Stylish vintage clothing from the 60s and 70s is to be auctioned at Chilcotts Auctioneers in Honiton this month.

The collection includes clothes from renowned designers and makers of the time, including Louis Féraud, André Peters, Roland Klein, Marcel Fenez, Burberry, Aquascutum, and Jaeger, all in superb condition. Estimates for the clothes start from £60-80. The collection can be viewed and tried on prior to the auction at Chilcotts Dolphin Saleroom in Honiton High Street on Saturday October 8, then from Wednesday October 12 through to sale day, Saturday October 15. The sale starts at 10am, bidding will be available online as well as in person.

These classic threads come from the wardrobe of trailblazer Patricia Bernie who led the way for women working at a high level in the then male dominated broadcast sector. Patricia’s career began with a more traditional role when she joined American broadcasting company CBS in the mid-50s as a telephonist. She soon started to make a name for herself, working in documentary production and for the daily broadcast London Evening News before taking the position of Bureau Chief for Europe & the Middle East, which was based in Rome. On retirement, Patricia was Chief of the CBS London Bureau, the first woman to ever hold this high flying position. With such a career trajectory, a smart wardrobe was required. Inheriting olive skin, dark eyes and glossy black hair from her Italian father, Patricia confidently wore the styles of the time including shift dresses paired with jackets, accessorising with gold knot earrings, scarves and strings of pearls. When working in Kensington she shopped at the latest designers in Beauchamp Place.

This sense of style and liking for elegant clothes stood her in good stead, as during her career she met many noteworthy and remarkable people, from Prince Phillip, Pope John II and Professor Stephen Hawking to the composer Igor Stravinsky and sculptor Henry Moore plus several British Prime Ministers and American Presidents. She covered many momentous events including the shooting of JFK and the Moon landing and was part of the team that worked on the first satellite broadcast in 1967.

Patricia’s niece Nicky Bayley says her aunt has many entertaining anecdotes to tell and remembers one in particular. “When I was 15, I was watching the news with my sister and parents. The story was of the 1977 student riots in Rome. We saw an image of a woman lying on the floor clutching her handbag – we recognised her as Auntie Pattie!” In fact, Patricia had been shot in the leg during the riots. She recovered, but the injury contributed to her retirement in 1988 from the fast paced world of broadcast. Patricia, who will soon turn 90, went on to work with animal charities, receiving recognition for her efforts that included an invitation to a Downing Street reception. She lives independently in her home in Worcestershire with several rescue cats.

Liz Chilcott says the collection has many real gems. “There are 40 garments from dresses, two-piece suits, coatdresses, trousers, jackets and evening wear to Burberry and Aquascutum coats, plus lovely accessories. Also amongst the treasures and some lengths of vintage fabric.

“With their flattering cut, beautiful fabrics and top quality detailing such as welted buttonholes, these are some of the best examples of classic style we’ve seen. They look as stunning now as they did when Patricia Bernie wore them at the height of her career.

“It is worth being aware of the sizing; the labels show size 12 and 14 which are closer to today’s sizes 10 and 12.”