Brockmann Dressed for Success, Suited in Love
- Julia Flaherty
- Feb 11, 2015
- 3 min read
Paul Brockmann, 79, is like no one you've met before.
With several distinguished titles to his name, such as Guinness World Records Vintage Dress Collector and Owner of 55 Thousand Dresses, the one he holds closest to his heart is "husband."
Paul has been married to his wife, Margot, 77, for 56+ years. For Valentine's Day this year, he plans to take his wife to dinner, then out for a dance.
"She tells me, 'Don't waste your money,'" Paul said. "I can't buy her anything. She's got everything."
As their marriage grew, Paul and Margot had not given Valentine's Day much thought.
"Valentine's Day is really not a holiday where I'm from, and I was never really interested," Paul said. "I guess that's because we didn't grow up with it. We didn't grow up with that tradition. It didn't mean a whole lot."
The Real Definition of Hallmark
One tradition Paul kept throughout their marriage was buying Margot a dress whenever they went out dancing.
Throughout that time, he has accumulated what he estimates is over 55,000 dresses, some of which include labels by Calvin Klein, Victor Costa, Laura Ashley, Paul Sachs, Seidel, Sweet Talk, Zum Zum, Edith Flagg, Charisma by Bel Aire, Herbert, Lorrie Deb, Mr. Mike, Melissa Lane, Jean Allen, Marin Behrens, and Christian Dior.
Paul has thousands upon thousands of high-quality designer labels.
"These are high brand names," Paul said. "I believe there's somebody out there that would buy the whole thing, but it has to be somebody who, first of all, realizes the value that's there, and second, is in that type of business."
Paul has recently finished closing out his warehouse in California, located just south of downtown Los Angeles, where he stored parts of his collection. Paul said closing the shop was his best, most practical option.
His dresses are now ticketed at just $11 a piece.
Priceless Vintage for Fashion-lovers
"It costs so much to have the warehouse," Paul said. "If I want to continue that way, I might as well give up on it, because I'm not getting any of my money back. The rent I was paying at the warehouse was unreal."
During the week, Paul works a job. The only time he has to search the internet for a potential buyer is on the weekend.
"When I get home, I'm tired, and I don't want to get on the computer," Paul said. "The only time I really get to do it is on Saturdays and Sundays."
Paul's collection is valued at over $1 million.
Though he has faced hurdles in finding a buyer, Paul is still leading his own race to sell the collection. He continues to target vintage dress markets in the United Kingdom and Australia, where they are apparently more prevalent.
"With everything, it takes time," Paul said. "I'm running out of time every day, but we take it day by day and hope for the best."
Paul is warmed by the optimism and support he has been shown.
Documentary Premiering Soon
He anticipates the premiere of "The Man Behind 55 Thousand Dresses," a documentary inspired by his life and collection, on Feb. 28 at the Screen Actors Guild Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
The event is invitation-only, but the documentary will be available to the public sometime after its premiere. Invitations for the event were sent out early last week.
Paul is eager to get his collection off his hands and enjoy the rest of his life with Margot, free of financial worry.
Though his collection is of great value, Paul recognizes his most valuable connection is with the person who has been holding his hand and sitting alongside him throughout his extraordinary life.
Learn more about Paul at 55thousanddresses.com. Potential buyers, please visit the site's "Contact Us" page to contact Paul.
