You Could Own Part of Betsy Bloomingdale's Incredible Collection of Jewels, Gowns, and Antiques
Christie's sold Betsy Bloomingdale's most important jewels during a successful auction this past December, just a few months after the legendary socialite's death (her 29-carat Harry Winston diamond ring sold for over $1.9 million). In April, the auction house will be selling the rest of the fashion icon's jewelry collection, along with items from her wardrobe and the contents of her Hollywood Regency villa.
The collection is so vast that it will be auctioned off during two sales-a live auction that will take place in New York City on April 5th, and an online auction that will run on Christie's website from March 30th until April 6th.
Bloomingdale was a famous society hostess and fashion icon with impeccable taste. Her collection of couture was displayed during the 2009 exhibition, "High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and The Haute Couture," at Los Angeles's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Her grand home, which frequently hosted guests like Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, and Joan Collins, also happened to be one of the only remaining complete commissions by the interior designer William Haines. The auction will include original pieces designed by Haines, 18th century antique furniture, a painting by Odilon Redon, and a prized Royal Copenhagen 'Flora Danica' dinner service.
The auction house will also sell Bloomingdale's clothing, accessories, and the rest of her jewelry collection. The lots include earrings designed by David Webb, couture outfits by Oscar de la Renta and Valentino, and sets of designer handbags, Some of the lots even contain personal details- like a Dior dress that will be sold with a handwritten list of the events that Bloomingdale wore the gown to (she donned it for both the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2004 and to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York nearly a decade earlier).
Even for sale is the immense 18th century mahogany dinner table which served as the centerpiece of her legendary dinner parties. Bloomingdale was one of the most important women in Los Angeles society, and she was a skilled hostess whose parties were known for including famous actors, artists, politicians, and fashion designers. If only her table could talk.
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