Prince’s iconic ruffled ‘Purple Rain’ shirt, a signature piece from his wardrobe, is set to go under the hammer in an online auction this week, with expectations of fetching a hefty sum.
This exquisite silk shirt, donned by the late artist during his compelling performance of “Purple Rain” at the 12th Annual American Music Awards in 1985, is part of a vast array of collectibles from Prince’s fashion repertoire.
The Fashion of Prince auction, hosted by RR Auction, features 203 items, meticulously collected by a French enthusiast known only as Bertrand on the auction house’s website.
According to RR Auction, the collector acquired these memorabilia directly from designers closely associated with Prince and other auction houses. His original intention was to establish a dedicated museum in honor of the legendary musician, who tragically passed away in 2016 due to a fentanyl overdose.
Renowned for his flamboyant style, Prince frequently sported this distinct ruffled white shirt, adorned with faux-pearl buttons and shoulder pads, throughout his “Purple Rain” tour, comprising 98 performances across North America from November 1984 to the following April. This particular shirt made its mark during the acclaimed artist’s appearance at the 12th Annual American Music Awards.
Despite exhibiting signs of wear, such as slight fabric dimpling on the wrists and staining on the right sleeve, the shirt remains in good condition, as noted by the auctioneers. The seller procured this garment “directly from a designer” involved in the “Purple Rain” film and subsequent tour.
As bids for the shirt have already reached $15,000, this prized possession and other items from the collection were showcased at a preview event in New York City’s Hotel Chelsea on November 8. The collection comprises an array of clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and guitars.
Notable highlights in the sale encompass gem-studded brooches worn by Prince during the tour and the distinctive round-rimmed sunglasses from his “Sign o’ the Times” era.
In a video interview published on the auction house’s website, Bobby Livingston, RR Auction’s executive vice president, hailed Prince as a “revolutionary figure.” Livingston emphasized the significance of the curated sale, aiming to narrate Prince’s story through his fashion choices.
The auction, anticipated to conclude on Friday, has generated substantial interest, particularly from ardent Prince admirers still mourning the artist’s untimely demise. Livingston highlighted the emotional attachment fans have toward Prince, prompting a desire to own a piece of his personal clothing or design.
