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 the artistic and high-society circles of the 20th century. 

The sale retraces the journey of a woman for whom taste was a guiding principle, beauty a vital necessity, and craftsmanship a lifelong commitment. 

Doris Brynner worked with couturier Pierre Cardin. In 1960, she married the actor Yul Brynner and forged close friendships with Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor — an iconic circle that left her with cherished mementos, several of which are now coming to auction at Sotheby’s.

In 1997, Doris Brynner joined the House of Christian Dior to reinvent the Maison & Gifts department, a position she held for 20 years.

This sale traces more than sixty years of creative vision and aesthetic commitment. Among the highlights are a Bulgari emerald, sapphire, and diamond brooch that once belonged to Audrey Hepburn, a diamond brooch gifted by Elizabeth Taylor as well as a group of creations signed by Jean Schlumberger. Fashion also plays a major role, notably an ivory evening gown by Cristóbal Balenciaga, made iconic by photographer Inge Morath (see above), which stands among the emblematic pieces alongside several ensembles by Christian Dior.

The collection also includes a sketch by John Galliano, a drawing by Karl Lagerfeld dedicated to her, two photographs by Andy Warhol, a three-branch candelabrum by Claude Lalanne and a selection of objects and tableware pays tribute to her singular vision, rooted in color and craftsmanship.

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

enquiries@sothebys.com

France +33 (0) 1 53 05 53 48

UK +44 (0)207 293 5000

US +1 212 606 7000

HK +852 2524 8121

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