Iconic Aretha Franklin Dresses Set for Auction – A Glamorous Legacy

Iconic Aretha Franklin Dresses Set for Auction – A Glamorous Legacy

Sellout: The Queen of Soul’s Closet Goes on the Auction Block!

Just weeks after Aretha Franklin’s passing, Julien’s Auctions dropped the news that more than 30 of the legendary singer’s dresses are up for grabs. The sales are slated for Friday, November 9–10 in New York, alongside pieces from other music icons.

What’s on the Menu?

  • Red sequined glam – A show-stopping robe by the late Arnold Scaasi, the designer famed for dressing U.S. first‑ladies. Aretha rocked it during a 1991 Radio City Music Hall performance.
  • Lux knit jacket – A chic St. John jacket she wore when President Bill Clinton presented her the National Medal of the Arts in 1999.
  • More than 30 outfits – Each expected to fetch up to $4,000 (~S$5,500).

Who Owns These Gems?

Julien’s Auction kept the owners under wraps, but the story is rich enough to stand on its own.

Remembering Aretha

From humble beginnings singing in her father’s church to smashing hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Aretha’s voice was a powerhouse of emotion. She passed away on August 16 from cancer, yet her legacy—blazing a trail for soul and empowerment—continues to shine brighter than any sequined dress.