Elvis’ rhinestone jumpsuit tops US$1.5 million memorabilia auction
Legal contracts, a guitar-shaped ring, and even a pistol, were also hot lots
Forty years ago, Elvis Presley left the building – permanently. The original rock-and-roll superstar died August 16, 1977, of a myocardial infarction, but his death gave birth to a multi-billion-dollar industry that seems to be immortal.
Right now, tens of thousands of devotees are in Memphis, Tennessee, for Elvis Week. Of course, that takes place at Graceland, the King’s residence and the second most visited home in America (after the White House). It’s undergone significant upgrades in the past year, including the addition of a 450-room luxury hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, and an entertainment complex, both the result of a US$137 million makeover by Authentic Brands Group.
Among the week’s fan reunions, dance parties, and concerts, the festivities also included a memorabilia auction that closed August 12 – and that featured some impressively high-ticket items, with the total haul topping US$1.5 million.
Big ticket items included an Elvis owned and stage-worn sleeveless jumpsuit and jacket that sold for US$250,000.
Jeff Marren, consignment director for Graceland Auctions – said the stage-worn suits tend to fetch the most money because only 15 to 18 of them are owned by collectors.
Elvis’ “Blue Armadillo” jumpsuit – a sleeveless, bell-bottom jumpsuit with matching jacket and rhinetone details – sold for US$250,000 including buyer’s premium, the high end of its estimate and the most expensive item at the auction. Worn by the performer in 1975, when he was 40 and touring, it’s apparently “an exemplary example” of his “evolving style.”
