Raquel Welch’s Most Cherished Items Are Heading to Auction (Exclusive)
Raquel Welch’s most cherished items, including costumes, awards and memorabilia, are hitting the auction block.
Julien’s Auction will present the exclusive collection, “Bombshell: The Raquel Welch Collection,” on April 12 in Los Angeles.
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Welch, who was catapulted to international stardom in the ’60s thanks to her roles in One Million Years B.C., Fantastic Voyage and Bedazzled, died in February last year at age 82 following a brief illness. She was also known for her strikingly photogenic features.
“Raquel Welch was that singular rarefied Hollywood star who had it all — grace, glamour, and grit in a goddess’ body, whose star-making appearance in One Million Years B.C. became one of history’s most cinematic images and one of the best-selling pinup posters of all time,” said Darren Julien, executive director/co-founder of Julien’s Auctions. “She was worshipped not only for her stunning beauty, but for her legacy of ground-breaking portrayals of strong female warriors who possessed the same ferocity and fierceness Ms. Welch blazed throughout her extraordinary life and career. Julien’s is proud to represent her Estate in this exceptional collection of Ms. Welch’s most iconic items and cherished personal treasures.”
Julien’s will auction off more than 500 of the actress’ items from her iconic films and television shows, including her 1974 Golden Globe Award for best actress in a comedy or musical for her role in The Three Musketeers. Her Hollywood Walk of Fame plaque from her 1996 dedication ceremony and her 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 convertible, carrying an auction estimate of $70,000 to $100,000, will also be featured.
As for her onscreen costumes, the auction will feature a One Million Years B.C. style suede and faux fur bikini; a flapper-style dress from The Wild Party; a red, white and blue sequined one-piece swimsuit inspired by Welch’s costume in Myra Breckinridge; and the swimsuit she wore in Really, Raquel.
Custom-made ensembles from some of Welch’s favorite designers — Bob Mackie, Norma Kamali and Givenchy — that she wore at Hollywood events from the Academy Awards to fashion shows will also make appearances at the auction.
A handful of jewelry pieces will be offered as well, such as her diamond and 14k gold wedding ring (auction estimate: $10,000 to $20,000), Rolex Oyster perpetual date just stainless steel and gold wristwatch, and various pieces by Tiffany & Co.
The auction will also be held online at Julien’s Auctions. Some items will be featured at an exclusive European public exhibition at The Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge, Ireland, beginning Feb. 23.
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