Elizabeth Taylor’s Golden Gowns Go to Auction

Two high-fashion ensembles from Elizabeth Taylor’s sartorial golden age will be sold at a London fashion auction on 29 November.

The actress’s gold brocatelle Chanel shift dress with matching jacket and rare Cristobal Balenciaga ‘sari’ gown both date from 1964, early in her marriage to Richard Burton. Taylor embarked on her legendary romance with the Welsh actor on the set of Cleopatra in 1961.

‘Elizabeth Taylor was arguably at her most beautiful at this point in time,’ specialist auctioneer Kerry Taylor (no relation) said. ‘I think the photographs show a couple who are extremely happy—and she looks stunning.’

Burton’s accountant, a friend of the actor whose wife was a similar size as Taylor, received the two outfits as a gift in the 1960s. Both ensembles have remained in the family ever since.

The Balenciaga gown is particularly remarkable, the auctioneer noted. The gown is comprised of a strapless gold brocade sheath with strict boning, overlaid with an amber-embroidered sari panel. It features a hidden diagonal back zipper and a rich golden hue befitting its wearer.

‘Balenciaga was at his creative height at this point,’ Kerry Taylor said. She estimates that the Balenciaga gown will achieve £30,000 to £50,000 at auction and expects bidding on the Chanel dress to reach £10,000 to £15,000.

‘It’s a combination of one of the most famous film stars ever, and one of the best couturiers ever. She was dressing like the star she was.’

Check out Liz's most iconic wedding looks...