(Online Auction 8 – 26 November New York)
This winter, Sotheby’s is honouring the extraordinary vision and passion of American magnate Sydell Miller, whose dedication to beauty and art knew no bounds. In addition to presenting her iconic fashion collection at an upcoming auction in New York, Sotheby’s is hosting a series of “Sydell Miller events,” featuring three exclusive online sales throughout November and December. These events will highlight the expansive scope of Miller’s lifelong collecting journey, with exquisite ‘objets d’art’ up for auction, including masterpieces by Monet and Picasso, as well as rare furniture and stunning jewellery from the collection of the late "queen of the beauty industry," Sydell Miller. The curated selection is anticipated to reach approximately $200 million, with Claude Monet’s Nymphéas (1914-17), valued at around $60 million, poised to be the highlight of the auction as it makes its first-ever appearance. Also on offer is Picasso’s La Statuaire (1925), estimated at $30 million.
New York Auction
November’s New York auction offers a rare glimpse into the world of haute couture, featuring a selection of Chanel pieces amassed by Sydell Miller, accompanied by exquisite designs from Louis Vuitton, Dior, and the highly coveted Hermès Kelly bag. This collection, which includes rare Chanel couture ensembles and iconic luxury handbags, captures the enduring allure of high fashion. As a testament to one of humanity’s most refined art forms, this auction invites collectors to acquire timeless pieces that exude elegance and craftsmanship, providing new owners the chance to celebrate and preserve this legacy of beauty.
A Lifelong Devotion to Fashion
Sydell Miller, celebrated for her pioneering achievements in the beauty industry, is equally renowned for her extraordinary fashion collection, a reflection of her profound appreciation for elegance and artistry. From her early days in the fashion world with the launch of Tops & Bottoms, a women’s boutique she opened above her husband’s salon, Sydell’s love for fashion was unwavering. Later in life, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the exclusive circle of Chanel haute couture clients. Miller’s style and spirit share an affinity with the legendary Coco Chanel, another icon whose creations exude elegance and innovation. From the Monet gracing her walls to the Chanel couture in her wardrobe, Miller’s taste embodied beauty in all its forms. Her admiration extended beyond fashion to the artisans behind it; every stitch, button, and detail in her couture collection reflects a shared passion with the great women who championed haute couture.
Chanel’s iconic tweed suit combined comfort and timeless style, revolutionising women’s fashion. Similarly, Sydell Miller’s contributions to beauty redefined industry standards. She co-founded transformative beauty brands and introduced professional salon services, laying the foundation for modern-day spa experiences. Like Chanel in fashion, Miller’s legacy in beauty and wellness is enduring, each setting a new benchmark in their fields through vision and dedication.
A Self-Made Beauty Icon
Sydell Miller’s name is synonymous with beauty and entrepreneurship. Her career, marked by ventures into fashion, beauty, and later, philanthropy and art, was guided by her belief in the power of beauty – both inside and out. Together with her husband, Arnold, Sydell founded two major beauty brands: Ardell, which set the industry standard for eyelash services, and Matrix Essentials, the largest U.S. manufacturer of professional hair and beauty products, now used by over seven million people weekly. A true entrepreneur, Miller’s impact and passion have touched millions globally, inspiring generations of visionary business leaders. Sydell championed “Total Image Consulting,” advocating for a holistic approach to beauty that extended beyond the salon chair. Beyond her business successes, Miller dedicated herself to philanthropy, art, and design. She built an extraordinary art collection featuring works by Picasso, Chagall, Giacometti, and Lichtenstein and held prominent roles, including a seat on the American Cancer Society of Palm Beach’s board. Her Palm Beach estate, La Rêverie, set a record when it sold for $111 million in 2019. Recognised as one of America’s “Top 50 Women Business Owners” and inducted into the National Cosmetology Hall of Fame, Miller leaves behind a legacy as a visionary. She passed away on February 25, 2024, at 86.
Final Thought
More than just fashion, the Legacy of Beauty auction in New York celebrates self-expression, Sydell Miller’s taste, and individuality. Each piece – from the immaculate Chanel haute couture ensembles to the coveted Hermès Kelly bag – carries a touch of glamour, a whisper of history, and the wearer’s timeless spirit. This auction is symbolic of evergreen pieces that transcend time while celebrating the ultimate expression of luxury from the likes of Chanel, Hermes, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
