Sarah Jessica Parker’s ‘Sex and the City’ Tutu Fetches $52,000 in Auction

In an auction of “iconic” fashion pieces from film, TV, and celebrity wardrobes, Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic tulle tutu from the opening credits of “Sex and the City” stole the spotlight, selling for an astonishing $52,000. The auction, conducted by Julien’s Auctions in California, far exceeded expectations, reaching over four times its high estimate of $8,000-12,000.

The oyster-white, three-tier tutu skirt, famously worn by Parker in her role as Carrie Bradshaw, became a pop culture symbol and achieved legendary status. The auction house highlighted its significance in the hit HBO TV series, also noting that Patricia Field, the show’s costume designer, discovered it in a five-dollar bin while shopping for the series in New York’s garment district.

Describing the find in her book “Pat in the City: My Life of Fashion, Style, and Breaking All the Rules,” Field expressed how the whimsical and unexpected nature of the tutu-style skirt resonated with the essence of “Sex and the City,” making it an ideal fit for Sarah Jessica Parker’s character.

The tutu made a memorable reappearance in the 2008 “Sex and the City” movie, where it played a pivotal role as Carrie sorted through her closet. The unanimous decision to keep this iconic piece was a testament to its enduring appeal.

The auction also featured other noteworthy items, including a black velvet cocktail dress worn by Princess Diana, which sold for $325,000, sequin-embellished paisley pants worn by Cher to the 2000 Vanity Fair Oscar’s after party, fetching $5,715, and a custom-made onesie for Elle Woods’ pet chihuahua from “Legally Blonde,” which sold for $1,625. All items were sold with certificates of authenticity, adding to their allure in this “Unstoppable: Signature Styles of Iconic Women in Fashion” sale by Julien’s.