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Lot 1198
A Theda Bara long beaded bra from Cleopatra
10 December 2019, 14:00 PST
Los AngelesUS$7,000 - US$9,000
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A Theda Bara long beaded bra from Cleopatra
Fox Film Corporation, 1917. Hand-sewn Egyptian-style costume consisting of a bra constructed of faux pearls and beads sewn to the front and back straps, tiered strings of pearls covering the chest area which connects to a long gray iridescent front sash that is heavily adorned with large and small circular beads of various colors and sizes, clear bugle beads, and dangling tiers of pearls and beads, with a reinforced fabric backing (done later). This costume is one of the most recognizable of those worn by Bara in this now-lost film for which she is best remembered. The incredibly risqué costumes from Cleopatra (of which the designer is unknown) were embraced by the public, who loved Bara's reputation as a vamp. Directed by J. Gordon Edwards, the film found Bara at the peak of her fame and an audience favorite for the role of the infamous Queen of the Nile. This and the other Theda Bara items in this sale were gifted to Bara's young neighbor, Joan Craig, shortly before Bara's death in 1955. Accompanied by a letter of provenance and a photograph of Bara wearing the costume.
Provenance: originally from the collection of Joan Craig, to whom it was gifted by Theda Bara; Heritage Auctions, Signature Music & Entertainment Auction #696, October 5, 2008, lot 49208.
12 x 55 in.
Provenance: originally from the collection of Joan Craig, to whom it was gifted by Theda Bara; Heritage Auctions, Signature Music & Entertainment Auction #696, October 5, 2008, lot 49208.
12 x 55 in.