Prince's 'Purple Rain' Motorcycle Jacket Set for Auction

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Apr 29, 2016

Handwritten lyrics from Freddie Mercury and David Bowie have been some of the latest big-ticket pieces of artist memorabilia to hit the auction block lately. Now, a rare costume from Prince's classic 1984 film Purple Rain will go to the highest bidder this summer.

A black and white blazer with leather sleeves worn by the late music icon in the film has an asking price between $6,000 and $8,000 US, though is expected to sell for much higher. The piece of clothing comes from an original seller who said her sister received the jacket from Prince after working as a makeup artist on the film.

"It's definitely the most important piece of screen-worn Prince clothing that's ever come up for auction," Joe Maddalena, president of auction house Profiles in History told the Associated Press. "Prince memorabilia in general, it just really doesn't exist. It seems like he controlled it all. This is the first time ever for something like this, and it might be the only time because the rest of the costumes may be in his [personal] wardrobe."

The sale is set to take place on June 29, when Maddalena said he expects the jacket to be the "star of the show" in an auction that also includes clothing from Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys and a Swarovski crystal-studded glove from Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous world tour.

The status of the Purple One's many other possessions is currently up in the air, with the artist having not written a will, though his former Toronto residence can be bought if you happen to have a cool $12.8 million burning a hole in your pocket.

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