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The Steve Jobs You Never Saw: An Exploration of His Unexpected Sartorial Choices

The 'Spotlight: History & Technology' auction offers a rare opportunity to own personal items from Steve Jobs' wardrobe, including suits and ties, providing a glimpse into the multifaceted personality of the Apple visionary beyond his iconic black turtleneck and blue jeans.

October 23, 2024

Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, was a man of iconic simplicity. His signature black turtleneck and blue jeans became synonymous with his genius – a uniform that spoke volumes about his focus on innovation and his disdain for frivolity. But what happened when Jobs stepped out of his self-imposed uniform and into something more…stately? The results were striking, revealing a side of the tech titan rarely glimpsed by the public.

The Wilkes Bashford Suit: A Glimpse into a Different Steve Jobs

Our "Spotlight: History & Technology" auction offers a rare opportunity to witness this unexpected side of Jobs. We're offering two exceptional suits from his personal collection:

1984 Macintosh Computer Release Photo-Shoot Worn Wilkes Bashford Suit

Steve Jobs

1984 Macintosh Computer Release Photo-Shoot Worn Wilkes Bashford Suit with Photo

Estimate:

$20,000 - $30,000

A navy blue pin-striped Brioni for Wilkes Bashford suit, worn by Steve Jobs in a January 1984 marketing photograph taken by Bernard Gotfryd, heralding the release of the new Macintosh Computer.

The Macintosh was famously first announced on January 22nd during the Super Bowl in a now iconic commercial directed by Ridley Scott which depicted a dismal dystopian world filled with mindless skinheads, that was then brought down by the symbolic force of freedom and rebellion. The tagline at the end of the commercial made reference to George Orwell's classic novel... "On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you'll see why 1984 won't be like 1984."

The 100% cupro suit features thin vertical stripes throughout, with two front pockets, one breast pocket, three interior pockets, grey buttons, a cream silk-blend lining, size tag reads "39/49." Together with a pair of matching dress pants, size 39L.

Also includes a vintage Apple Macintosh pin found in the pocket, and the original Wilkes Bashford brand wooden hanger - white shirt not included with lot.

Steve Jobs

This navy-blue pin-striped Brioni suit, worn by Jobs in a promotional photo for the Macintosh computer, is a piece of tech history. The suit's classic elegance and understated sophistication offer a fascinating contrast to Jobs' usual casual attire, hinting at a man who could effortlessly navigate both the boardroom and the design studio.

1980 Event-Worn Wilkes Bashford Suit

Steve Jobs

1980 Event-Worn Wilkes Bashford Suit

Estimate:

$20,000 - $30,000

A taupe and white striped wool, two-piece suit by DiMitri Couture for Wilkes Bashford San Francisco, owned and worn by Steve Jobs in 1980.

Jobs was photographed wearing the suit to his friend Ben Rosen's 1980 retirement party from Morgan Stanley, in Palo Alto, California. Rosen shared the photo in a 2011 Huff post article titled, "Memories of Steve." Link to article and image of Jobs wearing the suit available upon request.

The jacket features two front pockets, one breast pocket, three interior pockets, brown marbled buttons, and a beige silk interior lining, size 40R. Together with a pair of matching dress pants, size 33R - white shirt not included.

Steve Jobs

This taupe and white striped wool suit, worn by Jobs to a friend's retirement party, is another remarkable find. Its subtle pattern and relaxed fit reveal a more personal side of Jobs, one that embraced style without sacrificing comfort.

Steve Jobs

1977 Apple-II Release Photo-Shoot Worn Ralph Lauren Tie with Photo

Estimate:

$1,000 - $2,000

A brown silk Polo Ralph Lauren brand necktie, with white, red, and grey horizontal stripes throughout, worn by Steve Jobs in a 1977 photo-shoot to announce to release of the new Apple II computer in Cupertino, California. No size present.

Designed by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Apple Inc., the Apple II computer was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers. Its significance lies in its accessibility and versatility, which brought computing power to a broader audience, including homes, schools, and small businesses. The Apple II featured an attractive design, user-friendly interface, and expandability, allowing users to add peripherals and upgrade memory. It was also the platform for many early software innovations, including the first spreadsheet program, VisiCalc, which demonstrated the practical applications of personal computing. The success of the Apple II established Apple as a major player in the burgeoning industry and laid the foundation for future advancements in technology.

Accompanied by a photo of Jobs wearing the necktie.

Length, 57 inches

Steve Jobs

1980s Photo-Shoot Worn Wilkes Bashford Tie with Photo

Estimate:

$1,000 - $2,000

A slate blue Wilkes Bashford San Francisco brand necktie, with a maroon and silver diagonal striped pattern, owned and worn by Steve Jobs. No size present.

Accompanied by a photo of Jobs wearing this necktie in a circa 1980s photoshoot.

Length, 57.75 inches

Steve Jobs

Owned Paisley Tie

Estimate:

$400 - $600

An Italian silk, Robert Talbott for Jeffrey Richards, maroon, grey, and slate blue paisley necktie, owned by Steve Jobs. No size present.

Length, 55.5 inches

Steve Jobs

1985 Event-Worn Perry Ellis Bow Tie

Estimate:

$4,000 - $6,000

A maroon and white polka dot Perry Ellis brand bow tie, owned by Steve Jobs and likely worn during a keynote speech. Size is adjustable.

The still photo of Jobs was part of a slideshow created by his team for his 30th birthday celebration in 1985.

PROVENANCE Lot 797, Julien's Auctions, "From the Caretakers of The Jackling House," September 23, 2016

Steve Jobs

Monogrammed Leather Garment Bag

Estimate:

$2,000 - $4,000

A leather Hartmann Luggage brand garment travel bag, originally owned by Steve Jobs, and bearing his initials, "SPJ."

The bag was later gifted by Jobs to a former employee.

Approximately 42.5 x 24 inches

Steve Jobs

Garments of History

These suits are not just ornaments of attire; they are artifacts that offer a glimpse into the multifaceted personality of Steve Jobs, and remind us that even the most iconic figures have hidden depths.

By acquiring one of these suits, you are not merely investing in a piece of clothing. You are acquiring a piece of Steve Jobs' legacy, a tangible connection to the man who revolutionized the tech industry and shaped our modern world. You are also making a statement about your own appreciation for style, history, and the lasting power of individuality and self-expression.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of the Steve Jobs story. Visit our "Spotlight: History & Technology" auction today and discover the unexpected side of a true icon.

Live Auction

SPOTLIGHT: HISTORY & TECHNOLOGY

Jul 11, 2024

12:00 PM PDT