Renowned for his vibrant fashion sense, Boy George, 45 years after the emergence of Culture Club in the UK music scene, now describes himself as a ‘calmer chameleon.’ Embracing a new outlook on life, he is parting ways with over 370 items, including oversized hats, posters, and colorful costumes, in a grand auction at Julien’s Auctions in LA on July 14.
Titled Bold Luxury: Boy George Edit, the auction is expected to attract fans of the iconic singer from around the globe. However, potential buyers should be prepared with substantial funds, as many items are estimated to fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
At 65 years old, George, known for his motto ‘fashion for the fragile, style for the brave,’ sees this auction as a farewell to the past, following his embrace of ‘The Three Principles,’ a mindfulness philosophy promoting well-being and mindfulness.
Reflecting on the process, George expresses gratitude for the memories unearthed during the sorting of decades worth of clothing and personal memorabilia for the auction. He envisions these pieces finding new homes to be cherished while making room for fresh memories and creations.
The auction collection traces George’s evolution from a club enthusiast to a fashion icon, featuring outfits worn in Culture Club album covers, music videos, tours, and TV appearances. Notable items include a pink Dexter Wong ensemble from the Colour by Numbers album cover, valued at $100,000, which featured the hit song Karma Chameleon.
Each piece holds a unique story, such as an outfit worn on the Russell Harty chat show in 1983, a black leather jacket from The Blitz club era in London, and various hats by designers like Philip Treacy and John Galliano. The collection also includes outfits by renowned designers Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier, along with a purple plaid suit tailored for George’s late mother for a BBC appearance.
George’s creative spirit extends to his personal style, often revamping high street finds to create his looks. Enjoying the anonymity of blending in during his everyday life, he cherishes the transformative power of dressing up for special occasions.
The adoption of The Three Principles during the COVID lockdown in 2020 has brought a sense of peace to George’s life, helping him navigate public attention with greater ease. This spiritual philosophy, centered on the mind, thought, and consciousness, has reshaped his perspective on anxiety and self-image.
Excited about his upcoming ventures, including Culture Club’s performance at the Henley Festival and a UK tour, George is set to portray King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar and oversee the revival of his musical, Taboo. His recent success in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge has reinforced his belief in the power of positive thinking and self-assurance.
Looking back on his journey in the music industry, George advises his younger self to breathe, smile more, and embrace joy, emphasizing that happiness is a choice.
The highly anticipated Bold Luxury: Boy George auction at Julien’s Auctions in LA on July 14 is a must-visit event for fans and collectors. For more details, visit www.juliensauctions.com. Additionally, catch Culture Club’s performance at The Henley Festival on July 8 by securing tickets at www.henley-festival.co.uk.