What defines American style the most?

Look no further than the auction from the CFDA and Sotheby’s, which is open for bidding now through January 23. It’s titled CFDA: Defining American Style and features some of the most iconic, breathtaking looks in American fashion history. Take, for example, the red Liberty Dress Norma Kamali custom-made for The Embellishment of the Statue of Liberty exhibition at Barneys New York, or the Michael Kors suit Nicole Kidman wore in the “We Make Movies Better” Campaign in AMC Theatres.

The highly-curated auction features 37 pieces that powerfully weave together the story of American fashion, from James Galanos, Pauline Trigère, Bob Mackie, and Patrick Kelly to Mary McFadden, Ralph Rucci, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein and Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler. The latter is a custom number Kim Kardashian wore to the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards.

In addition, the auction offers legendary looks worn by Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Anna Wintour, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow, and Jessica Chastain.

“When you think of American craftsmanship and fashion, you must first think of the incredible stories that people are telling here…and the diversity in storytelling that nowhere else in the world offers…that’s what you’ll see in the pieces each designer has chosen… the breadth of the creativity that happens here in America,” CFDA Chairman Thom Browne said.

The looks are on view in Sotheby’s New York galleries from 12 – 20 January, and all proceeds from the sale will go to the CFDA Foundation, which benefits CFDA Scholarships and business mentoring to nurture the next generation of American fashion.

The auction will take place alongside the first edition of Visions of America sale and exhibition showcasing an unprecedented selection of American craftsmanship from important private collections and institutions across a week-long series of auctions, events, and experiences, putting fashion directly in conversation with the finest art and objects spanning more than 400 years.

“The collaboration of CFDA with Sotheby’s for this unprecedented auction of major American fashion pieces was a natural synergy,” added CFDA CEO Steven Kolb. “The auction items are significant pieces of American fashion history in their range and craftsmanship and in the unique stories they tell.”

View the online catalogue here.

A special thank you to the participating designers as well as the following collectors of fashion who donated special pieces to the auction:

Amy Fine Collins (James Galanos, Pauline Trigère & Geoffrey Beene), Kim Kardashian (Proenza Schouler), Marilyn Kirschner (Anna Sui), Yvonne Miller (Bill Blass), Keesean Moore/Moore Vintage (Patrick Kelly & Stephen Burrows), Chris Royer (Calvin Klein), and Anna Wintour (Oscar de la Renta).