Prior to his death in April, an auction of Prince memorabilia was scheduled. Both main items — the ivory silk shirt and black-and-white blazer from his 1984 Purple Rain movie — had asking prices below $10,000. Held by California’s Profiles in History auction house, the thirst, the demand proved to be real as both items were sold for $96,000 each. The list of items also included a pair of knee-high, high-heeled boots from the 1988 ‘Lovesexy’ tour ($17,920); a necklace from the “Diamonds and Pearls” video ($8,320) as well as another white shirt from the ‘Purple Rain’ tour ($32,000). Joe Maddalena, founder of Profiles in History, told The Guardian the blazer was given to a makeup artist who worked on the movie. He added:
It just happened to be one of those coincidences that unfortunately he passed away. Probably the signature thing he is known for is Purple Rain. It’s what made his career. It’s probably what he’ll be remembered for always. To have an important piece like this is pretty astonishing and an amazing opportunity.
Prince’s Yellow Cloud guitar recently sold for $137,500 at auction.