Fans of Sir Elton John's flamboyant style will have the chance to snap up his finest Versace outfits next week in a mammoth auction of more than 900 items, including belongings from his £7.2m apartment dollars from Atlanta, The Guardian reports.
Bidding will begin Wednesday evening. Photo profimedia (Archive)
Christie's auction house in New York's Rockefeller Center was transformed into a real store for two days of live auctions – and six online – to sell the singer's collection, including several pairs of thick-rimmed glasses and a vast art collection that includes a “Love, Lust and Devotion” section.
In November, the artist sold his Atlanta apartment for $7 million, 45% more than the starting price. It was bought by the singer more than three decades ago for just under $1 million, and he and his husband, David Furnish, decided to turn it into a four-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence, purchasing five adjoining apartments.
Bidding will begin Wednesday evening, and proceeds from the sale of the couple's home, along with other items, are expected to top $10 million.
An original Banksy painting, 'Flower Thrower Triptych', which shows a man who appears to be about to throw something in an act of violence but is actually throwing a bouquet of flowers, is expected to be the most expensive object for sale, with an estimated value of between 1 million and 1.5 million dollars.
“A Testimony of Eclectic Vision”
Also up for auction will be a pair of E and J platform leather boots worn by the artist on tour ($5,000-$10,000); a heart-shaped artwork by Damien Hirst titled “Your Song” featuring a photo of the singer and Furnish with the message: “xxx or Elton + David love Damien Thank You” ($350,000-$450,000) ; and a Yamaha Conservatory piano, on which he practiced the hits for the musicals Aida and Billy Elliot ($30,000-$50,000).
A pinball machine created by Jersey producer Jack Pinball features the singer and plays his hits including Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man. It is valued at $10,000 – $15,000 and proceeds from this auction will go to the Elton John Aids foundation.
“This extraordinary collection not only features a diverse array of remarkable objects that showcase Elton's life, work and unique art, but also gives our patrons a glimpse into the profound impact the city of Atlanta had on him.
We are extremely proud to present this multi-category sale featuring an exquisite array of photography, artwork, fashion and costume – a testament to the eclectic vision, artistry and impeccable taste of a beardt,” said Tash Perrin, vice president of Christie's Americas.
There are so many items of clothing and jewelry that Christie's is holding three auctions dedicated to them, including one titled: “The Collection of Sir Elton John: Out of the Closet.”
Another is dedicated to his Versace collection, which “pays tribute to the intimate and impactful friendship between the legendary musician and the famous designerr”. Christie's says this collection “offers a glimpse into the deep connection that existed between these two influential figures in the worlds of music and fashion“.
