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Auctions have long captured the imagination of collectors, offering a chance to own not only rare and valuable items but pieces of history tied to beloved stars. For many, celebrity auctions offer a direct connection to the lives of big names, spanning everything from movie memorabilia and fashion pieces to personal belongings. Let’s explore 10 of the most legendary celebrity auctions, where the hammer fell on items that not only reflected stardom but made history themselves.
No discussion of celebrity auctions is complete without mentioning Marilyn Monroe. In 1999, Monroe’s famous white dress from The Seven Year Itch - the one immortalised by the subway grate scene - sold for a jaw-dropping $4.6 million. This auction cemented Monroe’s status as a timeless icon of Hollywood glamour, as her allure continues to captivate collectors decades after her passing.
In 2006, a black Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s sold for $923,000. The enduring appeal of Hepburn’s elegance ensures that her personal items, from fashion to film memorabilia, remain highly coveted at auctions. A 2017 sale of her personal belongings fetched impressive sums, including a portrait that sold for over $300,000.
The Beatles’ legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide and their memorabilia regularly makes headlines. In 2000, John Lennon’s Steinway piano used to compose "Imagine" sold for £1.45 million. Ringo Starr’s drum kit and Paul McCartney’s guitars have also garnered massive bids, underscoring the band’s cultural and musical significance.
Princess Diana’s legacy as a true fashion icon was solidified in 1997 when she auctioned off 79 dresses, raising $5.7 million for charity. In 2013, her iconic navy velvet gown, worn while dancing with John Travolta at a White House gala, sold for £240,000, showcasing the lasting appeal of her style and grace.
Michael Jackson’s white glove, famously worn during his performance of "Billie Jean" in 1983, was auctioned in 2009 for $350,000. The glove, bedazzled with Swarovski crystals, remains a symbol of Jackson’s unparalleled showmanship and musical genius.
From Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz, movie memorabilia has consistently shattered records. In 2018, a lightsaber used by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker sold for $450,000, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz fetched $2 million in 2011. These items aren’t just props; they’re pieces of cinematic history that have shaped popular culture.
Elizabeth Taylor’s famed jewellery collection was auctioned by Christie’s in 2011, raising nearly $116 million. The centrepiece, a 16th-century pearl known as "La Peregrina," sold for $11.8 million, underscoring Taylor's enduring influence in the world of fashion and jewellery.
The King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, left behind a treasure trove of memorabilia that continues to dazzle collectors. One of the most renowned pieces sold at auction was his gold leaf piano, gifted to him by his wife Priscilla Presley, in 1968. The piano was auctioned in 2015 for $600,000, exemplifying the allure of Elvis’s musical legacy and his larger-than-life persona.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady of the United States, remains a style superstar whose belongings still command attention at auction. In 1996, two years after her death, Sotheby’s held an auction of her personal items, which raised $34.5 million. Among the pieces sold was a faux pearl necklace, which fetched over $200,000 - far exceeding expectations. The auction exemplified the public's fascination with her life and influence on American fashion.
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain left an indelible mark on rock music and his personal items have become major symbols of the grunge era. In 2019, the cardigan he wore during Nirvana’s celebrated 1993 MTV Unplugged performance sold for a staggering $334,000. Cobain’s cardigan, complete with stains and missing buttons, represented the raw authenticity of the grunge movement, making it one of the most iconic pieces of music memorabilia ever sold.
Celebrity auctions offer more than just valuable items; they provide a glimpse into the personal lives and enduring legacies of some of the world’s most beloved stars. Whether it’s a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe, a guitar strummed by John Lennon, or a dress worn by Princess Diana, these items transcend their material worth, carrying with them the stories of the people who once owned them.
For collectors, these auctions present an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of history - one that’s forever linked to the timeless allure of celebrity.
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