Marilyn’s Glam and Hugh’s Playboy Collection: What’s Up for Grabs
Get ready for a peek into Hollywood history! Marilyn Monroe personal stash is hitting the auction block this March. From dresses to custom lipstick and behind-the-scenes pics, it’s a treasure trove spanning her incredible life and career. But that’s not all! Hugh Hefner, the brain behind Playboy, also has his stuff up for grabs.
Marilyn’s Magic: What’s on Offer
Some jaw-dropping pieces from Marilyn Monroe collection are stealing the spotlight. Leading the pack is a stunning black evening gown she rocked in the 1955 flick, “The Seven Year Itch.” It’s expected to pull in a cool $200,000. Fancy, right?
Then there’s this lavender leotard she sported for a Life Magazine feature in ’58. Decked out with flowers and chiffon sashes, it’s predicted to fetch around $40,000.
But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of that iconic JFK birthday bash where Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday”? The original program and ticket stub she had that night? Yep, those are up for grabs, estimated to sell for $4,000 to $6,000. Talk about owning a piece of history!
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Picks
Now, let’s shift gears to Hefner’s side of things. His stash is equally impressive. Think Andy Warhol’s original Playboy Bunny silkscreen and a LeRoy Neiman painting titled “Romanoffs” that could fetch up to $80,000.
And don’t miss out on an Alberto Vargas original watercolor drawing from a ’67 Playboy issue, expected to sell for a cool $60,000 to $80,000.
Hefner’s wardrobe? It’s got the suave smoking jacket, silk pajamas, slippers, and even his trusty tobacco pipe.
Fun Fact: Hefner and Monroe
Here’s a juicy tidbit: Hefner and Monroe, both born in ’26, lie side by side in crypts at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park And Mortuary in LA. Hefner snagged the crypt next to Marilyn back in ’92 for a hefty $75,000.
Playboy’s First Flirtation with Fame
Remember the first-ever Playboy edition from ’53? Yep, it had Monroe’s sultry centrefold pic, originally snapped in ’49. That image became the face of the magazine’s early days.
Wrap-Up: Where to Catch a Glimpse
More than 1,000 pieces from the Monroe and Hefner collections will strut their stuff at exhibitions in Hong Kong and Shanghai come February. Then, it’s showtime in LA at the end of March for the big auction.
Don’t miss your chance to snag a slice of Hollywood history!