Fashion, stage-worn costumes, memorabilia, and other personal treasures
from the trailblazing singer-songwriter
Bonhams presents Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories: a vibrant assortment of fashion, accessories, entertainment memorabilia, and personal mementos tracing the extraordinary career of the trailblazing singer, songwriter, and actress.
Spanning two sales, the collection will be offered and on view and in New York at the auction house’s new U.S. flagship at 111 West 57th Street, this October.
One of the most influential artists of her generation, Cyndi Lauper has built a career spanning more than four decades across music, theater, screen, fashion, and advocacy. A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner with more than 50 million records sold, she made history with She’s So Unusual (1983) – the first debut album by a woman to produce four top-five singles – and went on to record enduring classics including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, she became the first solo woman to win the Tony Award for Best Original Score, for Kinky Boots. Today, from her farewell tour and Las Vegas residency to her ongoing work in musical theater, Lauper remains a vital creative force and a tireless advocate for women, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the LGBTQ+ community, most recently through her Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund.
Drawn from more than four decades, the collection reflects the originality, artistry, and cultural impact that have defined Lauper’s enduring legacy. Its costumes and fashion span her earliest performances to her most celebrated appearances, including vintage and stage-worn pieces from Screaming Mimi’s – the legendary New York boutique she frequented early in her career – alongside designs by Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. With memorabilia documenting milestone moments in music and entertainment, the collection offers a journey through the evolution of one of the most influential performers of her generation.
“Few artists have shaped popular culture with the originality and impact of Cyndi Lauper,” commented Anna Hicks, Bonhams Head of Private & Iconic Collections, US. “What makes Cyndi so remarkable is her unwavering commitment to being authentically herself, and that spirit is evident throughout this collection. The fashions, accessories, and memorabilia preserved across her career offer fans and collectors alike a deeply personal glimpse into the imagination, artistry, and individuality behind one of the most influential artists of our time. We at Bonhams are honored to share this chapter of Cyndi’s story and celebrate the creativity, authenticity, and individuality with audiences worldwide.”
Reflecting on her collection coming to auction, Cyndi Lauper said: “Going through my archives for this auction gave me the chance to reflect on the incredible collaborators I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. I wanted this collection to bring together the things that have always been connected for me – art, music, and fashion. To me, fashion is art, and these pieces represent that creative journey. I knew Bonhams would understand that because of the beautiful way they’ve presented artists and designers in the past. It feels especially meaningful that this auction comes as True Colors celebrates its 40th anniversary. I’m excited to share these pieces and grateful to have Bonhams tell this story in a way that feels true to who I am.”
SALE OVERVIEW
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories Part I
Live | October 22
Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories Part II
Online | September 22–October 23
