LOS ANGELES, May 15 ― The military style jacket that Janet Jackson wore during her 1990 Rhythm Nation tour sold for US$81,250 (RM335,271) at a Beverly Hills auction yesterday, more than 20 times its pre-sale estimate.
The Rhythm Nation cropped black jacket with metal hardware was one of the highlights of a three-day sale of stage costumes and other memorabilia amassed over four decades by the singer. The tour was her first as a headline solo artist.
Julien's Auctions said the jacket had been expected to sell for US$4,000-US$6,000. The buyer was not disclosed.
A prototype of the same jacket went for US$21,875.
The five-time Grammy winner, who turns 55 tomorrow, is selling more than 1,000 of the costumes she wore on stage, on tour, on red carpets and in music videos.
A single hoop earring with a key that she wore on tour in 1990 and at multiple other appearances was bought yesterday for US$43,750.
The singer's most famous outfit ― the black leather bustier that was ripped, briefly exposing her breast at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show ― is not included in the auction.
A portion of the auction proceeds will go to the Christian child sponsorship group Compassion International. Jackson will also give 100 per cent of sales of a limited edition three volume set of auction catalogs, offered at US$800, to the nonprofit.
The sale concludes tomorrow. ― Reuters
