An Alexander Wang sleeveless drop-shoulder hoodie from the personal wardrobe of Kim Gordon, acquired directly from “Kim Gordon’s Closet Sale” — a curated personal wardrobe sale held at Submission Beauty, 3021 Rowena Avenue, Los Angeles, on August 27, 2023, hosted by stylist Turner and announced by Gordon via her personal Instagram account (@kimletgordon). This lot additionally includes a limited edition Pleasures x Sonic Youth “Alien Crochet Doll” — a rework of the iconic doll created by artist Mike Kelley for the Dirty album cover (long sold out).
Historical Context
Kim Gordon is one of the most significant figures in American alternative music, art, and culture of the past four decades — as the co-founder and bassist/vocalist of Sonic Youth, as a visual artist, fashion collaborator, and author of the memoir Girl in a Band (2015). Her personal aesthetic — rooted in downtown New York minimalism, art-world cool, and an instinctive engagement with contemporary fashion — has been as influential as her music. Alexander Wang, the New York-based designer whose label is synonymous with the kind of understated, architecturally precise sportswear Gordon favors, is a natural fit for her wardrobe.
The “Kim Gordon’s Closet Sale” was announced by Gordon directly on her personal Instagram on August 21, 2023, hosted by stylist Turner — the same Turner (@turnerturner) who has worked with Grimes and whose involvement in the sale is referenced in Gordon’s own post. Gordon noted: “We have been purging thru her closet and I must say, there are gems!” The event was a small, limited sale of personal items, with proceeds benefiting the environmental non-profit 5 Gyres.
Dirty (1992) was Sonic Youth’s major label debut on DGC Records, widely regarded as one of the defining albums of the alternative rock era. Its cover features the now-iconic crocheted orange doll — the subject of the Pleasures licensed replica puppet included in this lot.
Specifications
· Hoodie: Alexander Wang sleeveless drop-shoulder zip hoodie; heather grey cotton fleece exterior; cream/natural fleece interior lining; silver-tone zipper; relaxed architectural cut with drop-shoulder construction and kangaroo pocket. Label: Alexander Wang, Size S, 100% Cotton.
· Crochet doll: Pleasures x Sonic Youth “Alien Crochet Doll” (Vendor Code: P23SY022-ORANGE) — a limited edition, long sold-out collaborative piece described by Pleasures as a “rework of the iconic doll created by artist Mike Kelley for Sonic Youth’s 1992 album ‘Dirty’.” Handmade custom crochet; cotton/polyester blend; orange; 13″ tall (33cm). Includes miniature Sonic Youth t-shirt and “Hug Me I’m Dirty” button pin. Branding on back.
· Vinyl: Contemporary vinyl album sleeve (used) for Dirty (Sonic Youth, DGC Records).
Condition
Hoodie: Very Good. Light wear consistent with personal wardrobe use. Crochet doll: Excellent. Vinyl: Excellent.
Provenance
Hoodie acquired from “Kim Gordon’s Closet Sale,” Submission Beauty, 3021 Rowena Avenue, Los Angeles, August 27, 2023 — a curated sale of items from Gordon’s personal wardrobe, hosted by stylist Turner and announced via Gordon’s personal Instagram account. No specific performance or public appearance use is documented; the hoodie is offered as an item from Gordon’s personal wardrobe. Crochet doll and vinyl sleeve are licensed retail items included to complement the lot.
Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance
This lot will be accompanied by a Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance — a document printed on official Nostalgia Bandit letterhead, signed by Nostalgia Bandit’s principal, and affixed with the official Nostalgia Bandit embossed seal. The Letter of Provenance reproduces the complete final auction description for this lot in full, memorializing all provenance documentation, attribution, supporting evidence, and condition details as presented herein. It is designed to travel with the lot through all future ownership transfers as a permanent, platform-independent physical record of the item’s documented history.
Shipping & Measurements
FIRST AND THIRD PARTY SHIPPING OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Contact Nostalgia Bandit for a shipping quote: shipping@nostalgiabandit.com
