5 Most Expensive Fashion Items in Film
Fashion plays a crucial role not only in daily life but also in shaping the image and style of characters in films. Some costumes and accessories used in famous movies have not only left a significant impact but also become iconic symbols with extraordinarily high values. Here are the top 5 most expensive fashion items ever featured on screen:
1. The White Dress from “The Seven Year Itch”
The white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the iconic scene where her skirt is blown up by a subway grate in the film “The Seven Year Itch” (1955) is considered one of the most iconic fashion pieces in Hollywood history. Designed by William Travilla, this off-white halter-neck dress was sold for a record-breaking $4.6 million at an auction in Los Angeles. It is one of 3,500 memorabilia items from Debbie Reynolds, the star of “Singin’ in the Rain.” This dress still holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a film costume.
2. The Ascot Dress from “My Fair Lady”
The Ascot dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the Oscar-winning film “My Fair Lady” (1964) ranks second in the list of the world’s most expensive costumes. Designed by Cecil Beaton, this white silk gown with a linen lining is adorned with intricate hand-embroidery and lace. The dress featured prominently in nearly all promotional images for the film and significantly contributed to its $3.7 million auction price in 2011.
3. The Gingham Dress from “The Wizard of Oz”
Judy Garland’s gingham dress in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939) is another famous film costume on this list. Designed by Adrian Adolph Greenberg, this simple yet iconic dress became a symbol of Dorothy’s character. The pinafore dress, which underwent seven design revisions before the final version was chosen, was sold for $480,000 at a charity auction in Beverly Hills, USA, in 2012.
4. The Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz”
The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” are among the most famous and expensive shoes in film history. Designed by Adrian Adolph Greenberg and created by renowned shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo, the sequined red slippers are a key accessory and icon of the film. Among the four versions of the slippers, a pair used for fitting was sold for $610,000 in 2011. The actual pair worn by Garland was purchased by Leonardo DiCaprio and donated to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While the exact price was not disclosed, the starting estimate was around $2 million.
5. The Necklace from “Titanic”
The necklace featuring the blue diamond known as “The Heart of the Ocean” from the film “Titanic” is one of the most valuable and iconic pieces of jewelry in cinema history. The heart-shaped blue diamond used in the film is a 171-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 103 small diamonds. The necklace was inspired by the Hope Diamond of King Louis XVI, which disappeared after his death. The “Heart of the Ocean” necklace was sold for $17 million to an anonymous buyer, making it one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever associated with a film.
These fashion items are not only symbols of extravagance and class but also stand as testaments to the creativity and craftsmanship of their designers, significantly contributing to the success of the films in which they appeared.
