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,
with aplomb. This Thierry Mugler suit,
worn for the New York press launch of her signature perfume „White Diamonds‟ in 1991, has
the designer‟s signature sharp lines, strong shoulders and tiny nipped-in waist, accented her by a
silver self-belt buckle and subtle stud detail.
CHANEL
A Chanel Ballgown, Cape, Shoes, and Matching Clutch Bag
Labeled „Chanel‟, 1960s
Estimate: $6,000-8,000
For the Royal Film Performance of The Taming of the Shrew, Princess Margaret
appeared at London‟s Odeon Theatre to greet the evening‟s stars, including
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. For this Royal event – one of several in Ms.
Taylor‟s celebrated career – she held back nothing on the fashion front, adorning
herself in ethereal head-to-toe Chanel to mark the occasion.
In addition to dresses, Ms. Taylor‟s collection includes over 25 Chanel handbags
and a significant group of vintage Chanel costume jewelry, shoes, and belts, as well
as exquisite handbag designs from the likes of Hermès, Fendi, Valentino, Gucci,
Louis Vuitton and Prada.
IRENE SHARAFF
A Sunflower Yellow Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress, 1964
Worn to Ms. Taylor‟s first wedding to Richard Burton
Estimate: $40,000-60,000
On the joyous occasion of her marriage to Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor turned to Irene
Sharaff, the Academy Award-winning costume designer who created her signature looks for
the film Cleopatra, to create her wedding dress. Sharaff‟s diaphanous silk chiffon dress features
long sheer sleeves, a draped cowl neck collar, and an empire waist accented by a delicate bow.
Upon the collar, Ms. Taylor affixed the dazzling BVLGARI emerald and diamond brooch
given to her by Richard Burton as an engagement present and topped it off with an elaborate
headdress of hyacinths intertwined with a long braid of hair down her back.
This is one of two of Ms. Taylor‟s wedding dresses to be offered in the sale, the other being
the dip-dyed ombré wedding gown by Gina Fratini, which she wore to her second wedding to
Burton in Botswana in 1975.
THEA PORTER
A Thea Porter Caftan of Cotton Ikat
with traditional multi-strand necklace
Labeled „Thea Porter‟, 1980s
Estimate: $800-1,000
In the 1960s Elizabeth Taylor discovered a silhouette that would become one of her
signature looks: the caftan. The bohemian look – which was popularized by the
British fashion designer Thea Porter and fellow celebrities like Talitha Getty, Barbra
Streisand and Charlotte Rampling – was characterized by flowing forms and richly
patterned textiles. The look appealed to Elizabeth Taylor‟s unique sense of style, and
she would come to acquire a multitude of caftans, from a decadent 19th century
Ottoman wedding gown of purple velvet embroidered with gilt thread (estimate:
$3,000-4,000), to a contemporary safari print silk caftan by Yves Saint Laurent Rive
Gauche (estimate: $800-1,200).
APPENDIX
The complete catalogues for The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor are now available for pre-order at
http://www.christies.com/elizabethtaylor/catalogues.aspx
Please visit the website for further details on tour information, press releases, exhibition tickets, and catalogues.
To see the press announcement of
The Crown Jewels of Hollywood: The Elizabeth Taylor Collection, visit
www.christies.com/about/press-center/releases/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=4977
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