The pandemic is lending a modern twist to French vintage fashion sales

Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, that have travelled in Africa during the Citroen Black Cruise in 1924-1925, are pictured at the Gros & Delettrez auction house in Paris. Photo: Reuters

In Artcurial's auction house overlooking the shuttered boutiques of the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, vintage fashion expert Clara Vivien is overseeing the sale of hundreds of Chanel jackets, shoes and jewelled accessories – all online.

Paris may be the world's fashion capital, but a third Covid-19 lockdown is once again sending lovers of luxury who have time to spare and money to spend on to their screens in search of a the next vintage Chanel dress or Hermes handbag.