Celebrity fashion auctions: Carrie Bradshaw’s tutu, Princess Diana’s gowns, LeBron’s jersey
Julien’s Auctions set new world records last year, among them the high-profile sales of John Lennon’s long-lost “Help!” Hootenanny guitar for $2.9 million and the basketball jersey LeBron James wore on his Sports Illustrated “The Chosen One” cover for $1.3 million.
Here’s a list of memorable pieces and sales from this Beverly Hills-based auction house in 2024:
John Lennon’s long-lost “Help!” guitar
Julien’s top selling item of the year was John Lennon’s long-lost Framus 12-string “Help!” Hootenanny acoustic guitar, which sold for a record $2.9 million at Hard Rock Cafe New York. The extraordinary guitar was found in an attic in the UK after being unseen for over 50 years. Considered the most important Beatles guitar ever to come to market, the guitar enters the pantheon of Julien’s world record sales of Beatles memorabilia, including a previous John Lennon acoustic guitar ($2.4 million), Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit ($2.2 million), The Beatles’ Ludwig drumhead seen on “The Ed Sullivan Show” ($2.1 million), and The Beatles “White Album,” owned by Ringo Starr, that sold for $790,000.
“Legends in Motion” in Hong Kong
This sale, which happened in September, featured items from LeBron James, Bruce Lee, BTS, and Michael Jackson. It kicked off with a museum-style public exhibition at Pacific Place that drew 43,000 visitors and a premier viewing at the Lamborghini showroom. The auction items fetched $3 million, with James’ jersey setting a new world record.
Princess Diana Elegance & Royal Collection
The sale of Princess Diana’s Elegance & Royal Collection in June was the most significant auction of her garments and accessories in 25 years. The exhibition toured Hong Kong, New York, Ireland, and Los Angeles, and culminated in a record-breaking sale of $5.5 million. The exhibition in Hong Kong showcased her 1987 Victor Edelstein evening dress, which sold for $910,000, her 1986 Murray Arbeid midnight blue tulle gown with diamante stars which sold for $780,000, and her 1989 Catherine Walker skirt suit that she wore during a royal tour in Hong Kong which sold for $325,000.
“Friends” 30th anniversary auction
Warner Bros. Television and Julien’s Auctions partnered to celebrate 30 years of “Friends” in a white glove auction in September. Fans bid on iconic costumes, props, and memorabilia from the hit sitcom, including sweaters, shirts, and coats worn by Rachel, Ross, Monica, Joey, Phoebe, and Chandler, and the iconic Central Perk couch that fetched an impressive $29,250.
Carrie Bradshaw’s tutu and other fashion pieces
Julien’s kicked off the year by auctioning fashion pieces, including Carrie Bradshaw’s tutu, which Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the opening credits of “Sex and the City.” It sold for $52,000. Another big sale was Grace Kelly’s 1961 Givenchy ensemble that she wore while visiting Washington D.C. It sold for $325,000. The auction houses ended the year with a white glove sale of Bob Mackie’s dazzling collection in December.
New world record for Star Trek memorabilia
Julien’s Auctions set a world record for Star Trek memorabilia during the “Bid, Long & Prosper” sale in November by offering 200 original props and costumes totaling $3.6 million, including William Shatner’s long-lost phaser ($910,000) and communicator ($780,000), as well as his Captain Kirk yellow tunic ($455,000) and the USS Enterprise helm ($260,000).
Olivia Newton-John’s “Grease” jacket
In December, Julien’s held a white glove sale of property from the estate of Olivia Newton-John. The event, which celebrated the artist’s life and legacy, was for the benefit of The Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund. The iconic black leather motorcycle jacket from the film “Grease” sold for $476,250.
