New York – Bonhams presents Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories, a vibrant assortment of fashion, accessories, entertainment memorabilia, and personal mementos tracing the extraordinary career of the trailblazing singer, songwriter, and actress. Spanning two sales, the collection will be offered and on view and in New York at the auction house's new U.S. flagship at 111 West 57th Street, this October.
One of the most influential artists of her generation, Cyndi Lauper has built a career spanning more than four decades across music, theatre, screen, fashion, and advocacy. A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner with more than 50 million records sold, she made history with She's So Unusual (1983) – the first debut album by a woman to produce four top-five singles – and went on to record enduring classics including "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "Time After Time," and "True Colours." A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, she became the first solo woman to win the Tony Award for Best Original Score, for Kinky Boots. Today, from her farewell tour and Las Vegas residency to her ongoing work in musical theatre, Lauper remains a vital creative force and a tireless advocate for women, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQ+ community, most recently through her Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund.
Drawn from more than four decades, the collection reflects the originality, artistry, and cultural impact that have defined Lauper's enduring legacy. Its costumes and fashion span her earliest performances to her most celebrated appearances, including vintage and stage-worn pieces from Screaming Mimi's – the legendary New York boutique she frequented early in her career – alongside designs by Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. With memorabilia documenting milestone moments in music and entertainment, the collection offers a journey through the evolution of one of the most influential performers of her generation.
"Few artists have shaped popular culture with the originality and impact of Cyndi Lauper," commented Anna Hicks, Bonhams Head of Private & Iconic Collections, US. "What makes Cyndi so remarkable is her unwavering commitment to being authentically herself, and that spirit is evident throughout this collection. The fashions, accessories, and memorabilia preserved across her career offer fans and collectors alike a deeply personal glimpse into the imagination, artistry, and individuality behind one of the most influential artists of our time. We at Bonhams are honoured to share this chapter of Cyndi's story and celebrate the creativity, authenticity, and individuality with audiences worldwide."
Reflecting on her collection coming to auction, Cyndi Lauper said: "Going through my archives for this auction gave me the chance to reflect on the incredible collaborators I've had the privilege to work with over the years. I wanted this collection to bring together the things that have always been connected for me – art, music, and fashion. To me, fashion is art, and these pieces represent that creative journey. I knew Bonhams would understand that because of the beautiful way they've presented artists and designers in the past. It feels especially meaningful that this auction comes as True Colours celebrates its 40th anniversary. I'm excited to share these pieces and grateful to have Bonhams tell this story in a way that feels true to who I am."
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories: Part I
October 22
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories Part I, the live sale of the collection, will take place on October 22 in New York. Featuring a focused selection of 20 lots, the sale traces the arc of Lauper's career with an emphasis on fashion, bringing together iconic garments, memorabilia, and personal objects that illuminate her enduring cultural impact.
Among the fashion in the live sale, are several ensembles connected to defining moments in Lauper's career, including a Vivienne Westwood Green Fringe Wood Bark Ensemble with an Embroidered Shirt and Vintage Hat, from Spring/Summer 1985, worn during a 1986 appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, where Lauper performed "True Colours," estimated at $800 – 1,200.
Also notable is the iconic 'True Colours' Newspaper Skirt Ensemble, worn on both the album cover for True Colours and in the accompanying music video. Offered during the album's 40th anniversary year, the present ensemble represents one of the most recognisable looks associated with Lauper's landmark 1986 release and is estimated at $1,000 – 2,000.
Also featured in the sale is the Red Plaid Dress and Jewellery Lauper wore at the first-ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984 at Radio City Music Hall, where she received nine overall nods and took home the award for "Best Female Video" for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," estimated at $800 – 1,200.
Rounding out the fashion highlights are the Leopard Print Pyjamas worn in the "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video, estimated at $500 – 700; the Rainbow Headdress and Dress Lauper wore as the Grand Marshal of The West Hollywood Pride Parade, estimated at $600 – 800; as well as The Bra and Jewellery worn in the "True Colours" music video and in Matthew Rolston's Interview magazine photoshoot for its April 1986 issue, estimated at $1,000 – 1,500.
The sale also offers a glimpse into the milestones and creative legacy of Lauper's career through a selection of awards, memorabilia, and personal effects. Among the offerings are several of Lauper's accolades, including a framed RIAA Award, Billboard Video Music Awards, and a group of Rolling Stone Awards, with estimates ranging from $200 to $2,000.
Additional highlights rounding out the live sale include: The Lunch Box from the "Time After Time" Music Video estimated at $200 – 300; The Storyboard for the "True Colours" Music Video, estimated at $500 – 700; as well as A 1980s Faux Cheetah and Red, Green, Pink, and Black Vinyl Sofa, estimated at $800 – 1,200.
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories Part II
September 17–October 23
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories Part II will run online from September 17 - October 23, showcasing over 200 lots of fashion, entertainment memorabilia, and objects.
The fashion highlights include a selection of recognisable outfits from Alexander McQueen, including A Dress And Two Jackets from McQueen's Spring 2008 La Dame Bleue collection, worn by Lauper on the red carpet of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, estimated at $1,500 – 2,000; Two Structural Wool Coats from McQueen's Fall 2009 The Horn of Plenty collection and a Pre-Fall 2010 Coat Dress, estimated at $2,000 – 3,000; as well as The Black Beaded Cape Lauper wore to the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, estimated at $1,200 – 1,800.
Other highlights include pieces by Vivienne Westwood, including a White Bustier from the Spring/Summer 1996 Les Femmes Ne Connaissent Pas Toute Leur Coquetterie collection, estimated at $300 – 500; and a Fur-Trimmed Skirt and Corset Ensemble with Petite Peton Marabou-Trim Heels, worn by Lauper to the 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, estimated at $800 – 1,200.
Rounding out the grouping are ensembles styled by Lauper herself, including Two Stage-Worn Blazer and Skirt Looks from the mid-1980s, worn during performances in the U.S. and U.K., estimated at $1,500–2,000.
The online sale will also offer recognisable performance props including the Raggedy Ann Doll and Teacup Print Tablecloth featured in the "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music video, estimated at $400 – 600; A Group of Conch Shells featured on the True Colours album cover and music video, estimated at $600 – 800; in addition to Two Stage-Used Gabage Cans kicked around in choreography for the She's So Unusual Tour, estimated at $1,000 – 1,500.
Additional entertainment memorabilia highlights include a signed Romy and Michele's High School Reunion script, the cult-classic film that features Lauper's hit song "Time After Time" in an iconic dance sequence, estimated at $600 – $800; as well as a Framed Typed and Handwritten Letter from Quincy Jones to Lauper regarding her participation in "We Are the World," which Jones produced, estimated at $300 – $500.
Other fun personal objects of Lauper's that will be offered include her McSpadden Mountain Teardrop Four-String Flathead Cherry Dulcimer, estimated at $2,000 – 3,000, as well as her Personal Wrought Iron Butterfly Hall Mirror, estimated at $600 – 800.
Ahead of the sales, highlights from Lauper's collection will be unveiled in a comprehensive public exhibition at Bonhams' U.S. flagship, located at 111 West 57th Street, from October 16–22. Showcasing the full scope of the collection and spanning decades of fashion, the exhibition will chart the evolution of Lauper's style throughout her music career.
For more information on the upcoming sales, please visit bonhams.com/cyndi-lauper.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.