In early 2026, coinciding with Paris Haute Couture Week, Sotheby’s will unveil the refined, precise, and commanding world of Doris Brynner, a leading figure of elegance in 20th-century artistic and high-society circles. The sale traces the journey of a woman for whom taste was a guiding principle, beauty an essential pursuit, and craftsmanship a lifelong devotion.

Doris Brynner collaborated with couturier Pierre Cardin and, in 1960, married actor Yul Brynner. She also nurtured close friendships with Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor — an iconic circle whose cherished mementos, several of which are now offered at Sotheby’s, reflect her remarkable life. In 1997, Doris Brynner joined the House of Christian Dior to reinvent its Maison & Gifts department, a role she held for two decades.

Spanning more than sixty years of creative vision and aesthetic dedication, the sale highlights exceptional pieces such as a Bulgari emerald, sapphire, and diamond brooch once owned by Audrey Hepburn, a diamond brooch gifted by Elizabeth Taylor, and a selection of creations by Jean Schlumberger. Fashion also plays a starring role, including an ivory evening gown by Cristóbal Balenciaga — immortalized by photographer Inge Morath — alongside several iconic ensembles by Christian Dior.

The collection further includes a sketch by John Galliano, a drawing dedicated to Brynner by Karl Lagerfeld, two photographs by Andy Warhol, a three-branch candelabrum by Claude Lalanne, and an array of objects and tableware that celebrate her singular vision, rooted in color, elegance, and finest craftsmanship.

Image: Doris Brynner photographed by Inge Morath, wearing a Balenciaga dress © Inge Morath Magnum Photos 

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact | Pour obtenir de l'aide pour vous enregistrer et enchérir, veuillez contacter:

enquiries@sothebys.com

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For sale enquiries, please contact | Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter:

Louis-Xavier Joseph

Senior Director | Head of Department, Furniture Paris

+33 (0)1 53 05 53 04

LOUIS-XAVIER.JOSEPH@SOTHEBYS.COM

Marine De Cenival

Senior project manager furniture et Head of sale silver 

+33 (0)1 53 05 53 72

MARINE.DECENIVAL@SOTHEBYS.COM

Magali Teisseire

Head of Jewelry and Watches Departement, France

+33 (0)1 53 05 52 37

MAGALI.TEISSEIRE@SOTHEBYS.COM 

Aurélie Vassy

Head of Department, Europe | Handbags and Fashion

+ 33 6 37 74 19 62

AURELIE.VASSY@SOTHEBYS.COM 

Armance Gay

Head of Contemporary Discoveries Sale | Associate Specialist

+33 (0)1 53 05 52 74

ARMANCE.GAY@SOTHEBYS.COM

Clémence Enriquez

Associate Specialist | Old Master and 19th Century Paintings

+33 1 53 05 53 94

CLEMENCE.ENRIQUEZ@SOTHEBYS.COM

Caroline Lescure Hebrard

Associate Specialist | 20th Century Design

+33 1 53 05 53 10

CAROLINE.LESCURE@SOTHEBYS.COM

Salomé Georgelin

Pre-Sale Experience Coordinator

SALOME.GEORGELIN@SOTHEBYS.COM

Céline Deruelle

Chef De Projet Collection

+33 1 5305 5311

CELINE.DERUELLE@SOTHEBYS.COM