Cyndi Lauper puts 300 outfits and keepsakes up for auction in New York
Cyndi Lauper is putting about 300 pieces from her own wardrobe and career archive up for auction in New York this week.
The sale, titled Suitcase of Memories, is being held at Bonhams in New York City. The live auction, Part I, starts at 14:00 EDT on Thursday, Oct. 22. The public exhibition stays open through that date, while the online-only sale, Part II, runs through Friday, Oct. 23, according to Billboard.
The title comes from a lyric in Lauper's song "Time After Time". Bonhams says the sale covers fashion, accessories and entertainment memorabilia collected across four decades. Around 300 objects are included in total.
Part I is a focused selection of 20 lots, Bonhams said. The rest will sell online. Estimates across the sale range from $200 to $2,000.
Some lots trace directly to moments many readers will know. They include the plaid dress Lauper wore to the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards and stage-worn outfits by Vivienne Westwood. The leopard-print pyjamas she wore in the "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" video belonged to her grandmother, Lauper told Billboard during a personal tour of the auction block.
Bonhams is also offering Lauper's personal vinyl record collection as a lot in the online sale. Red carpet looks and jewellery are included alongside stage clothes.
Lauper, who attended Fashion Industries High School in New York, used the interview to talk about how 1980s fashion was made and how the business has changed. She said big corporations buying up small creative companies squeezes out creatives. She pointed to designer Alexander McQueen being made to do 12 shows a year.
Lauper has sold more than 50 million records, according to Bonhams. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.
The collection will be shown and sold at Bonhams' new U.S. flagship at 111 West 57th Street in New York.
What makes this stand out is the range. It is not only stage costumes. Family clothing, everyday pieces, records and red carpet outfits sit in the same sale, with starting prices low enough for a first-time bidder to take part.
