(Online Auction 8 – 26 November New York)
Another remarkable Sotheby’s online auction is underway, bringing to light the private treasures of a refined lady who transformed the beauty industry – Sydell Miller. The auction is a rare opportunity to be part of Chanel’s legacy of beauty, made possible by renowned entrepreneur Sydell Miller in collaboration with Sotheby’s. This November, in New York, the rare collection of Chanel haute couture ensembles, including a selection of luxury handbags by the famous house, alongside pieces by Louis Vuitton, Dior, and the coveted Hermès Kelly bag will all fall under the hammer revealing once again the true power of fashion and timeless elegance.
Arguably one the finest of all art forms created by the human hand, haute couture is rarely made available to the public, so the event will undoubtedly capture avid collectors' eyes before it hammers home these unique pieces to be enjoyed by new discerning owners.
Sotheby’s and Sydell Miller – A Lifetime Devoted to Beauty in all Forms
From fashion to art, thinking Big is the American way – especially this fall.
Beyond hosting the American magnate’s fashion collection at the upcoming New York auction, Sotheby’s has also taken the lead in organising other ‘Sydell Miller events’. With a total of three dedicated online sales throughout November and December celebrating and showcasing the full breadth of Miller’s collecting pursuits, Sotheby’s will auction a range of ‘objets d’art’ including paintings by Monet and Picasso, furniture, and jewellery that belong to the late “queen of beauty industry”, Sydell Miller.
The art collection assembled by Sotheby’s is estimated to fetch in the region of $200m during sales this autumn. The cream of the Miller crop is Claude Monet’s Nymphéas (1914-17), estimated to sell for around $60m. The sale will mark the painting’s first time at auction, according to Sotheby’s. A Picasso painting called La Statuaire (1925) is estimated to sell in the region of $30m.
A Self-Made Beauty Mogul
Beauty and the American entrepreneur are synonymous with one another. From her very first venture into the fashion and beauty business to her impressive philanthropic endeavours, and deep love for fine art and design, Miller surrounded herself with and lived a life of beauty – both inside and out.
Sydell Miller is the founder of two dominant brands which she created together with her husband, Arnold Miller. The first brand Ardell, became the industry standard for eyelash services, and the second brand, Matrix Essentials, has often been described as the nation’s largest manufacturer of professional hair and beauty products. Over seven million people use Matrix products each week.
A business woman to the core, Miller’s influence, drive, and passion have touched the lives of millions worldwide, serving as an inspiration, and role model to visionary entrepreneurs. In keeping with the Millers’ commitment to “total beauty”, Sydell believed that beauty did not stop at the hairline, so she went on to create the day spa concept, spearheading the movement among salons to offer a total one-stop beauty experience known as “Total Image Consulting”.
Apart from her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, Miller turned her focus to philanthropy, art, and design, building the foundation of an extraordinary art collection and serving on the boards of the American Cancer Society of Palm Beach. She owned artworks by Picasso, Chagall, Giacometti, and Lichtenstein, and in 2019 set the record for the most expensive oceanfront home sold in Palm Beach County when her villa – La Rêverie – sold for $111 million.
Mrs. Miller has been featured in Entrepreneur magazine, recognised as one of the “Top 50 Women Business Owners in America,” and honoured with induction into the National Cosmetology Hall of Fame. She passed away on February 25th, 2024 at the age of 86.
A Life-Long Lover of Fashion
Sydell Miller is known for her groundbreaking work, founding and leading two successful companies, but her fashion collection is no less impressive – a testament to Miller’s deep understanding of and appreciation for beauty.
A lifelong fashion lover, Sydell’s initial venture into the fashion business began with the opening of Tops & Bottoms, a women’s fashion boutique above her husband’s hairdressing salon. Later in life, she went full circle with her passion and became part of one of the most exclusive clubs in the world: a Chanel haute couture client.
The famous entrepreneur shared remarkable similarities with the legendary businesswoman, Coco Gabrielle Chanel. Chanel captures the very essence of Sydell – a woman with profound love for art and beauty in every form, from the Monet adorning her wall to the Chanel couture gracing her wardrobe. It is moving to see how her warmth and spirit also extended to artisans behind haute couture. Each carefully sewn stitch, every button, and every intricately coiled ribbon stands as a tribute to Sydell and to the remarkable women who came before her.
Chanel’s iconic tweed suit flawlessly merged comfort with enduring elegance, redefining women's fashion for generations. In a similar fashion, Sydell Miller reshaped the beauty industry, introducing professional salon eyelash services, co-founding one of the most pioneering hair salon companies, and establishing the foundation for the modern-day spa experience. Just as Chanel transformed women’s wardrobes, Sydell redefined beauty and wellness, setting new standards in both fields. Symbolic figures through their singular dedication and innovation, both Miller and Chanel reshaped their realms of design, leaving a lasting mark on beauty and personal care.
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.
