Own a Piece of Pop History: Prince’s Legendary Purple Rain Shirt to Be Auctioned!
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For music lovers and fans of Prince, here’s a rare opportunity to own a true piece of pop culture history. The iconic white ruffled shirt worn by the legendary artist in his 1984 film Purple Rain is going up for auction at Bonhams. This shirt, which helped cement Prince as a global icon, has been carefully preserved and is now available for purchase, starting at a price of $55,000.
This is no ordinary shirt. Prince wore it during the electrifying finale of Purple Rain, where he performed the unforgettable songs “Baby I’m a Star,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and the titular “Purple Rain.” His performance in this shirt has become one of the most memorable moments in cinematic and musical history, forever etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
The shirt is made of luxurious white silk and features a gathered high-neck collar with three layers of ruffles, creating an otherworldly, regal look. The long sleeves come with ruffled faux French cuffs, while the front is adorned with faux pearl buttons. Even the inside neck boasts a special purple and white Prince label, making it truly one-of-a-kind. And if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a letter of authenticity from Juanita Escovedo, which verifies its provenance and its significance in the Purple Rain production.
The shirt was originally made during the filming of Purple Rain and was later given by Prince to his protégé, the legendary drummer Sheila E. She held onto the shirt until it was sold as part of a fundraising effort years later. Now, it’s your chance to own a piece of pop history.
Purple Rain was more than just a film; it was a cultural game changer. The movie’s soundtrack produced multiple top ten hits, with “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” reaching #1 on the charts. It not only propelled Prince into superstardom but also helped define the Minneapolis sound, leaving a lasting impact on music globally. The influence of Purple Rain reverberates through today’s music, making this auction an extraordinary opportunity to own a tangible reminder of Prince’s groundbreaking legacy.
The auction ends on January 22, at 12:00 PST, so if you’re a true fan of Prince or an avid collector of music memorabilia, don’t miss your chance to own the shirt that helped define a musical revolution. This is your opportunity to own a piece of history—don’t let it slip away!
