BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Princess Diana and Dennis Hopper items brought enormous star power to Julien’s Auctions September 6-8, with royalty-worn gowns, art and more delivering for consignors at its Legends: Hollywood and Royalty sale.
Three gowns worn publicly by the late British royal brought staggering sums. Princess Diana’s scarlet metallic jacquard chiffon gown, designed by Bruce Oldfield, was first worn in 1989 and was last seen in 1991 at the London world premiere of Hot Shots starring Charlie Sheen. It hammered at $450,000 ($585,000 with buyer’s premium), topping its estimate of $200,000-$400,000.
Estimated at $100,000-$200,000, a Catherine Walker bi-color gown worn by Princess Diana at a Toronto gala dinner on October 26, 1991, soared to $450,000 ($585,000 with buyer’s premium). Another Catherine Walker gown in ivory silk crepe and black silk velvet, worn by Princess Diana to a private event, hammered at $400,000 ($520,000 with buyer’s premium).
Audrey Hepburn’s screen-worn haute couture evening dress designed by Hubert Givenchy demanded the spotlight, selling for $350,000 ($455,000 with buyer’s premium). The instantly recognizable gown from Blake Edwards’s classic 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s topped its estimate of $200,000-$300,000.
A man of many talents and interests, Dennis Hopper (1936-2010) was at the forefront of the worlds of film and art. An avid painter and collector, Hopper helped the nascent careers of people such as Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha long before their stardom, and artifacts from his estate reflect his long-standing friendships with them.
A collection of items associated with filmmaker and collage artist Wallace Berman (1926-1976) carried a modest estimate of $500-$700, but furious bidding between the floor and internet participants drove the group to $12,500 ($16,250 with buyer’s premium).
A Nudie tuxedo jacket, worn by Hopper to the 42nd Academy Awards where his 1969 film Easy Rider was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, with Jack Nicholson nominated for Best Supporting Actor, sold for $7,500 ($9,750 with buyer’s premium) against an estimate of $1,000-$2,000. Vintage stock images from Alamy show Hopper wearing the jacket alongside Michelle Philips, Jack Nicholson and others on the red carpet.
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