Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s iconic smoking jacket ensemble is on auction – and expected to fetch bids up to $3K
A classic ensemble made famous by the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is among the items set to be auctioned in March as part of a Julien’s auction lot.
The auction house recently released images and descriptions of the lot, titled ICONS: Playboy, Hugh Hefner and Marilyn Monroewhich will take place from March 28 to 30 in Beverly Hills, California.
Among the items associated with the magazine’s late founder β who died in September 2017 at the age of 91 β is a full ensemble of a classic smoking jacket, silk pajamas, slippers that Hefner wore, along with a pipe he used .
‘This ensemble is not just a piece of history; it’s a slice of Hef’s glamorous lifestyle that set new standards for luxury and leisure during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,” Julien’s wrote. βPut on his shoes (or rather, slippers) and imagine what it was like to lounge in the lap of luxury, and be the visionary and icon he defined.β
According to Julien’s, the outfit is expected to fetch between $2,000 and $3,000 in bids.
A classic ensemble made famous by the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is among the items set to be auctioned in March as part of a Julien’s auction lot.
“Discover rare memorabilia, fashion treasures and iconic artifacts that capture the essence of an extraordinary era, and own a piece of history that continues to shape our modern world,” Julien’s said in a statement about the event, which “embraces the allure of the world.” past’ and ‘a tribute to these cultural titans.’
Another Hefner item featuring another pop icon β Andy Warhol β is among the items in the lot, in the form of an acrylic and screen printing ink painting entitled Playboy Bunny that Warhol created in 1985, two years before his death.
The red painting is decorated with square decals of Marilyn Monroe’s face and the Playboy Bunny icon, with a young Hefner depicted in the center.
Julien’s β which asks potential buyers to inquire about direct purchases β describes the unique artwork that commemorates the brand and its place in pop culture as “vibrant and exciting.”
βThe colors pop off the canvas, each shade a testament to Warhol’s brilliance,β said Julien. ‘The careful use of screen printing ink adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the piece, a technique that Warhol pioneered and perfected.
‘Let this work transport you to a time where sophistication and creativity intersected with the pop art of the time, and where Andy Warhol’s legacy as an artistic visionary continues to shine brilliantly.’
Prior to the auction, selected items from the lots in China will be exhibited at exclusive locations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it said The sun.
The first of the exhibitions will take place at the Fringe Club from January 27 to February 1, according to the outlet.
Hefner wore his traditional ensemble in 2005 alongside Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson
The red painting is decorated with square decals of Monroe’s face and the Playboy Bunny icon, with a young Hefner depicted in the center
The auction will also include a number of items associated with the iconic late actress Monroe, including the dress she wore in Billy Wilder’s classic film The Seven Year Itch.
According to Julien, the evening gown from the 1955 comedy is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000.
The dress, inspired by Mae West and designed by William Travilla, was worn in the romantic comedy, in which Monroe starred opposite Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes and Sonny Tufts.
The garment comes with a black and white feather boa, which the auction house said “was not in the original film,” as the boa was featured in “a dream sequence that…was cut from the film.”
In the deleted scene, Ewell’s character Richard Sherman fantasized about Monroe’s character, known as The Girl, wearing the garment and boa.
Also for sale at the auction is a lavender satin leotard that Monroe wore in an image for the December 22, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine, in which Monroe paid tribute to the late actress Lillian Russell.
In the issue, Monroe also paid tribute to film icons such as Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, Theda Bara and Clara Bow.
According to Julien’s, the garment is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $40,000.
A number of items associated with the iconic late actress Marilyn Monroe β including the dress she wore in 1955’s The Seven Year Itch β will be auctioned in March as part of a Julien auction lot.
The garment, inspired by Mae West and designed by William Travilla, was worn in the romantic comedy
The boa was featured in ‘a dream sequence that was…cut from the film’
Monroe was pictured on the set of the 1955 romantic comedy
Also for sale at the auction is a lavender satin leotard that Monroe wore in an image for the December 22, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine, in which Monroe paid tribute to the late actress Lillian Russell
According to Julien’s, the garment is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $40,000.
A dress Monroe wore to a press conference for her 1961 film The Misfits is included
Monroe was seen promoting the film in 1961 wearing the dress
Another item coming to auction is a custom tube of Elizabeth Arden lipstick in an orange shade, which is expected to sell for around $9,000.
A brooch worn by Monroe is among the items in the vintage lot
A religious medal of Saint Christopher, once owned by Monroe, is among the items in the lot
A red-polka dot umbrella that Monroe once owned is among the items for sale in March
The leotard is “sensually boned to perfection, adorned with a plunging neckline that is nothing short of enchanting” on a “canvas adorned with delicate bouquets of fabric flowers, and the front dances with cascades of pink, lavender and cream chiffon sashes.”
Julien’s added: ‘Each sash is embellished with playful pink satin bows and kissed with embellishments of lavender, pink and cream chiffon, creating a visual symphony of elegance and charm.’
Monroe was tragically found dead in the early hours of August 5, 1962 at her estate in Brentwood, California.
Her death was ruled a probable suicide after she overdosed on barbiturates.