Over 800 personally owned items of Greta Garbo will be sold as part of this intimate collection.

 

Greta Garbo still fascinates the public’s imagination over twenty years since her death and over seventy years since she starred in her last film. The items assembled here span Garbo’s life in Sweden, her early career as she took on the Hollywood studio system at age 21, through her career as one of the most talented actresses ever to appear on screen and to her decision to retire and live what she hoped would be a life of anonymity in New York City. This very personal collection, featuring Garbo’s personal clothing, accessories, furnishings and private possessions, has never been previously available and rarely seen by others. The auction contains the most clothing items designed by Valentina Schlee, known simply as Valentina, ever to be auctioned at one time. The two women’s complicated relationship became grist for gossip and rumors as Garbo was friend to Valentina and publicly the mistress of Georges Schlee, and neighbor of the couple in the same exclusive New York apartment building. Garbo was also one of the very first women to appear in clothing and accessories from Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lilly Dache, Hubert Givenchy, Mr. John, and many pieces from these designers will be part of the extensive wardrobe offering.

 

Select photographs from Garbo’s personal collection of Hollywood studio portraits (often referred to as Garbo’s Garbos) by photographers George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, and Ruth Harriet Louise are also part of the exhibit and sale. Furniture, art and décor from Garbo’s New York apartment and Garbo’s Swedish manor house are also among the highlights.

 

Join Julien’s Auctions in celebrating the life of the legendary Greta Garbo.