Auction of Colin Firth’s Iconic Mr. Darcy Shirt Captures Hearts and History
Firth's outfit, comprising of boots, moleskin breeks, velvet waistcoat, is anticipated to sell for £7,000 to £10,000 ($9,000 to $12,700) at Kerry Taylor Auctions
The iconic shirt that immortalized Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is set to steal hearts once again, this time at an auction in London.
The white linen shirt, worn by Firth during the unforgettable lake scene, is among the prized possessions going under the hammer at Kerry Taylor Auctions, alongside over 60 costumes from film and TV.
Firth's portrayal of the brooding yet captivating Mr. Darcy captivated audiences worldwide, but it was the spontaneous lake scene that etched itself into the annals of television history.
As Mr. Darcy emerges from the water, his wet shirt clinging to his form, the moment becomes an indelible image of romance and longing. Despite the scene's simplicity, it sparked a sensation, transforming Firth from a respected actor to a symbol of desire overnight.
The scene has also been recreated on screen, appearing in the TV series Bridgerton and the movie Bridget Jones' Diary.
The shirt, with an estimated value between £7,000 and £10,000, symbolizes not just a moment in television, but a cultural touchstone. Dinah Collin, the costume designer, revealed that the scene wasn't scripted but improvised to avoid male nudity on screen.
Apart from Firth's shirt, the auction boasts a treasure trove of cinematic history. From Madonna's 1950s Christian Dior ballgown in "Evita" to Johnny Depp's enigmatic Ichabod Crane costume in "Sleepy Hollow," the auction showcases the craftsmanship and storytelling woven into every stitch.
Costumes worn by luminaries like Jude Law, Keira Knightley and Gwyneth Paltrow offer glimpses into the characters that shaped cinematic narratives.
There are also some costumes from TV drama series including Poldark, Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey are also going under the hammer.
This auction serves a noble purpose beyond celebrating Hollywood glamour. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bright Foundation, an arts education charity founded by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Bright.
The designer stated, "My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, TV, and theater, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential."
The online auction, open until March 10, features a collection spanning over 400 years of fashion history, showcasing costumes ranging from fantasy Renaissance to mid-20th Century styles.
