The phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has never been more fitting than in the story of Kansas Michalke, a content creator and mother of two from Austin, Texas. Known for her talent in discovering hidden gems at thrift stores, Kansas recently stumbled upon what could be a multimillion-dollar treasure during one of her routine shopping trips.
Kansas has always had a passion for thrift shopping, something she developed growing up in a family with limited financial resources. “We were just simple country people who went straight to the clearance section or thrift shops,” she shared, never embarrassed by her humble beginnings.
A Hidden Treasure Discovered
During one of her typical outings to a local thrift store, Kansas came across a dazzling evening gown. “When I saw the sparkle of the dress, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this will be fun for dress-up,’ and I just tossed it into my cart,” she recalled. Without checking the label or the price, she figured her daughters would enjoy playing with it.
When Kansas got home, she took a closer look at the gown and quickly realized she had found something extraordinary. “I thought, ‘No way, this is crazy!’” she exclaimed after researching the designer’s name. The dress was designed by Oleg Cassini, a renowned fashion designer who dressed Hollywood legends like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. And Kansas had purchased it for just $15.
@kansasmichalke THE most ICONIC Goodwill find to date!!!! A vintage hand beaded dress by Jackie Kennedy’s favorite designer, Oleg Cassini… and it fits perfectly?!? IM OBSESSED 🥹✨ #goodwillfinds #goodwillfind #thriftfind #vintagefashion #jackiekennedy #vintagedress #thriftedfashion #vintageclothing #thriftedandstyled #thriftstorefinds #thriftingqueen ♬ Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui – Sacha Distel
The Legacy of Oleg Cassini
Oleg Cassini was a legendary designer known for his elegant and innovative creations, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. He designed clothing for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn. His designs were celebrated for their timeless beauty, and the sheath dress, one of his iconic creations, became a major fashion trend.
Kansas’s gown seemed to fit right into Cassini’s glamorous portfolio. The dress, with its intricate detailing, appeared to be a one-of-a-kind piece rather than a mass-produced item. After researching further, Kansas suspected it could be from Cassini’s “Black Tie Collection,” which made the discovery even more significant.
“It’s definitely from the 1980s or earlier, judging by the hand-sewn tag,” she explained. Despite her efforts, Kansas hasn’t been able to find an identical dress, making her believe it could be an exclusive piece, perhaps even something from the runway. “I just don’t know,” she admitted, adding to the mystery surrounding the dress.
Sharing the Discovery
While the potential value of the dress is intriguing, Kansas’s biggest joy has been sharing the find with her daughters. Her 4-year-old, Memphis, who is already obsessed with fashion, told her mother, “Mom, this is iconic,” capturing the excitement surrounding the discovery.
Kansas’s passion for thrift shopping is evident in her motto: “Boycott being boring.” Her incredible find has inspired her to create a guide for others on how to spot treasures at thrift stores, offering helpful tips for anyone hoping to find their own hidden gems.
While most people visit thrift stores to save money, Kansas’s story proves that sometimes, you might just uncover something far more valuable than expected.
