For two days only the “The House of Elizabeth Taylor” is going to auction.
This December sees arguably the world’s original influencer, Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic wardrobe going up for auction to raise money for AIDS charities. Described as the “first globally recognised celebrity HIV and Aids activist“, Taylor worked tirelessly for the charity whilst enjoying an extravagant showbiz lifestyle. The multi-Academy Award winner passed away in 2011 from congestive heart failure, and left a legacy long beyond her movies.
Interested parties can bid on the superstar’s desirable wardrobe which consists of classic, vintage Givenchy, Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Cartier pieces worn by Taylor throughout her long career in the limelight. Known for glitz, glam and decadence (along with her heavily pencilled eyebrows and big hair) expect lots of larger than life paraphernalia to be on show at the sale.
In addition to the items of clothing, household ornaments, decorative art and jewellery will be sold under the hammer to fans and collectors. Known for her decadent affairs (Taylor is a prime example of a superstar who simply couldn’t settle down with one person) she had eight marriages and numerous well documented affairs, implying the actress was rarely alone, allowing her to collect household memorabilia all around the world.
A keen lover of fashion, Taylor was known for keeping all her clothing in pristine condition, and she collaborated with several designers on one off pieces, which demonstrated her unique style. With her jet-setting lifestyle of parties and premieres, Taylor was almost always in the public eye, which meant she developed an image of immaculate make-up, wigs and breathtaking gowns, which are expected to raise a huge amount of money for her Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation (ETAF).
Collectors will be able to purchase a pair of cowboy boots, estimated to sell at $600 (£478), alongside a blue chiffon Edith Head evening gown worn by Taylor to the premiere of the 1974 film That’s Entertainment which is expected to sell for $4,000 (£3,189), a Givenchy emerald green suit that Taylor wore to an Aids fundraiser in 1987, several diamond Cartier bracelets and studded Versace leather jacket.
Alongside the auction items, Julien’s Auctions is also selling limited-edition catalogues about Taylor‘s lifestyle, one in a silver hardcover for $400 (£318) and one in a purple velvet case for $1,000 (£797).
“The House of Taylor” has immaculately preserved and documented Taylor’s possessions, which are set to raise a huge amount of money for a cause close to her heart. All the items are currently part of an exhibition on the Queen Mary 2 while on a transatlantic crossing. The sale takes place at Julien’s Auctions in California on December 6 to 8, where you can also bid online.
By Sara Darling