Twenty years ago, Bertrand Brillois, a Parisian businessman, began reaching out to seamstresses, costume designers, fabric dyers, production assistants, and others who had worked for Prince. He expressed his belief that Prince was not only a musical genius but also a fashion icon, and he wanted to purchase clothing, jewelry, and other accessories designed or worn by him.
Mr. Brillois has acquired many items over the years, including an ankle-length white cashmere coat that Prince had custom-made by a tailor in Nice, France, when he was filming the 1986 movie “Under the Cherry Moon.” More than 200 other items are also on auction as part of the Fashion of Prince, which is accepting bids through Nov. 16.
The sale, held by RR Auction, also includes one of Prince’s signature wardrobe items: a white, high-necked, silk shirt with elaborate ruffles, puffy sleeves, and faux pearl buttons. Prince wore it during a performance of “Purple Rain” at the American Music Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Jan. 28, 1985.
The collection goes beyond outfits worn by Prince, including backstage Polaroid shots, notes handwritten by Prince, and master tapes of the albums “Lovesexy,” “Batman,” and “Diamonds and Pearls.”
There are also concept sketches and a binder containing fabric swatches in various shades of purple that offers insight into how Prince and his wardrobe team created his singular style and image.
Bobby Livingston, an executive vice president at RR Auction, mentioned that the “butt suit” worn by Prince to the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards is part of the collection, including fabric from that garment.
At a preview party, the displays and the accompanying catalog provided intimate glimpses of the auction subject. Prince’s custom boots, four pairs of which are up for auction, has reinforced, high heels to prevent breakage during his stage shows.
The auction market for Prince has grown significantly after his death in April 2016. Several of his personal items have fetched high prices in recent auctions.
In 2020, RR Auction sold a Yamaha DX7 synthesizer played by Prince for nearly $74,000 — three times the expected price. In June, the auction house sold the demo tape that won Prince his first recording contract, for more than $67,000.
The singer’s estate is not affiliated with RR Auction or the current sale. After Prince’s death, former employees and friends reportedly received items from him. Mr. Brillois has spent years amassing his collection and consulted experts at the Louvre Museum and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs to preserve the vintage garments, jewels, and paperwork.
Mingling with guests at the party, Mr. Brillois shared stories behind the items, expressing his satisfaction at seeing his work done.
