PARIS — As the market for vintage fashion booms and competition at auction heats up, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Its secret weapon? Krystyna Campbell-Pretty, a style aficionado with deep pockets and a quiet purpose: to build a world-class collection of rare and historic clothes.

The philanthropist has bought and donated more than 600 items to the museum’s fashion and textiles department. Among her recent trophies is a Jean Paul Gaultier evening gown in denim and ostrich feathers, which went under the hammer for 377,000 euros, a new world record for a Gaultier piece.

A former researcher and management consultant, Campbell-Pretty stumbled upon her new calling after the sudden death of her husband Harold in 2014.

“This was

See Full Page