Prince's iconic Purple Rain shirt sells for almost £75,000 at auction


July 2, 2016

The iconic white ruffled shirt worn by the legendary singer Prince in Purple Rain has sold for an incredible 32 times its asking price, fetching $100,000 (around £75,000) at auction.

The shirt was expected to make around £2000 - £4000 before the auction, while the singer's knee-length heeled boots from his Lovesexy tour sold for £13,5000, and his necklace from the Diamonds and Pearls music video sold for £6,300.

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prince© Photo: Rex

Prince's famous shirt was sold for 32 times the asking price

Profile in History founder Joe Maddalena spoke about the auction beforehand, opening up about how a blazer, which was given to Prince's makeup artist, was already going to be sold before Prince's death in April. 

He said: "It just happened to be one of those coincidences that unfortunately he passed away. Probably the signature thing he is known for is Purple Rain. It's what made his career. It's probably what he'll be remembered for always.

"To have an important piece like this is pretty astonishing and an amazing opportunity."

prince dies © Photo: Getty Images

Prince died aged 57 in April

Prince was found dead aged 57 at his Paisley Park estate home on Thursday 21 April. A report released by the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that the musician had died after overdosing on the painkiller fentanyl, and weighed just 112lbs at the time of his death.

After his death, fans, family and friends celebrated the iconic singer's life with a memorial service where thousands came out dressed in purple, and with purple balloons and flowers to mourn the singer. 

His home town Minnesota have also revealed that his birthday, 7 June, is to become an official day, and would be known as 'Prince Day,' while encouraging locals to wear purple in memory of the musician.