More often than not, pre-owned expensive, fashion items make their way to thrift stores and sell for less than their original prices. However, what nobody says is that depending on who “pre-used” these items, they could score a fortune. More so, it is easy to see a designer luxury item and wonder what could be more precious than such in terms of cost.
However, beyond the secondhand stores, bustling boutiques, and runway shows, a few items have achieved a status beyond being merely stylish—they are iconic symbols of opulence. This article explores some of the most expensive fashion items that have been auctioned or sold.
The World’s Most Expensive Fashion Items Ever Sold
Here are some of the most expensive items that have ever been sold:
#1 The Pink Promise Diamond – $50 Million
“The Pink Promise,” a mesmerising 14-carat pink diamond ring, sold for a remarkable $50 million at an auction by Christie. The diamond, which comes from the collection of the Oppenheimer family, the former owners of De Beers, sold after five minutes of bidding, meeting the high estimate. The diamond was renamed the Winston Pink Legacy after the auction.
#2 The Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur – $30 Million
The “Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur” was a masterpiece made by Malaysian fashion designer Faiyzali Abdullah. This work of art that captures the essence of luxury is adorned with about 751 diamonds. The dress stole the spotlight at a charity auction, fetching a staggering $30 million.
#3 The Chopard 201-Carat Watch – $25 Million
Priced at a staggering $25 million, this watch consists of about 870 coloured diamonds of different sizes and colours, ranging from blue and pink to white and yellow. The luxurious watch is a wearable masterpiece that merges functionality with extravagance.
#4 Debbie Wingham’s “Abaya” – $17.7 Million
British designer Debbie Wingham took the modest abaya and transformed it into a show-stopping piece of art. Priced at an astounding $17.7 million, this garment is adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and gold thread. The dress, which was once named the most expensive dress in the world is a perfect exploration of the intersection between traditional attire and high fashion.
#5 Mouawad’s 1001 Nights Diamond Purse – $3.8 Million
This heart-shaped masterpiece is crafted from 18-karat gold and adorned with 4,517 diamonds, including pink, yellow, and colourless ones. Valued at $3.8 million, this purse was named the most expensive handbag in the world by Guinness World Records in 2010.
#6 The Original “Ruby Slippers” from The Wizard of Oz – Estimated $2-3 Million
Click your heels three times, and you might find yourself in a pair of the most iconic shoes in cinematic history. The original ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz are not just a movie prop; they are a cultural artifact. While their exact price is hard to determine due to their cultural significance, experts estimate their value to be between $2-3 million. These slippers are a dazzling piece of Hollywood history that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
#7 Hermès Birkin Bag by Ginza Tanaka – $1.9 Million
The iconic Hermès Birkin bag is already a symbol of luxury, but Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka elevated it to a whole new level. Crafted from platinum and adorned with over 2,100 diamonds, including an eight-carat pear-shaped centrepiece, this Birkin masterpiece fetched a jaw-dropping $1.9 million at auction. You can describe this bag as a fusion of haute couture and high jewellery, an accessory fit for royalty, and you would be right.
#8 Stuart Weitzman’s “Retro Rose” Pumps – $1 Million
For shoe aficionados, Stuart Weitzman is a name synonymous with sophistication. The “Retro Rose” pumps took this reputation to new heights, featuring 1,800 diamonds meticulously set in 100-karat platinum. The luxurious item has made its way among the top choices for celebrities to wear to glamorous events like the Oscar red carpet and other shows.
Conclusion
These fashion items transcend the conventional boundaries of style and price. As we marvel at these luxurious creations, we are reminded that in the fashion industry, true luxury is timeless, and the allure of opulence continues to captivate us all.
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