Lady Gaga Alexander McQueen Dress Auction - P 2012
Courtesy of ChristiesLady Gaga broke a world record on Wednesday night, but it had nothing to do with her music career. The famed singer paid $133,075 for a dress from the late designer Alexander McQueen, the highest price ever paid for a McQueen creation at an auction.
The auction was held at Christie’s in London and featured the personal collection of artist and fashion collector Daphne Guinness. It raised $744,285, four times the pre-sale estimate, to benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation. Founded by Guinness to honor her friend, the fashion muse and editor who died in 2007, the foundation supports aspiring art and fashion students and mental health research.
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Gaga phoned in her bid from the U.S. on the McQueen ivory silk tulle empire waist gown, which came from the 2008-09 collection, “The Girl Who Lived in the Tree.” Gaga was among bidders from 21 countries. The auction was comprised of Guinness’ personal designer-filled wardrobe, including 102 lots from haute couture to accessories.
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The highest selling item was a portrait of Guinness taken by fashion photographer Mario Testino for the March 2008 edition British Vogue. The bidder paid $208,003, breaking another world record. A third record: a Spanish style white lace dress from Lacroix sold at $25,366.
After the auction, Guinness thanked Gaga on Twitter writing: “And, THANK YOU my friend Lady Gaga. You are a real person. And a great one.”
It’s no surprise Gaga bid on McQueen in light of her history of wearing many head-turning outfits from the designer. He was an instrumental part to her career, and she wrote her hit single, “Born This Way,” after his death in 2010.
