Auction of Pop Culture Legends is a Royal Triumph

Diana, Princess of Wales, played a starring role in the “Legends of Hollywood and Royalty” auction presented by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies Sept. 6-8. Showcasing pop culture wonders from film, fashion and royalty, it was Princess Di’s wardrobe that stole the show, with three of her gowns selling for more than $1.65 million.

Diana’s scarlet metallic gown worn to the world premiere of Hot Shots in London in 1991, designed by Bruce Oldfield, sold for $571,500, exceeding its presale estimate. Two of Diana’s other gowns sold for similar prices: one with a structured black bodice and draped green skirt sold for $571,500, and an ivory strapless gown with black velvet bands for $508,000. Both were designed by Catherine Walker, a favorite designer and personal friend of Diana’s.

Also shining brightly was a Givenchy couture pink evening dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Blake Ewards’ 1961 film classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s that sold for $444,500. The eye-catching iridescent pink dress is a fashion confection that never loses its infectious sweet nature even more than sixty years after it was designed.

If glamorous gowns aren’t your style, the event also featured a maroon wool Starfleet command jacket worn by William Shatner as James T. Kirk in the 1982 movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. It sold for $127,000. There were plenty of other costume pieces, props, scripts and more movie memorabilia available. Want to accessorize? A purple leather glove worn and signed by Jack Nicholson as the Joker in 1989’s Batman sold for $10,400.

The auction wasn’t all about what you see onscreen or at events. Some of its highlights came from the personal belongings of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. A heart-shaped locket, inscribed by Bogie to Bacall sold for $57,150, more than double its high estimate. Another gift from Bogart to Bacall, an engraved bracelet with a whistle charm (“You know how to whistle, don’t you?”) sold for $158,750, and their wedding rings sold for $190,500.

For more auction results, go to Julien’s Legends: Hollywood & Royalty.

 

An evening gown custom made for Princess Diana by designer Bruce Oldfield was one of the auction’s standouts.