Focus auctioning off 'Atonement' threads
Remember that green dress from "Atonement" that has been considered the greatest piece of film costuming ever, or something like that? Anyway, if you want it, you can have it. Focus Features has announced plans to auction the threads off to some lucky eccentric.
The press release, in part:
If you need a refresher on the smokin' hot dress in question, here you go:
It makes you wonder. With all the attention this dress is getting, Jacquelin Durran might be on her way to winning the Oscar after all. I kind of thought "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" had it in the bag, and given the win for last year's "Marie Antointte," we know they don't care about "quality" in this category. But with this Best Picture nominee in the mix, perhaps that's the way to go.
The dress is also being displayed at FIDM's annual film costume showcase, according to the LA Times. You know, if you have to see it IMMEDIATELY and can't afford to jump into the bidding war.
The press release, in part:
LOS ANGELES, January 31, 2008 – An iconic piece of movie history from one of this year’s Best Picture Oscar nominees will be auctioned off to benefit Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern California, beginning later this week. The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation will host the online auction of the green evening dress worn by Keira Knightley in Focus Features’ Atonement, which is nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Costume Design. Focus CEO James Schamus made the announcement today.
The auction begins Friday, February 1st at the Foundation’s site www.clothesoffourback.org and ends Saturday, March 1st. Bidding will start at $1,000. The auction is for the green evening dress memorably worn during the crucial emotional and romantic sequences by Ms. Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, opposite James McAvoy as Robbie Turner, in director Joe Wright’s Atonement. Upon the film’s release, the dress quickly became one of the most influential cinematic costumes of recent years, being spotlighted on The Today Show and detailed on the covers of newspapers and magazines.
Mr. Schamus commented, “Atonement is an epic romance that has moved filmgoers, and garnered awards and acclaim, all over the world. As with our previous auction of the two shirts worn in Brokeback Mountain, we are proud to give someone a chance to own a cherished part of a beloved film and in the process benefit the Variety charity.”
If you need a refresher on the smokin' hot dress in question, here you go:
It makes you wonder. With all the attention this dress is getting, Jacquelin Durran might be on her way to winning the Oscar after all. I kind of thought "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" had it in the bag, and given the win for last year's "Marie Antointte," we know they don't care about "quality" in this category. But with this Best Picture nominee in the mix, perhaps that's the way to go.
The dress is also being displayed at FIDM's annual film costume showcase, according to the LA Times. You know, if you have to see it IMMEDIATELY and can't afford to jump into the bidding war.
Red Carpet District is Variety contributor Kristopher Tapley's attempt at making sense of the ever-expanding glut of film awards coverage. He's been on the beat for six years. Email 
It's not just eccentrics that want to get their hands on that glorious gown, KT. Movie themed & related items are hotly in demand & can be extremely lucrative in terms of the resell market. I'd love to have it in my possession for the simple fact that it would be a gorgeous memento from my favourite film of the year.
I couldn't wear it. Keira's a 0 (more likely a 00) & I'm an American 8 or thereabouts. But I could get a skilled couturier to make me a copy in my size & I would still have the privilege of owning something that gives me a great deal of pleasure.
The bidding will likely go too high this time. But one day someone may part with it for a more reasonable price.
You never know...
Posted by: Sherry | 2/2/2008 8:53:05 AM