If you’ve seen 27 Dresses, you’ll understand that bridesmaid dresses not only take up room in your wardrobe, but they also represent some unwanted emotional baggage too. But if there’s one bridesmaid dress that’s worth holding onto, it’s one from Elton John‘s 1984 Sydney wedding to Renate Blauel.
The original bridesmaid gown, which was worn just once by the unnamed Sydney woman who remains close friends with Elton, is currently being auctioned on eBay. Before you judge the dress, just remember it was totally acceptable in the 80s.
The frilly silk-magenta gown is still in good condition, a size 10-12, and was created by hand for the momentous occasion. Sydney Confidential reports that its original Sydney-based owner has carefully stored the piece in sealed plastic over the last 31 years, and passed it onto Harley Medcalf with instructions to sell the item on eBay with proceeds donated to the McGrath foundation. So, yes, the purchase is tax deductible.
The “Circle Of Life” crooner may now be happily married to long-term partner David Furnish, but flash back to 1984 and Elton was marrying close friend and sound engineer Renate. Widely believed to be a cover for his homosexuality at the time, the marriage was a highly publicised, extravagant affair held on Valentine’s Day at Sydney’s St Mark’s Church in Darling Point.
The dress may be an adorable vintage throwback, and, while we’re not quite ready to bring 80s realness back just yet, we have no doubt this special piece of history will be snapped up by a memorabilia collector and find a worthy home. You can start bidding here.
[Via Sydney Confidential]
