A classic ensemble made famous by the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is among the items set to be auctioned off as part of a Julien’s auction lot this March.
The auction house recently released images and descriptions of the lot, titled ICONS: Playboy, Hugh Hefner and Marilyn Monroe, set to take place March 28–30 in Beverly Hills, California.
Among the items linked to the late magazine founder — who died at the age of 91 in September of 2017 — is a full ensemble of a classic smoking jacket, silk pajamas, slippers Hefner wore, along with a pipe he used.
‘This ensemble is not just a piece of history; it’s a slice of the Hef’s glamorous lifestyle set new standards for luxury and leisure during the eras of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,’ Julien’s wrote. ‘Slip into his shoes (or slippers, rather) and imagine what it was like to lounge in the lap of luxury, and be the visionary and icon he defined.’
The outfit is expected to command between $2,000 – $3,000 in bids, according to Julien’s.
A classic ensemble made famous by the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner is among the items set to be auctioned off as part of a Julien’s auction lot this March
‘Explore 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 lot, which embraces ‘the allure of the past’ and ‘pays homage to these cultural titans.’
Another Hefner item incorporating another pop icon — Andy Warhol — nis among the items included in the lot, in the form of an acrylic and silkscreen ink painting titled Playboy Bunny that Warhol created in 1985, two years before his death.
The red paining is emblazoned with square emblems of Marilyn Monroe’s face and the Playboy Bunny icon, with a young Hefner pictured in the center.
Julien’s — which asks potential buyers to inquire about direct purchase — describes the unique piece of art commemorating the brand and its place in pop culture as ‘vibrant and electrifying.’
‘The colors leap from the canvas, each hue a testament to Warhol’s brilliance,’ Julien’s said. ‘The meticulous use of silk screen 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 intersects with the pop art of its time, and where Andy Warhol’s legacy as an artistic visionary continues to shine brilliantly.’
Prior to the auction, select items from the lots are slated to be exhibited in China at exclusive locations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, according to The Sun.
The first of the exhibitions will be from January 27–February 1 at the Fringe Club, according to the outlet.
Hefner wore his traditional ensemble in 2005 alongside Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson
The red paining is emblazoned with square emblems of Monroe’s face and the Playboy Bunny icon, with a young Hefner pictured in the center
The auction will also feature number of items linked to the iconic late actress Monroe, including the gown she wore in Billy Wilder’s classic film The Seven Year Itch.
The evening gown from the 1955 comedy is expected to sell for between $100,000 and $200,000, according to Julien’s.
The gown, which was 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 was ‘not in the original film,’ according to the auction house, as the boa was featured in ‘a dream sequence that was … cut from the movie.’
In the deleted scene, Ewell’s character Richard Sherman was fantasizing about Monroe’s character, known as The Girl, who was wearing the garment and boa.
Also on sale in the auction is a lavender satin leotard Monroe donned in a pictorial for the December 22, 1958, issue of LIFE magazine, in which Monroe paid homage to late actress Lillian Russell.
In the issue, Monroe also paid homage to film icons including Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow, Theda Bara and Clara Bow.
According to Julien’s, the garment is expected to garner bidding in the range of $20,000–$40,000.
A number of items linked to the iconic late actress Marilyn Monroe — including the gown she wore in 1955’s The Seven Year Itch — the are set to be auctioned off as part of a Julien’s auction lot this March
The garment, which was 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 movie’
Monroe was pictured on the set of the 1955 romantic comedy
Also on sale in the auction is a lavender satin leotard Monroe donned in a pictorial for the December 22, 1958 issue of LIFE magazine, in which Monroe paid homage to late actress Lillian Russell
According to Julien’s, the garment is expected to garner bidding in the range of $20,000–$40,000
A gown Monroe wore to a press conference for her 1961 movie The Misfits is in the lot
Monroe was seen promoting the motion picture in 1961 wearing the dress
Another item hitting the auction block is a custom-made tube of Elizabeth Arden lipstick in an orange shade, which is expected to sell for around $9,000
A brooch Monroe wore is among the items listed in the vintage lot
A Saint Christopher religious medal once owned by Monroe is among the items in the lot
A red polka dot umbrella Monroe once owned is among the items up for sale in March
The leotard is ‘sensuously boned to perfection, adorned with a décolletage neckline that’s nothing short of mesmerizing’ 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 trims 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.