Hollywood Legends...Marilyn Monroe & Lady Diana items sold at auction! Free public exhibition! Live & Online Auction!



If you're a film buff hankering to snatch up a rare publicity still of a Hollywood screen legend - then a dazzling exhibition on display this week at Julien's Auctions (no relation to moi except I admit he does follow me on Twitter!) - may be your cup of tea!

On the heels of the unveiling - May 7th thru May 8th - collectors will have the opportunity to bid for the precious treasures either in person or online at the auctioneer's web site.

The collection includes one-of-kind photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Lucille Ball, Gloria Swanson, and Marion Davies.

The exhibit is timely, too, when you consider that Lady Diana memorabilia will be up for grabs in the wake of the much-ballyhooed Royal Wedding of son Willis.

Yes, the Duke of Cambridge, silly!

Select offerings include private correspondence Marlene Dietrich dispatched to her husband - and a collection of  letters, scripts, and clothing - owned by Lucille Ball (the Queen of Comedy).

The auctioneers will bring down the gavel on a stunning necklace worn by Angelina Jolie to the premiere of one of her many  memorable films ("Salt").

Proceeds from the exquisite piece of jewellery will be donated to one of Ms. Jolie's charities known as:

"The Educational Partnership for Children in Conflict"

Gosh, sounds like my crumby childhood!

When do I ge the check, Angelina?

Of course, what would a Hollywood Legends auction be, without a poignant souvenir or two from the estate of Marilyn Monroe?

Two of Lady Diana's chic elegant gowns are also being offered up for sale by a business concern known as the "Wedding Channel".

At press time, it was announced the proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization also.
In addition to the aforementoned glam items, there will also be a smattering of science fiction props from the NBC hit series Heroes and the Cape.

In addition to the Sci-Fi collection, there will be momentos from the blockbuster Hollywood feature -  "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" - costumes worn by the cast of Serenity, and rarely-sold odds-and-ends from the Indiana Jones franchise.

Heh, I want that hat, Harrison!

Norman Rockwell staging photographs are also being sold replete with copyright.

The original vintage stills feature legendary performers Frank Sinatra, Ann-Margret, and Bing Crosby.

Julien's Auctions
9665 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite No. 150
Beverly Hills, CA

Info:

http://www.juliensauctions.com

310.836.1818

When you trot down to BH (90210) why not stop into the cafe on the top floor of Nordstrom's.

It is a very chic "in" watering hole to frequent!

The retailer's exquisite selection of Menswear is within buying distance a few steps away.

Why not make a day of it?

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Lady Diana souvenirs to be auctioned!

Andy Warhol...original 4-image-style self-portait to be sold @ auction! Quirky artist laughing in grave!

One of the most recognizable self-portraits by celebrated Pop Icon - Andy Warhol - was not inspired by vanity contrary to popular belief.

The distinctive four-part image of the quirky artist – somewhat reminiscent of a dreary mug shot taken on the fly at a local jailhouse after a late-night DUI (soon to fetch upwards of $20 million at auction) sprang to life in a round-about fashion.

In a bit of a switcheroo, the tables were turned on Warhol when a socialite agreed to “sit” for the phantom auteur - who reined over the notorious “Factory” in New York City in the heady 70's - provided he rustle up an original image of himself to grace her wall.

Although the former graphic artist was inclined to whip up portraits of the rich and famous in a particular style - in this instance case - there was a creative departure.

Instead of shooting a Polaroid first to capture his essential spirit (as he did with the jet set elite he captured on his eclectic canvasses), Warhol responded to a light bulb that went off in his head on this unique occasion.

The zany visionary artist dashed out the door with sunglasses firmly affixed on his snoz - attired in a ubiquitous raincoat similar to those worn by flashers - and plunked a few quarters into a dingy photo booth down the street in his artsy-fartsy neighborhood.

Once the quarters were plugged into the slot, he camped it up in front of the crude camera - and thus - drummed up a series of four images to use as the basis for the self-styled portrait.

His delighted patron, a woman by the name of Mrs. Barron, was so thrilled with the creation that it remained in her hands until she passed to spirit in 1999.

Guy - the art-lover's son - has now given the nod for the unique one-of-a-kind piece to be sold to the highest bidder at Christie’s next month at what is expected to be a sold-old event .

“It’s one-off,” confided Brett Gorvy, a co-head of the auction house’s post-war and contemporary art department.

“While he (Warhol) did individual panels of this image, this is the only one conceived as a four-part piece.”

In sum, the portrait(s) are essentially a glorified version of the photo-booth strip images, originally spit out of the vending machine for a paltry buck or two.

Personally, I prefer the way Warhol exalted the Campbell’s soup can!

Sheer genius!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Andy started in advertising & window display in NYC!

Eric Clapton...Guitars & Amps auctioned for charity! Art of Rock & Roll! March 9th!



On Thursday March 9th, music buffs and collectors alike, will be able to bid on a rare collection of personal effects belonging to legendary musician Eric Clapton.

The auction titled - "The Art of Rock & Roll" - will benefit a Crossroads Centre charity.

An Clapton Signature Model 2008 Fender Stratocaster is expected to fetch a whopping sum (upwards of $25,000 to $30,000).

Included in the sale are one-of-a-kind artworks such as a large-scale album cover by celebrated artist - Alton Kelley - sure to rustle up big bucks with astute collectors (appraisers say the gavel may drop at $35,000 smackeroos!).

Illustrated catalogues may be snapped up for a mere $35.00, however!

The items may be previewed on the following dates:

March 5th - 6th
(12 pm to 5 pm)

March 7th
(10 am to 8 pm)

March 8th
(10 am to 5 pm)

LOCATION

Bonhams
Auctioneers & Appraisers
580 Madison Avenue
New York, New York

INFORMATION

www.bonhams.com/clapton



Art Work stars @ Claption Auction

http://www.thetattler.biz

Richard Avedon Foundation...priceless fashion stills to be auctioned!

 

The largest collection of original Richard Avedon photographs have been catalogued for auction at Christie's in Paris next week (November 20th).

The unprecedented offering (sixty scintillating stills in total) boasts seminal portraits of sixties icons such as Twiggy and Veruschka (featured in a Bill Blass dress circa 1967).

In addition, collectors will - no doubt - jump at the rare opportunity to bid on a handful of unforgettable fashion images Avedon rustled up with his searing insightful lens which include:

*Dovina and Elephants
  Evening Dress by Dior

*Cirque d'Hiver
  Paris

Richard Avedon was born in New York City to a Jewish-Russian family.

Curiously, the imaginative photographer started taking snapshots for the Merchant Marines (for identification purposes) with a Rolleiflex camera which was gifted to him by his father as a going-away present.

In 1944, the talented visionary artist began working as an advertising photographer for a department store, shortly before being discovered by Alexey Brodovitch, the art director for the fashion magazine at the oh-so-chic Harper's Bazaar.

Lillian Bassman also saw promise in Avedon and later promoted his highly-stylistic photographic images as well.

Avedon launched his own studio in 1946 - at which point - he began to accept assignments for fashionable upscale magazines such as Vogue and Life.

Within a scant few years, the remarkable Avedon became the chief photographer for Harper's.

Part of Avedon's success arose from his tendency to break away from standard photo-shoot techniques utilized by his fellow contemporaries at the time.

Avedon preferred to photograph models expressing a full range of emotions - smiling, laughing, and in action - whenever possible.

This was his signature style!

In 1966, Avedon became a staff photographer for Vogue magazine, and later on headed up the whole shebang!

As a result, Avedon's stunning images ended up gracing dozens of the most memorable covers at Vogue Magazine from 1973 through 1980.

Avedon is infamous for having shot the Calvin Klein Jeans campaign featuring 15-year-old Brooke Shields which caused quite a sensation at the time.

In May of 1992, Ms. Shields told Interview magazine:

"When Dick (Avedon) walks into the room, a lot of people are intimidated. But when he works, he's so acutely creative, so sensitive. And he doesn't like it if anyone else is around or speaking. There is a mutual vulnerability, and a moment of fusion when he clicks the shutter. You either get it or you don't".

I do!

If only I had the moolah to snap up one of his dazzling stills.

Oh well, I can dream, can't I?




Twiggy & Avedon in a candid moment!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Lady Diana...designer gown fetches $275,000.00! Sexy allure shocked Brits...

The infamous black cocktail dress - that Lady Diana sashayed into the limelight in on her 1st Official engagement with Prince Charles in the public eye - just sold at auction for a staggering $275,000.00.

The strapless silk taffeta gown was cut so low that it triggered scandalous headlines around the globe.

Some critics charged that the designer stunner was too racey for Lady Diana Spencer who was engaged to Prince Charles at the time.

"Not befitting a nubile nineteen-year old," others grumbled in so many words.

Nothwithstanding, the controversy thrust Lady Di into the International spotlight - at which point - the Princess-to-be was well on her way to becoming a fashion icon to be later courted by the tony elite in lofty climbs at all four corners of the earth.

A Chilean Fashion Museum now boasts ownership of the designer dress that once rocked jolly old England!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Princess Diana...Rubens portrait & rare heirlooms to be auctioned!

 

Christie's announced that rare artifacts from the ancestral home of the Princess of Wales (Althorp House) - with an estimated value of $30 million - will be auctioned off this summer.

Lady Diana was laid to rest at the family estate following her tragic car accident in 1997.

Earl Charles Spencer (Diana's brother) currently resides at the estate situated in Northhamptonshire in central England.

A Rubens portrait (17th century) is among the items to be put on the chopping block.

The funds raised will be invested and used to maintain the stately residence.

In addition to original paintings by the masters, there will be a wide selection of English and French furniture and a 19th century horse-drawn carriage.

Many of the pieces were either purchased by Lady Diana personally or have been in the Spencer family for centuries.

The Rubens - titled "Commander Being Armed for Battle" is expected to fetch a tidy sum.

 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Michael Phelps...bid on swimming lesson with Gold Medalist at e-bay! Proceeds go to Max Cure Foundation...

One of my readers - a Michael Phelps fan - excitedly posted a comment on my blog to inform me that there is an auction underway on e-Bay for the Max Cure Foundation (Roar for a Cure)

Why was he so excited?

The highest bidder on a Michael Phelps item snags a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a swimming lesson from the World Champion Olympic Gold Medalist.

At the moment (5:39 pm/Thursday August 13th) there aren't any bids on the Phelps offering, but I expect it is due to the fact the word isn't out yet.

Well, it wasn't, 'til now!

The auction describes the Michael Phelps charity-raiser as a:

"Child Swimming Clinic"

100% of the proceeds benefit the Max Cure Foundation!

Michael Phelps Child Swimming Clinic

Starting bid is $750.00
Your max bid:	US $	Place bidPlace bid
	(Enter US $750.00 or more)
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To bid on this item cruise to the e-bay auction site:

Info: www.ebay.com/maxcure

The Max Cure Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 whose mission is to fund pediatric cancer causes.

The Foundation was established by the Plotkin family in honor of Maxwell Grant Plotkin who was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of B-cell Lymphoma when he was four.

Maxwell continues to bravely fight the disease with the specific hope he'll be able to inspire others to rise above adversity.

Info for the Max Cure Foundation:

http://www.maxcurefoundation.org/.

The Max Cure Fund For Pediatric Cancer Research at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City is dedicated to researching pediatric cancers, improving treatments and finding cures that will save children’s lives.

The primary mission of The Max Cure Fund is to raise $5 million to underwrite the establishment of a research laboratory at MSKCC in the Department of Pediatrics.

The lab will be devoted to researching, treating and curing childhood cancers.

The Max Cure Fund For Pediatric Cancer Research has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars towards its goal and has been honored by organizations including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

For more information on Max Cure Fund go to:

http://www.maxcurefund.org/.

The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world’s oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research and education in cancer.

Its scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose and treat cancer.

Its specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide.

For information go to:

http://www.mskcc.org/.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Daniel Radcliffe...auctions off Equus Lucky Brand jeans for charity!

If you want to get into Daniel Radcliffe's - um - pants, then attend a matinee for the Broadway Stage Production of EQUUS.

3 pairs of snug Lucky Brand jeans - deliciously worn-in to perfection at erotic stress points, no doubt - will be auctioned off each week.

The cash EQUUS rustles up at the novel fundraisers will be donated to the locally-based chapter the "Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS" Charity.

One autographed pair of precious denims were lifted from his studly muscled bod for a whopping $950.00.

Imagine what the lad costs for a night of boisterous horseplay!