Held in June 2010 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Julien's Auctions sold some incredible celebrity memorabilia and collectibles in a fast-paced four-day event. Here's a sampling of some of the unusual, rare and highly-valued items featured in this auction, most of which far exceeded pre-auction estimates.
1. Three Marilyn Monroe Chest X-Rays
- Julien's Auctions
Pre-auction estimate: $800-1,200 each
Auction description of x-ray shown here:
X-ray of Marilyn Monroe's chest. Printed on the x-ray is the following information, "Cedars of Lebanon Hospital/Drs. E. Freedman and S. Finck/ Name Di Maggio Marilyn/ No. 50612 Date 11-10-54/ Ref. By Dr. L. Krohn." As a radiology resident at Cedars, a young doctor obtained these x-rays. When he taught at the school himself, he used these x-rays to ensure that students were paying attention. Monroe was said to have known about the x-rays and their use, about which she said "Isn't that sweet."
2. Audrey Hepburn Dress Worn in "Funny Face"
- Julien's Auctions
Sold for: $56,250 (including buyer's premium)
Pre-auction estimate: $40,000-60,000
From the auction description:
Audrey Hepburn's yellow floral dress worn in the film "Funny Face" (Paramount Pictures, 1957). This dress was used for a montage of photographs taken in Paris showcasing Hepburn's timeless and stylish beauty. The floral dress has orange, yellow and white flowers against a yellow background with delicate green leaves, bateau neckline with short sleeves, a layered skirt with slight apron at hips. Tearing present, delicate condition.
PROVENANCE Lot 54, "Planet Hollywood, Selections From the Vault," Sotheby's, New York, December 14, 2002.
Lot 154, "Entertainment Memorablia," Christie's, December 1990.
3. Superman Costume Worn by Christopher Reeves
- Julien's Auctions
Sold for: $32,500 (including buyer's premium)
Pre-auction estimate: $15,000-20,000
From the auction description:
A custom Superman costume created for Christopher Reeve in the film Superman IV The Quest For Peace, including cape, bodysuit and tights. The bodysuit and tights each contain labels reading, "Christopher Reeve 4913 Walking Superman IV" the cape contains an identical label but with Reeve's name mispelled "Reeves." The fabric type used for the bodysuit, tights and "S" shields all display the knit weave consistent with the fabric manufactured for the original Superman costumes as shown in the detail fabric.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item will benefit The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
4. Bob Mackie "Gown" Worn by Cher
- Julien's Auctions
Sold for: $30,000 (including buyer's premium
Pre-auction estimate: $1,000-1,500
Auction description:
Worn by Cher for her 2002 through 2005 Living Proof Farewell Tour. Three piece outfit including a cropped top with extensive beading and tassels with three quarter length sleeves matching bikini style bottoms completely covered in hanging tassels of ribbons and fabric together with a full headdress heavily embellished with set faux jewel tassels.
5. Costume Jewelry Earrings Worn by Kate Winslet in "Titanic"
- Julien's Auctions
Sold for: $25,000 (including buyer's premium)
Pre-auction estimate: $600-800
Auction description:
Faux diamond emerald drop earrings, with screw-back closure worn by Kate Winslet in her role as Rose DeWitt Bukater in "Titanic" (20th Century Fox, 1997). Winslet wears the earrings while contemplating jumping over the side of the ship and meets Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Jack Dawson, for the first time. The earrings were rented from Costume Detail West by costume designer Deborah Lynn Scott. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Costume Detail West and a copy of the film.
6. Cigarette Case Given to Mia Farrow by Frank Sinatra
Sold for: $16,250 (including buyer's premium)
Pre-auction: $2,500-3,000
Auction description:
A French 18K yellow gold woven cigarette case, signed by Schlumberger; the ends each terminating with a cabochon sapphire totaling approximately 0.20cts., 3 1/2 by 2 by 1 1/4 inches, 125 gms. This was a Valentine's gift to Mia Farrow from Frank Sinatra. PROVENANCE From the collection of Mia Farrow.
