Could you ever put a price on owning a piece of fashion history? Of course you can! And your best shot at snapping up iconic celebrity garb – think a Marilyn Monroe cocktail dress or Madge’s bustier -  is at exclusive auctions hosted by world-renowned houses.

Today, the luminous ivory lace gown Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1953 film, Roman Holiday – and then to Academy Awards that following year where she won for “Best Actress” – goes under the hammer by Kerry Taylor Auctions. The famous frock, designed by legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, is expected to fetch anywhere from £40,000 – £60,000 ($64,330-$96,495).

In that spirit, we take a look back at some of the more illustrious celebrity auctions and what the infamous pieces eventually sold for. Although we may never be able to actually afford the purchase of a Liz Taylor jewel, what’s the harm in a bit of fun bidding?

Audrey Hepburn’s Hubert de Givenchy dress, Christie’s, London.

The satiny LBD Hepburn wore as Holly Golightly in the opening scene of the 1961 film, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, fetched £467,200 ($923,187) in 2006. Its original cost was estimated between £50,000 – £70,000 ($98,800 – $138,320).

Kate Middleton’s sheer dress, Kerry Taylor Auctions, London.

In April, the see-through number that the Duchess of Cambridge wore to the university fashion show in 2002 (and allegedly caught Prince William’s eye) sold for £78,000 ($125,443) – 10 times its expected worth.

Princess Diana’s Victor Edelstein dress, Waddingston’s, Toronto.

Speaking of princesses, Princess Diana’s midnight-blue silk-velvet dress by Victor Edelstein  – worn to the White House state dinner in 1985 during a dance with John Travolta – sold in Toronto for $800,000 in June. It was auctioned as part of collection that included 14 of the Princess of Wales’ dresses.

Elizabeth Taylor’s luxe jewelry collection- Christie’s, New York.

The New York-based auction house just added a special online-only sale of 950 pieces from Elizabeth Taylor’s regal closet. With four categories – fine jewelry, fashion and accessories, costume jewelry and decorative arts and memorabilia – the online sale, which includes 22 handbags by Dior and Valentino, takes place on Christie’s website from Dec. 3-17th.

La Liz’s most iconic pieces -  including the 33.19-carat diamond ring Richard Burton gave her in 1968 – have been journeying on a three-month international tour since September and are available through a live auction on Dec. 13 at Christie’s. The collection of 269 fine jewels up for bid is estimated to be worth more than US$30 million.

If money were no object, which item above would you want to personally own?

"David (LaChappelle) left this photograph of model Jodie Kidd at my door as a thanks for all the support we gave him on FashionTelevision," says Beker.

Jeanne Beker, famed fashion journalist, author and host of FashionTelevision is premiering her personal art collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s annual Collector’s Series showcase. ELLECanada.com caught up with Beker before opening night to talk about her favourite pieces and the mystery behind Yves Saint Laurent’s eyes.

Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

“These pieces all mean something special; to me and my girls. Growing up in our house, for them, there was always an artsy vibe because of all the interesting things we had on the walls. When I was growing up, for my parents— who were immigrants and Holocaust survivors— art was something they would never consider buying. It was like the ultimate extravagance and only the fancy people had art in their homes. My mother used to just have these petit point tapestries that she would hang up.  That was the art that I grew up with.”

Has your views on art evolved alongside your career?

“I have an eye that’s a little more adventurous now or enjoys to be challenged where maybe earlier on things were a little safer. One of my more recent acquisitions was this piece that I got about three years ago in Dublin by an Irish artist named Patrick O’Reilly. He works mostly with sculpture but he does a lot of interesting three-dimensional pieces, like this one:

Patrick O'Reilly

I was visiting his studio with a friend of mine, designer Louise Kennedy, and I just fell in love with that piece because it seemed so alive. It seemed like something from the bottom of the sea. I boldly hung it—where it still remains—over my fireplace.”

What can this collection tell us about you?

“These are images that are so personal to me -  whether they were gifted or I spent my hard-earned dough on them – that they really serve as kind of a visual diary: the places I’ve been to, the people I’ve known, my evolving aesthetic over the years. To see them, first of all, out of context, is pretty damned strange, but it’s also incredibly thrilling that I can share that.”

Is there a story behind this Yves Saint Laurent portrait?

“I love this portrait of Yves Saint Laurent. This was a gift from Andre Rau and the gallery who represents him in San Francisco. This is one of the most important designers of the past century and a true tormented genius. It’s really wonderful to see this contemplative portrait and wonder what goes on beneath the eyes.”

Portrait of Yves Saint Laurent by Andre Rau

(The Collector Series with Jeanne Beker opens Tuesday November 29 at 6 p.m. and is on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Art Rental + Sales Gallery, at 481 University Avenue, until December 16th, 2011)

What do the ELLE editors want to see under the tree this year?

Kathryn Hudson, Features editor

I’ve somehow been wrangled into hosting 101 holiday get-togethers this year. Family is coming to town! In-laws want to hang! Old friends are home for the holidays! Literally, the glossy Cinnamon KitchenAid Blender and Stand Mixer from Amazon.ca (check out the gift giveaway here) are the only things that have a chance of getting me Martha Stewart-ready in time—and hopefully saving my holiday-sanity. At the very least I’ll be able to make a blender full of Margaritas and a batch of semi-decent sugar cookies. Right?

Vanessa Craft, Beauty director

Beauty editors often refer to stand out products that should be housed in a “beauty museum”. Whether it’s for an incredible design, form or function, there are simply some makeup creations that deserve to be set within a glass case located inside a temperature-monitored room behind a velvet rope. Please, no flash photography. The NARS Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Coffret ($135, exclusive to The Bay) is one such item. With a clear style nod to Japanese simplicity and elegance, the bento-box style case holds three hand-poured lipstick pots filled with eye-popping holiday colour. It’s my top pick from the ELLE Holiday Giveaway, especially as the prize includes the NARS Hanamichi Kabuki-Inspired Eyeshadow Palette ($70, www.narscosmetics.com).

Christina Reynolds, Senior editor

“For me, rugs are like new clothes: I like to change them with the seasons.” — Kirsten Korhani, creative director, Korhani
If you’d like to swap out your current ho-hum rug for a more fashion-inspired style just like Kirsten Korhani, then enter to win three ELLE Canada-Korhani co-designed rugs as part of our Holiday Giveaway Contest. Better hurry! The contest closes December 9th.  To read more about the design process behind the rugs that were inspired by the fall/winter runway collections of Chloe, Peter Pilotto and Missoni, check out the December issue of ELLE Canada or read the story online here.

Alannah O’Neil, Associate editor

As soon as the weather gets cold, my chocolate cravings heat up. There’s simply nothing more decadent than lounging by the fireplace with a glass of red wine and some gourmet chocolate. That’s why my ideal gift from the ELLE Holiday Giveaway is the Green & Black Organic chocolate prize pack. Green & Black products are fair trade certified and use organic cocoa sourced principally from the Dominican Republic and Belize. With two baskets valued at a total $500 (check out the gift giveaway here) I’m sure to be well-stocked until the snow melts! (To read more about Green & Black Organic, check out the story here.)

Nothing amps up your outfit like a sparkly accessory—and no occasion calls for that extra wow factor like the holidays. Whether it’s an eye-catching jewel, glittering bag or high-shine heel, pump up the volume on your party gear with these opulent extras.

Nina Ricci, Fall 2011-12

1. Sparkly headpiece

The simple sparkly hairpin seems a thing of the past compared to all the high-wattage head-candy we’ve been seeing the past few seasons. It all began with the brilliant baubled headbands spotted at Nina Ricci’s fall runway – brilliant clusters of colossal gemstones worthy of Blair Waldorf – while Sonia Rykiel dressed up chignons with jeweled barrettes. And lo and behold both Louis Vuitton and Chanel’s spring collections featured luminous hair accessories that lent an ethereal princess vibe – perfect inspiration for party season.  If a glittering hair accessory feels a bit too pageant for you, why not take your cues from Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge and try on a crystal-trimmed fascinator or jaunty sequin felt fedora. Queen for a day…or a party season, at least.

Miu Miu, Fall 2011-12

2. Sparkly shoes

There is no better way to put a sparkle in your step this holiday season than with a glittery shoe. Whether it’s a sequin-speckled bootie à la Miu Miu or a glossy patent leather Tribute pump by YSL or a mannish lamé-covered loafer from Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo, these shoes will add instant wow factor to any shoe wardrobe.

Louis Vuitton gold collar

3. Sparkly collar

A quirky detachable collar is the coolest way to update your winter wardrobe right now and a paillette-finished style in particular can add polish to an outfit without the bulk of a whole shirt. Take inspiration from your favourite bloggers and front row regulars and wear yours with a simple blouse or cashmere sweater to let it really pop.

Kenneth Jay Lane gunmetal-plated Swarovski crystal ring

4. Sparkly rings and bracelets

We have two words for you: Arm Party. Whether it’s an oversize cuff, diamante friendship wrap, jangly friendship bracelet, metal bangle or gleaming rose gold watch, this is the time to load ’em up and pile them on. And don’t forget the knuckleduster cocktail rings – one on each Chanel Peridot-polished digit will do.

Dolce & Gabbana Large brass and crystal star earrings

5. Sparkly necklace and earrings

While you’re at, why not lend your holiday looks an extra dose of drama with striking drop earrings or a statement bib necklace. While the latter bijou is still going strong (see ubiquitous choker styles), glam chandeliers have made a big comeback. Whether your lobes are pierces or not, a crystal shoulder-scraper is an equally stunning adornment.

Alexander Wang Adriel metallic clutch

6. Sparkly clutch

Miniature minaudières and itty-bitty box bags get festive this season with rhinestones, glitter and a heavy dose of sheen. Though they may be small in stature – just big enough for you keys, lipstick and a credit card – these jazzed-up minis pack quite a style punch. Maximalists will adore Dolce & Gabbana’s baroque pearl-and-gemstone studded style, while more minimally inclined mademoiselles should carry Alexander Wang’s sleek silver metallic clutch.

J. Crew skinny glitter belt

7. Sparkly belt

From Versace’s enameled metal cincher to Alexander McQueen’s dazzling chain link to J.Crew’s skinny styles, a belt with a metallic or patent finish will upgrade any look in a flash. The best part? It will put the focus on the smallest part of your figure.

Miu Miu, Fall 2011-12

8. Sparkly sunglasses

Brighten your cold weather outlook with sparkly cat-eye sunnies. Our favourites come courtesy of Miu Miu’s “Noir” collection featuring oversized, angular frames with metallic glitter-acetate. Both Hailee Steinfeld and Madonna have been recently snapped in a pair. Worn with a festive LBD, they will imbue your holiday party look with a dose of Old Hollywood glamour.

Which accessory will you buy for the holiday season?

Photo courtesy of BANG Media

When you think about it, Swedish retailer H&M is one of the biggest game-changers in the fashion biz. It all began on that one, fateful day somewhere in 2004 when the brains behind the cheap chic brand came up with the clever idea (god knows how) to align themselves with some seriously luxurious brands. First – and quite fittingly – came Karl Lagerfeld. The exclusive collection of super-starched white shirts, boyfriend blazers and LBDs sold out within hours and the frenzy induced cast a legion of other notable fashion designers to follow suit: Next came Stella McCartney, then Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf, followed by Roberto Cavalli and… Kylie Minogue? (Admittedly we’re still a bit confused on that last one.) Read the rest of this entry

If you haven’t received a slew of party invites yet for the holidays, I’m sure you’re about to any day now. I already have a few weekends filled, so that means I need some easy, fresh hair ideas, stat. Like most of you, I need options that I can easily do at the office for après-work fetes and be able to switch up the looks from party to party.

I might attempt these three celebrity hair style options that I have been drooling over the past couple of weeks. And if not, at least they provide some pretty eye candy to look at for inspiration during lunch.

Holiday hair a la Lauren Conrad. Images by Michael Tran/FilmMagic and David Livingston/Getty

Lauren Conrad
This girl is my celebrity hair crush. Yes, I even put her above Jen Aniston, and I talk about her hair a lot. Her hair always has a perfect wave, looks soft and is super healthy. If only I could get my hair in such good shape. I also love that she’s willing to try out quirky and fun twists on classics. Take this look: Love the old Hollywood glam vibe, but if you look at the back, it’s an intricate swirling of wavy hair braids. Definitely will need some help with this hair style, but the end result would be worth it. Read the rest of this entry

Start your Holiday Shopping Spree now!

My friend just informed me that she’s bought all her Christmas gifts. Say what!? I’m more of a Dec 23 shopper myself. Deadline drama queen, that’s me. But after flipping through our December issue again, the  $25,000 Holiday Giveaway,has inspired me to start early. Okay, it’s just given me ideas for what I’d like on my list. Hint to hubbie: The Gc watch on page 289. (The contest is open until Dec 2, so sign up now.)

For a complete list of prizes check out our slideshow.

Tamara Mellon is set to launch her own lifestyle brand after quitting footwear label Jimmy Choo.

The entrepreneur quit footwear label Jimmy Choo several days ago – 15 years after founding it with cobbler Jimmy Choo – and sources believe she is planning to follow in the footsteps of Tom Ford and Tory Burch and branch out. According to WWD, funding is already in place although dates for the launch have not been revealed.

In the 15 years since Tamara founded the brand, Jimmy Choo has evolved from a luxury footwear company to encompass handbags, small leather goods, sunglasses, eyewear and fragrance. Earlier this year, Tamara – who was awarded an OBE in 2010 for her services to Britain’s fashion industry – explained she is “extremely proud” of the company’s heritage and put the success of the group down to its constant flow of “innovation and energy.” Read the rest of this entry

Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight…

Last night leading luxury jeweller BIRKS invited media and select guests to their tony Bloor St. boutique in Toronto to discover timepieces and jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels Paris atelier. The exquisite collection of cocktails rings, bracelets and necklaces have the power to stand alone; but fittingly each carefully curated piece has a story, and who better to tell the tale than the house’s most revered patron, Nicolas Luchsinger (Vice President and Heritage Curator).

We stole a few precious moments with Monsieur Luchsinger to ask what his five favourite sparklers are of the entire array; naturally not an easy feat as one, or five, is truly never enough.

Set in 18K featuring one cushion-cut diamond, black spinels (Price upon request.)

The “Abstraction” Ring
“This is from our newest High Jewelry collection called Bals de Légende which draws inspiration from five of the most iconic masquerade balls of the 20th Century. This particular ring is based upon the famous Black and White Ball hosted by Truman Capote in 1966. Not only is the mounting great (which makes a 15.54c ring very wearable) but the stone is an antique stone from the mythical mines of Golconda; quite phenomenal.”

Set in 18K white gold featuring 20 diamond clover motifs ($29,400).

The Perlée” Diamond Clover Bracelet
“A very wearable piece which still discreetly shows our infamous Alhambra motif in a subtle way, and the fact that it is in rose gold makes it so contemporary and youthful.”

Swiss mechanical movement timepiece set in 18K white gold featuring diamonds and “contre-jour” enameling ($88,000).

Pont des Amoureux watch
This romantic piece tells a story of two lovers meeting for a Parisian rendezvous at both 12 noon and midnight each day for a magical kiss. This theme reminds me of Alfred and Estelle Arpels and their beautiful love story which resulted in the birth of our Maison. The piece also brings together the remarkable works of Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and Dominique Baron who bring their expertise to the timepiece as the best among the world’s movement creators and enamellers, respectively.”

Set in 18K yellow gold featuring coral and chrysoprase (Price upon request.)

“Estate” sautoir (Circa 1970s)
“This beautiful and chic colorful sautoir is a masterpiece of our 1970s creations showcasing a great design. It is so representative of a time period where jewelry was worn a very casual way.”

Set in 18K white gold featuring round-shaped diamonds and pink sapphires (Price upon request.)

“Birds of Paradise”

“This contemporary reinterpretation of a theme so dear to the VCA where birds and nature have been such a great source of inspiration to our House since the ’20s.”

If money were no object, which piece would you buy?