Brigitte Bardot's Personal Items Go to Auction for Animal Charity
Nearly 300 lots, including clothing, jewelry, and personal effects, are being sold to benefit the late actress's animal foundation.
Personal possessions of the late French actress Brigitte Bardot, ranging from her iconic ballet flats and diamond rings to her copy of the Kama Sutra, are being sold at auction in Paris, with proceeds designated for her animal charity.
The collection features nearly 300 lots sourced from Bardot's homes in Saint-Tropez and her Paris apartment, with parts of her living spaces recreated for the exhibition.
Frank Guillou, who served as Bardot's secretary for many years, noted that "Each item on sale bears the trace of an encounter, an involvement, a moment of happiness, a stage of her life. They tell the story of the woman as well as the legend."
Bardot, who passed away in December at age 91, was a significant cultural figure of the late 20th century. She rose to prominence as a model and actress in the 1950s, becoming an emblem of modern femininity and the sexual revolution before dedicating her later life to animal rights advocacy. However, her public life was also marked by controversy, including homophobic remarks and convictions for inciting racial hatred.
The auction includes everyday objects such as furniture, clothing, kitchen utensils, and Le Creuset pans. Musical instruments, including classical guitars, and Bardot's manual typewriter, used for her correspondence and autobiography, are also among the items.
Two pairs of leather Repetto ballet flats are featured, a brand Bardot helped popularize after requesting a custom version for daily wear. The sale also includes a collection of portraits of the star, some of which are described as erotic. Guillou explained that Bardot kept these portraits, often gifts, because she knew the artists or the images held personal significance.
Many items reflect Bardot's deep affection for animals, including numerous stuffed toys and collars belonging to her pets. "Brigitte could not live without animals around her," Guillou stated, adding that she experienced profound grief over the loss of her animals, many of whom were buried on her property.
Most items have starting bids under €100, though significant increases are anticipated as bidding progresses. Auction house Millon, responsible for the sale, anticipates attracting fans who wish to support Bardot's legacy and her animal welfare causes.
Upon her death, Bardot's estate was divided between her foundation and her son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, who also stands to benefit from the auction proceeds.