The beautiful garments of Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn are part of a classic Hollywood auction, and may fetch $100,000 and $40,000 respectively.
Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn are two of the world’s most recognizable style icons. One was a dazzling royal and the other an unforgettable Hollywood star. Both celebrities made headlines for their beautiful closet pieces, and now, members of the public get a chance to own these famous garments. As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Julien’s Auctions is holding a grand finale sale. This is part of its four-day Hollywood Legends event in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. The sale, aptly named Glamour, Grace, and Greatness, will take place on December 17. It features the items of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana Spencer, Julia Roberts, and Sarah Jessica Parker, to name a few.
Among the items is the late Princess of Wales’ famous blush-pink Emanuel blouse. Many remember it as the piece she wore in her 1981 engagement portrait. Hepburn’s yellow Givenchy coat, which the star donned in the 1963 Charade, will also be in the auction.
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An Engagement Blouse
Princess Diana’s 1981 engagement portrait is a memorable image, one that marked a significant milestone in the life of the young Princess of Wales. Photographed by Lord Snowdon, Diana was a vision in pink. She wore a recognizable chiffon Emanuel blouse with a ruffled collar and loose pleats that were nothing short of regal.
According to designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the blouse was fashioned from the fabric of a damaged gown. It found its way into a rack of clothes that the Vogue UK team presented to the princess. Diana immediately fell in love with the blouse, and chose to wear it in her official engagement photograph for Vogue’s February 1981 issue.
In 2010, Emmanuel had sold the blouse from her archive. It was also previously on display in London’s Kensington Palace as part of the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition. Julien’s Auctions is expecting the piece to fetch $80,000 to $100,000 when it goes under the hammer during the upcoming sale.
The princess’ Jacques Azagury 1985 Evening Dress will also be going under the hammer during the auction. The romantic, ballerina-length dress was made by Moroccan-British fashion designer Jacques Azagury. Diana famously wore the piece during a trip to Florence, Italy in April 23, 1985. Its design was a nod to the royal’s love for The English National Ballet. Julien’s Auctions expects the piece to sell for an estimated $200,000.
The Chic of Charade
One of Audrey Hepburn’s most beloved roles is Regine “Reggie” Lampert in Stanley Donen’s comedy-thriller, Charade. The famous actress played the part of an American interpreter who winds up trying to solve the murder of her estranged husband, Charles. As with many of her roles, Hepburn brought a sense of chic refinement to the film with her acting and impeccable Givenchy wardrobe.
Some of the film’s pieces will be making their appearance in the upcoming Julien’s Auctions sale, including her memorable yellow coat and cream-colored wool dress. The sale will also feature a plaid wool blazer that Hepburn wore while dining in London’s West End in 1950. The auction house expects the Charade Givenchy coat to fetch around $40,000, the cream-colored dress to sell for $50,000, and the plaid jacket to go for $20,000.
More Hollywood Memorabilia
Other memorabilia from Hollywood’s famous TV shows, films, and stars will also make an appearance in the Julien’s Auctions sale. These include Carrie Bradshaw’s Apple PowerBook G3 laptop from Sex and the City (used by none other than Sarah Jessica Parker), a signed photo of James Dean, Vivian Ward earrings worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, a signed Casablanca photo from Ingrid Bergman, and a brass-plated nickel carriage clock from the estate of Marilyn Monroe.
Interested buyers for the Glamour, Grace, and Greatness auction can place their bids with Julien’s Auctions online and live-in real time, either over the telephone or in person. One can register to bid through the auction house’s registration page. For inquiries, email info@juliensauctions.com or call 310-836-1818.
Banner photos from the National Portrait Gallery website and courtesy of Julien’s Auctions; edited by Agatha Romero.
