focused on fashion memorabilia.
Recommendations:
1. Obtain Documentation:
If possible, secure any proof of ownership or documentation linking this chair to Manuela Gonçalves. A signed letter, receipt, or photograph of her with the item would significantly enhance value.
2. Consider a Professional Appraisal:
For insurance, auction, or museum inquiries, consider contacting:
3. Ideal Markets to Sell (if desired later):