Madonna’s corset sold for $52,000

Madonna’s conical-bra corset sold for $52,000 at a London auction last Thursday. The Jean Paul Gaultier-designed stage costume was sold moments after a whip used by Harrison Ford, though auctioneer Christie’s International made no connection between the two in a “Pop Culture” auction at its South Kensington salesroom. Madonna wore Gaultier’s green-and-white corset for the 1990 “Blond Ambition” tour while performing three songs, including “Now I’m Following You.”

Its formal estimate was £10,000 to £15,000 at hammer prices and it made £32,450 with fees. It was bought by a bidder in the room, acting for an undisclosed London collector. Supplies of pop and movie memorabilia have declined in recent years as studios have become aware of their commercial potential, boosting the rarity value of items that do make their way onto the market, said dealers. A black Lycra two-piece labeled “Trashy” that Madonna wore to perform “Vogue” had an upper estimate of 12,000 pounds and fetched £16,250.