CHRISTIE’S ANNOUNCES THE FASHION COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR Christie‟s is pleased to announce fashion and accessories highlights from the four-day series of landmark sales devoted to the iconic Collection of Elizabeth Taylor,
collections will include Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong, and New York.
The complete collection will be offered for sale at Christie‟s New York from December 13-16 (see appendix for
complete tour schedule and sale calendar).
THE COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
THE ICON AND HER HAUTE COUTURE
Stepping into the limelight in 1941 at the tender age of nine, Elizabeth Taylor rapidly became one of Hollywood‟s
leading starlets. Growing up in the studio system, she quickly became immersed in the glamour of silver screen
fashion with the help of some of the best costume designers of the era, including Edith Head, Helen Rose and
Irene Sharaff. With these talented women as her guides, the young actress mastered the elements of fine form
and design that would forever define her personal style, both on the red carpet and in her private life.
In time, she became a devoted client of haute couture from the houses of Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino,
Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. She became both a patron and close friend of certain designers as well,
including Gianfranco Ferré, Halston, Arnold Scaasi and Michael Vollbracht. But when asked if she
considered herself a style icon, Taylor was quick to set the record straight, saying “Fashion icons are the geniuses I was
fortunate enough to work with,” citing Valentino, Halston, Gianni Versace, Rose, Sharaff and Head as her greatest
influences. Their designs and contributions to Elizabeth Taylor‟s inimitable style are all substantially represented in
her fashion collection.
VALENTINO
A Valentino Red Velvet and Satin Ball Gown
with Scarlet and Beaded Satin Evening Bag
The dress labeled „Valentino Couture‟, 1990s
Estimate: $3,000-5,000
From the early 1960s through to the end of her life, Elizabeth Taylor reached for
Valentino to celebrate the occasions most worthy of a show-stopping look. This 1990s
era couture gown in the designer‟s signature shade of red is trimmed with a hem of
velvet stars that mirror the deep cut-out of the velvet bodice. A Valentino bag covered
in densely beaded flowers completes the look.
Additional Valentino Couture highlights in the collection include a 1960s era Valentino
Couture gown of white raw silk with deep sleeves trimmed with a frill of silk velvet
flowers (estimate: $3,000-5,000); the 1971 black lace stage gown with tiered skirts Ms.
Taylor wore to the Rothschild Proust Ball in Paris (estimate: $1,500-2,000); and the
elegant black chiffon evening gown and matching coat she wore to the 58th Annual
Golden Globes Awards in 2001 (estimate: $3,000-5,000). Known for her love of
animal motifs in both jewelry and fashion, Elizabeth Taylor also selected Valentino Couture for the 64th Annual
Academy Awards in 1992, when she wore a stunning evening gown of ivory silk hand-embroidered with a
sequined snow leopard across the bodice (estimate: $4,000-$5,000).
CHRISTIAN DIOR
A Christian Dior White Organza Evening Gown
Labeled „Christian Dior Printemps-Été 1987‟
Estimate: $4,000-6,000
Worn when accompanying Malcolm Forbes to the 70th anniversary celebrations for Forbes
Magazine, Elizabeth Taylor looked radiant in this gown‟s black silk halterneck bodice
