Aretha Franklin's closet is on sale: 'Queen of Soul' fave items to hit auction block

Dozens of items from the Queen of Soul’s closet are going up for auction November 10 in all their ruffled, sequined and feathered glory.

Items belonging to Aretha Franklin are part of the “Icons & Idols: Rock ‘n’ Roll” auction taking place that weekend at Times Square’s Hard Rock Cafe. There are 824 pieces up for grabs, including clothing and memorabilia originally owned by David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Prince and Lou Reed.

Franklin’s stage outfits came in just under the wire from a fan in Michigan who had bought them in 2011.

“After she passed away, we got 60 items from a collector.” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “It was just in time for the auction catalog.”

Several outfits and dresses up for bid reflect not only Aretha’s personal history but that of the nation.

There is the a pearl-encrusted black sheath with a matching jacket she wore to the Essence awards in 1993, where she appeared with Tina Turner and Lena Horne; and a white satin floor-length gown with gold appliqués across the bodice that Franklin wore to perform at President Clinton’s second inauguration.

Also on the block is the more sedate black and white jacket she wore when Clinton awarded her the National Medal of Arts in 1999.

Aretha’s gowns estimated at $2-3,000 and and $1,000-1,500 for a large Philip Treacy hat, The public can view the items for free from November 5-9.