A portrait of Greta Garbo in Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) by Clarence Sinclair Bull. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right and photographer's credit/MGM stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000

BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- Greta Garbo, the legendary Hollywood actress widely acknowledged as the most beautiful woman of the 20th Century, established an artistic legacy through her captivating screen performances. She also made an indelible impression as an icon of style and elegance that resonates to this day. No other Hollywood star of the studio era had a greater impact on her craft or on fashion and style. A luminous beauty and a powerful force within the Hollywood industry, Garbo was both brilliantly innovative and passionately enchanting on screen.

For the first time ever, Julien’s Auctions and the Estate of Greta Garbo will offer an opportunity to experience the personal collection of film star Greta Garbo. The collection, featuring Garbo’s personal clothing, accessories, furnishings and private possessions, has never been previously available and rarely seen by others. The public’s fascination with Garbo, who died in 1990, remains undiminished. Her screen performances continue to play to sold out audiences at international film festivals and she has been the subject of numerous museum exhibitions throughout the world. Garbo’s fans and admirers span the globe and straddle generations. To them Garbo remains the hallmark of true beauty, style, artistry and modernity. Contemporary audiences recognize in Garbo the roots of modern and hip style and behavior. Garbo has been called “The First Modern Woman”.

Greta Garbo was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1905. As a teenager she worked at Stockholm’s leading department store and quickly became noted for her beauty and elegant charm. She was soon asked to appear in advertising films. These experiences solidified her interest in acting and she applied to the prestigious Royal Dramatic Theatre Academy. Garbo not only secured a place in the class but also received a scholarship. Her unprecedented and highly successful career as a movie star was launched at age 17 when she was cast directly from the theatre classroom to star in an epic silent screen drama. Garbo went on to star in another European film, Joseph Pabst’s The Joyless Street which further solidified her position as a premier European actress. Within months the MGM studio boss, Louis B. Mayer, beckoned her to Hollywood with a lucrative contract. Garbo would go on to star in 26 MGM films including classics like Camille, Anna Karenina, Grand Hotel and Ninotchka. She was also one of the few European stars to successfully navigate the transition from silent films to talkies with her career intact. Though she would continue to receive offers from film producers, Garbo made her last film in 1941.

Garbo’s first American film, The Torrent, opened in 1926 and her entrancing performance made Garbo an international sensation. Here was a woman unlike any other previously seen on a film screen. Audiences became obsessed with Garbo’s portrayals of utterly beautiful screen heroines who epitomized the emergence of the modern woman. Many of her films were considered controversial and sexually risqué. Garbo’s unabashed sensual qualities and her romantic self-assuredness proved a box office bonanza. As well, Garbo established herself as astute business woman. As a young woman living alone in a foreign land, she battled and even went on strike against her powerful studio bosses. She sought to receive additional artistic control over her film projects as well as compensation commensurate with her rising power at the box office.

Women around the world recognized in Garbo a role model for equal pay for equal work and women’s rights issues. In 1956 Garbo was named “the most beautiful woman that ever lived”. She received four Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and in 1954 received her Academy Award for her “Unforgettable Performances.”

The very personal collection offered at this exclusive auction and exhibition, which includes an extensive assortment of clothing items designed by bespoke designer Valentina Schlee. Known as Valentina, the designer and Garbo had a complicated relationship. Not only were the two women collaborators on the design of the clothing created especially for Garbo, they were also neighbors and Valentina’s husband, George Schlee had an affair with Garbo. Garbo was also one of the very first women to appear in clothing and accessories from Emilio Pucci, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lilly Dache, Hubert Givenchy, and Mr. John, and many pieces from these designers will be part of the extensive wardrobe offering. During her international shopping expeditions Garbo procured or commissioned specialty clothing, luggage and accessories which are included in the sale and tour. Garbo became known as a stylish and highly imitated trendsetter appearing in the most fashionable places in New York, Paris, London and Florence wearing her trademark clothing ensembles consisting of sumptuous cashmere turtlenecks, tailored trousers, elegant walking shoes, broad-shouldered trench coats and mysterious sunglasses.

Select photographs from Garbo’s personal collection of Hollywood studio portraits (often referred to as Garbo’s Garbos) by photographers George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, and Ruth Harriet Louise are also part of the exhibit and sale. Furniture, art and décor from Garbo’s New York apartment and Garbo’s Swedish manor house are also among the highlights. Garbo’s artistic talent for design can be seen in many of the sale’s offerings. Garbo’s colorful rugs featuring modern, abstract motifs were designed by the actress and handmade in the exclusive V’soske workroom. Garbo’s bed, which she designed using antique Swedish carvings reflects both her creativity and her affection for her Scandinavian heritage. Also included are very interesting personal books, albums, documents and signed and inscribed items.

In partnership with Julien’s Auctions, Derek Reisfield, Greta Garbo’s great nephew and producer of an award-winning documentary on Garbo, will sail on the November 20 Transatlantic Crossing of Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2.

Reisfield will be a featured speaker in the ship’s Insights Programme, providing a look into Garbo’s life, her film career and her position as a cultural icon. In addition, select items of Property from the Estate will be exclusively available for auction to guests sailing on this Southampton to New York voyage. Several Garbo travel-themed affects, which will be included in the general auction following the voyage, will be on prominent display for guests to view throughout the Crossing.

Greta Garbo. A tiny chain link baby bracelet with attached "GG" monogrammed tag. Both marked "14k," the tag has inscribed numbers "2229-59." 8 gms. Length, 4 1/2 inches. Estimate: $800 - $1,200. 

Greta Garbo Inc. Jewelry set. An 18K yellow gold and cultured pearl bracelet and earring set. Forty-seven cultured pearls measuring 6 mm, earrings with hinged posts and clip back. 90 grams. Bracelet, 7 inches. Estimate: $1,500 - $3,000

 A portrait of Greta Garbo in As You Desire Me (MGM, 1932) by Clarence Sinclair Bull. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000

Greta Garbo. A black water mark silk taffeta evening gown with bateau neck and keyhole opening at back. Tulle flares the skirt at bottom hem, side zipper closure. No size or label present. Estimate $800 - $1,200

Greta Garbo. A black leather structured Gucci handbag with gold and silver toned twist lock buckle at the end of the recessed flap. "Gucci" is embossed in gold under the flap. Interior is lined with hot pink leather. Accompanied by a cotton protective bag that is embroidered with Greta Garbo's signature. Estimate $400 - $600

Greta Garbo. An antique diamond and silver-topped yellow gold Maltese cross brooch, circa 1860. Mounted in silver-topped yellow gold, set with 26 tablet and rose-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.40 ct. and graded J-L color and SI-I clarity, with later added pin back. 2.7 grams.  Estimate $300 - $500 

 Greta Garbo. A black alligator wallet by Bosca. Gold tone frame and kissing clasp on coin purse and snap on wallet fold. Black watermark satin lining in bill holder. Estimate $100 - $200

 A portrait of Greta Garbo in Romance (MGM, 1930) by George Hurrell. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000

 A United States passport, numbered E146013, issued to Greta Garbo on February 10, 1964, twice signed by Garbo in blue ink. Stamps indicate travel to Barbados, Zurich, France, and Switzerland. The passport photograph was taken by George Hoyington-Huene. 6 by 3 3/4 inches. Estimate $3,000 - $5,000

 A 18K yellow gold wrist watch, dial, case, and movement signed "Omega," the circular silver toned dial with Arabic and dot chapters, manual wind, 17J, attached to a brown leather strap and gold toned clasp, added later. Greta Garbo used this watch while traveling. Estimate $200 - $400

Greta Garbo. Off-white canvas travel cruise bag with red, white, and blue trim and blue star appliqués, marked "Marine de France." 20 by 16 inches. Estimate $100 - $150

 Greta Garbo Louis Vuitton steamer trunk.  

A vintage fitted steamer trunk with three felt-lined lift-out drawer compartments with removable sectional fittings. The wooden case with dark brown leather covered in the printed gold "LV" monogram outside, and orange and rust felt lined interior compartments with fabric handles. Marked inside with a paper Louis Vuitton label with serial number 770970 and stamped on the right "Bought from Bullocks/ Los Angeles/ Cal." With tooled monogrammed leather strapped trim and stamped brass hardware. There are assorted applied travel label fragments to the exterior reading "...[S]wedish [A]merican Line," "[SVEN]SKA AMERI[CA], and "...GOTHENBURG DIRECT NEW YORK." This was Greta Garbo's first Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. She used it to accommodate her extensive shoe collection for transatlantic travel, and it commanded a prominent place in her stateroom. Accompanied by original keys. 20 by 15 1/4 by 35 3/4 inches. Estimate $6,000 - $8,000 

Appears in the book Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style edited by Stefania Ricci (Milan: Skira, 2010) and previously exhibited: Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style , February through September 2010. 

Greta Garbo Louis Vuitton trunk.  

A Louis Vuitton monogram trunk, painted black on the outside. Marked inside with an orange tag with the serial number 77806. With leather handle and brass hardware, plate marked "065534.". 9 by 28 by 17 1/2 inches. Estimate $1,500 - $2,500

Appears in the book Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style edited by Stefania Ricci (Milan: Skira, 2010) and previously exhibited: Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style , February through September 2010.

 Greta Garbo. A taupe wool jersey and polyamide overcoat by Alaia from the early 1980s.

Button closure on the front, including one that converts the collar into a turtleneck. Set-in sleeves and two exterior pockets. Label reads "Alaia Paris." Accompanied by matching belt. Estimate $200 - $400

 Appears in the book Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style edited by Stefania Ricci (Milan: Skira, 2010) and previously exhibited: Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style , February through September 2010.

Greta Garbo fur coat. 

A dark brown silk lined, full-length, sheared beaver coat with double-breasted front button closure, two velvet lined front pockets, one interior pocket, interior label reading "L. Raissman/ New York," and a custom embroidered "G" on interior silk lining. Estimate $600 - $800.

Greta Garbo fur coat.

A brown silk lined, full-length, sheared beaver coat with single hook and eye closure at collar, two velvet lined pockets, and custom embroidered "GG" on interior silk lining. Accompanied by a matching hood with chin straps and a photograph of Garbo in the same or similar coat. Estimate $600 - $800 

A portrait of Greta Garbo in Susan Lenox (MGM, 1931) by Clarence Sinclair Bull. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000.

Greta Garbo turkish skirt.

A striped skirt believed to have been purchased in Istanbul in 1924 while Greta Garbo was in Turkey for an attempted but unmade film, "The Odalesque from Smyrna." The skirt is in bands of color, each formed into a knife pleat. At the front center stripe is an embroidered image with arabesque motifs. No size or label present. Estimate $800 - $1,200.

 A first-generation vintage film still from Wild Orchids (MGM, 1929) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 10 by 8 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

 A first-generation vintage film still from Wild Orchids (MGM, 1929) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 10 by 8 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A first-generation vintage film still from Wild Orchids (MGM, 1929) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 10 by 8 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A first-generation vintage film still from Wild Orchids (MGM, 1929) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 10 by 8 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

 A portrait of Greta Garbo in Susan Lenox (MGM, 1931) by Clarence Sinclair Bull. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower left, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 10 by 13 inches. Estimate $2,000 - $3,000 

 A first-generation vintage film still from Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 8 by 10 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A first-generation vintage film still from Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 8 by 10 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A first-generation vintage film still from Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 8 by 10 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A first-generation vintage film still from Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) owned by Greta Garbo. Vintage gelatin silver print. 8 by 10 inches. Estimate $250 - $500

A vintage black and white publicity photograph of Greta Garbo from Two-Faced Woman (MGM, 1941). The image shows Garbo on a pair of skis. This item was acquired by a family member and not owned personally by Greta Garbo. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate $75 - $150

 Greta Garbo. A porcelain painted plate showing the Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux, France.

The edge of the plate is painted with grapevine motif in green and an image of the estate in brown. Marked on verso with artist's signature and "Porcelaine de Limoges/ France/ M/ d'apres/ J. Vieillard & Cie/ Porcelaine D. Johnston/ Medailles d'Or/ Bordeaux." Gift of Baron Guy de Rothschild, Proprieter of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Garbo's close friend. Approximately, 8 3/4 inch diameter. Estimate $300 - $500

 A two-piece silk twill ensemble worn by Greta Garbo to the White House to dine with President John F. Kennedy.

The outfit consists of a shirt and skirt of periwinkle blue with floral pattern. Shirt has set-in three-quarter-length sleeves, a pilgrim collar that ties at neck. A-line skirt zips at back. No size or label present. Estimate $1,200 - $1,500

Appears in the book Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style edited by Stefania Ricci (Milan: Skira, 2010) and previously exhibited: Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Greta Garbo: The Mystery of Style , February through September 2010.

Greta Garbo. A handmade fold-out portable case with four compartments for cigarettes, a central opening fitting for matches with a strike flint, and a hinge-opening closure. 20th century. A gift of Baron Elie de Rothschild. 3 3/8 by 4 5/8 by 1 1/2 inches. Estimate $250 - $350

 Greta Garbo. A goldplated lighter, marked SS9817, signed by S.T. DuPont. Made in France. 2 1/4 by 1 1/4 by 1/2 inches. Estimate $150 - $300

Greta Garbo.  Monogram pen. 

A gold tone metal pen, the top of the pen suspending a circular charm with a "G" set with marcasite. 4 inches. Estimate $50 - $100

Greta Garbo. Shagreen pencil case and "GG" monogram.

With a band of marcasite trim encircling the lid. Together with a beige leather note paper holder with a gilded "GG" monogram. Pencil case length, 7 1/2 inches. Estimate $300 - $500

Greta Garbo. Vintage LT & Son 14K mechanical pencil. 

With bamboo form decoration. 27 gms. Length, 3 7/8 inches. Estimate $300 - $500 

Greta Garbo bronze Napoléon paperweight. A paperweight in original box marked "Galerie Henaut/ Madame Mezier/ Tableaux-Gravuews/ Paris.". 4 by 1 3/4 inches. Estimate $50 - $100

A portrait of Greta Garbo in The Single Standard (MGM, 1929) by Ruth Harriet Louise. Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

 A mixed on paper portrait of Greta Garbo in her role as Camille by Charles Busch, American (b. 1954).

Signed "Busch '79" in lower left. Busch is an actor, artist, writer, and female impersonator. Best know for play The Allergist's Wife and role in Momie Dearest take off Die Mommie Die. Interviewed about his meeting Garbo in Oscar Award winning director Kevin Brownlow's 2005 documentary Garbo. Busch has portrayed Greta Garbo on stage. Matted and framed. Image, 18 3/4 by 12 3/4 inches; 21 1/2 by 15 1/2 inches, overall. Estimate: $200 - $400

 Greta Garbo. A 14k yellow gold compact with rectangular cut opening to reveal a mirror powder compartment, signed by Verdura.

With signed black fitted slipcase. Greta Garbo was a fan of Verdura's jewelry and was frequently photographed wearing her Verdura Club bracelet. 171 grams gross. 3 1/2 by 3 by 1/2 inch. Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

Greta Garbo. An 18k gold patterned lighter with inscriptions on the bottom reading "Van Cleef & Arpels/ 18k"; "NEIN (heart with an X inside) ODER," and "Pat Pend/ NY 17536." Manufactured in 1951.

Accompanied by original dark brown suede pouch. This was gifted to Greta Garbo from a lover. 73 gms. 2 by 1 1/4 inches. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

A portrait of Greta Garbo in Grand Hotel (MGM, 1932) by Clarence Sinclair Bull.

Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

 A portrait of Greta Garbo in Mata Hari (MGM, 1931) by Clarence Sinclair Bull.

Vintage gelatin silver print on double-weight matte paper. Photographer's blind stamp lower right, photographer and MGM credit stamp on verso. 13 by 10 inches. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000