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- January 27, 2024
The memorable tulle tutu worn by Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in the beloved series “Sex and the City” has made a splash in the world of fashion auctions. This iconic piece, renowned for its appearance in the show’s opening credits, fetched an impressive $52,000 at a recent auction – a figure that soared well above its initial high estimate of $12,000.
The auction, hosted by Julien’s Auctions in California, saw the oyster-white, three-tier tutu skirt become the subject of intense bidding, ultimately receiving 24 bids. The skirt’s sale value far surpassed expectations, highlighting its status as a significant symbol in popular culture.
Acclaimed costume designer Patricia Field, responsible for the show’s fashion, discovered this now-iconic tutu in a New York garment district’s bargain bin. Field’s intuitive selection, influenced by her knowledge of Parker’s ballet background and the need for something whimsical and adventurous, perfectly aligned with the spirit of “Sex and the City.” This sentiment was echoed in Field’s book, “Pat in the City: My Life of Fashion, Style and Breaking All the Rules,” where she detailed the discovery and significance of the tutu.
The skirt not only featured in the series but also made a notable appearance in the 2008 “Sex and the City” movie during a memorable closet-clearing scene. The tutu was unanimously voted a ‘keep’ by Carrie’s friends, further cementing its place in the wardrobe of the iconic character.
Accompanying the sale was a certificate of authenticity signed by Patricia Field, adding to the item’s value and unique history. The auction, titled “Unstoppable: Signature Styles of Iconic Women in Fashion,” included a range of items worn by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Other notable pieces in the auction included a black velvet cocktail dress worn by Princess Diana, which sold for $325,000, and a pair of sequin-embellished paisley pants and matching shoes worn by Cher, which fetched $5,715.
