Joan Rivers Gowns, Jewels and More to be Auctioned by Christies For Charity
Legendary comedian Joan Rivers was a one of a kind personality, known for her kind heart, biting wit and ability to accessorize. Famed auction house Christie’s will hold not only an online auction but also a live auction this summer. More than 80 lots will be available in an online auction beginning June 16 followed by a live auction of 200 items on June 22. The sale will “encompass the breadth of the late entertainer’s exceptional and eclectic taste, including decorative arts, paintings, fine French furniture and Fabergé”, according to Christie’s. River’s prided herself on her high brow sense of fashion and design, parlaying it into a career on Fashion Police
Auction items will include couture gowns designed by Bob Mackie, jewels from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston, a Fabergé jeweled Lily of the Valley leaf piece and a custom engraved Tiffany’s water bowl previously used by Rivers’ dog Spike. Don’t let the big names scare you, the items will go from anywhere between $500 and $200,000, allowing even beginner collectors to grab an item.
River’s was not only a legendary comedian, but a pioneer for women in comedy. She was Johnny Carson’s favorite Tonight Show guest host and in 1986 she became the first female to host her own show when The Late Show with Joan Rivers debuted. She broke down barriers and remained relevant until her death in 2014. In addition to being a performer and host, she was a prolific writer and philanthropist, and recipient of a Daytime Emmy, a Tony award and a Grammy, awarded posthumously for her final comedy album.
Daughter and Fashion Police co-star Melissa Rivers said in a statement that the auction offers a “through-the-keyhole experience for fans across the globe to see and buy items from my mother’s amazing Manhattan penthouse. My mother’s legacy as a much loved comedienne and philanthropist will be commemorated in this collaboration with Christie’s,” she added. “And her generosity to charitable causes is something I will continue in her honor.”
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to God’s Love We Deliver, which distributes food to those with severe illnesses, and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
