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,
overlaid with a deep collared shawl of white organza. While her wardrobe reveals a woman
who fully embraced vivid color throughout her life, this gown is reminiscent of the all-white
ensembles she favored for her break-out roles in The Elephant Walk (1954) and Cat on a Hot
Tin Roof (1958), among others.
Additional Christian Dior ensembles include the complete evening look from the New York
City premiere of Dr. Faustus in 1968, where Ms. Taylor wore an embroidered white dress
with matching pink gazar kimono coat that comes with an alternate candy pink chiffon wrap
(estimate: $6,000-8,000); and a scarlet chiffon gown worn to Buckingham Palace in 2010 to
celebrate the dedication of the new Richard Burton Theatre at the Royal Welsh College of
Music & Drama. A signed sketch of the dress by John Galliano accompanies the gown.
HALSTON
A Halston Lavender Bugle Bead Fringed Evening Jacket
The jacket labeled „Halston‟, probably 1980s
Estimate: $1,000-2,000
Ms. Taylor and Halston became close friends in the 1970s and were often
photographed together at Studio 54 with Andy Warhol and Liza Minnelli.
Halston often created special designs exclusively for Ms. Taylor in the
ensuing years, including this luminous bugle bead fringed jacket. Sold with
the lavender Hermès Jige pochette that completes the look, this outfit pays homage to Ms. Taylor‟s famous violet
eyes.
TIZIANI
A Tiziani Black Velvet „Scorpio‟ Evening Cape
Labeled „Tiziani Roma‟, 1968-9
Estimate: $2,000-3,000
For Princess Grace of Monaco‟s 40th birthday “Scorpio Ball”, Elizabeth Taylor
commissioned Roman dressmaker Tiziani to create this dramatic black velvet cape
embroidered with diamanté scorpions on the front and on the hood. Though she was born a
Pisces, Ms. Taylor was permitted to attend the ball – meant strictly for Princess Grace‟s
fellow Scorpios – as the date of her husband Richard Burton, who shared the correct zodiac
sign. At the time of the cape‟s commissioning, Karl Lagerfeld was Tiziani‟s freelance
designer, and this eye-catching piece, exquisitely detailed with an ivory moiré silk lining, may
well have been one of his designs.
VERSACE
A Versace Beaded Evening Jacket, „The Face‟
Labeled „Atelier Versace‟, 1990s
Estimate: $15,000-20,000
Elizabeth Taylor and Gianni Versace became fast friends in the 1990s. She was so
enamored with his bold, colorful designs of the period that she acquired many pieces
for her wardrobe, including three crystal-encrusted jackets from the designer‟s couture
division, Atelier Versace. Known as „The Face‟, this rhinestone beaded evening jacket is
arrayed with portraits of Ms. Taylor in her most famous roles. She wore it to 1992‟s
“Glitter and Be Giving” Gala to benefit The American Foundation for AIDS Research
(amfAR) and when she was honored the previous year by the Centre for Counseling
and Psychology for her contributions in support of AIDS patient care.
THIERRY MUGLER
A Royal Blue and Silvered-Metal Suit
Labeled „Thierry Mugler Paris‟, circa 1991
Estimate: $600-$800
With her innate sense of style and drama, Elizabeth Taylor carried off a ball gown like few
others could, but she also wore high-fashion day looks
