Leona Helmsley 'The Queen of Mean' Bespoke White Chiffon Evening Gown, 1980s

Leona wore this gown to attend one of her infamous 'I'm Just Wild About Harry' Birthday parties she held for her husband each year. Ex-lot 138, The Estate of Leona Helmsley, Hindman Auctions, 18th May 2008.

Leona Helmsley (b. July 4th 1920-d. August 20th 2007) was an American billionaire infamously nicknamed 'The Queen of Mean'. She was renowned for being extremely hostile and unkind to employees, who were reported to be terrified of her. In 1972 she married her third husband, real estate mogul and Harry Helmsley. The couple were prolific in disputing payments and avoiding taxes, with Leona famously being quoted: "We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes" . In 1989 Leona was found guilty of tax evasion and sentenced to four years in prison, ultimately serving 21 months. Her mugshot shows her smiling and in full glam. Upon her death in 2007, it was revealed that Leona left the bulk of her estimated $4 billion estate to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. She cut two of her four grandchildren out of her will 'for reasons known to them' and the remaining two grandchildren were only able to access their trust fund on the condition that they visited their father's grave site once each calendar year, their signatures being required at the gravesite as proof. For her final most infamous act, Leona left $12 million to her Maltese-mix little white dog 'Trouble'.