Cher's Bob Mackie Bodysuit Sold for $162,000 at Auction
When Cher stepped on stage during February's Saturday Night Live 50th reunion special in a glittering black Bob Mackie bodysuit and sang “If I Could Turn Back Time,” it seemed almost ridiculous. Clearly, she had.And while she looked and sounded incredible while performing on the SNL stage, the bodysuit itself functioned as a sort of cultural time machine. Cher had worn it previously for her performance at the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards and on her 2014 “Dressed to Kill” tour. On Friday, that costume sold for $162,000 at auction—more than twice the estimate—with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Next for Autism, a nonprofit that offers support to those with autism and their families, including scholarship opportunities and mentorship.Courtesy of Julien's AuctionsCher’s bodysuit on display at The Peninsula Beverly Hills ahead of the auction.Also up for auction at the Limelight Edit from Julien’s Auctions were a series of other starry items from Hollywood. Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, along with her husband Tommy Hilfiger, donated items once belonging to Marilyn Monroe, including the boots she wore in the 1961 film The Misfits. A portion of this sale, too, benefitted Next for Autism. Ocleppo Hilfiger noted, “We have been working with Next for Autism for the last 15 years. Our hope is to help raise money and awareness and support people and families facing the many challenges that come the diagnosis.” The boots fetched $78,000.Courtesy of Julien's AuctionsMarilyn Monroe’s Boots, worn in the film, The Misfits. Items from the closets of Lindsay Lohan, Janet Jackson, and Elizabeth Taylor were also featured. Elizabeth Taylor’s collection was particularly spectacular. Among her items on offer were a multi-color velvet Emilio Pucci dress with matching tights (which sold for $2,925), a Louis Vuitton hat box (which sold for $6,500), and a Theo Fennell diamond and gold Star of David pendant (which sold for $35,750).Courtesy of Julien's AuctionsElizabeth Taylor’s Pucci bodysuit and Louis Vuitton Trunk; Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.Courtesy of Julien's AuctionsA collection of jewelry once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, including her gold Star of David necklace.Also sold were a collection of items from the late singer Amy Winehouse. Of particular interest were stage-worn red Louboutin stilettos, which sold for $3,575.Courtesy of Julien's AuctionsA collection of items previously owned by Amy Winehouse.In addition to a good cause, the auction also was a showcase of the staying power of celebrity. Gabriela Schwartz, Managing Director, Head of Luxury & Corporate Brand Partnerships at Julien’s Auctions, said, “We witnessed an extraordinary response from fans and collectors worldwide, proving yet again that the passion for high-fashion and celebrity memorabilia is stronger than ever.”Dorothy Scarborough (she/her) is the assistant to the Editor in Chief of Town & Country and Elle Decor.
