A long while ago, Paul's weekly column focussed on the collectibles of Hollywood's great female stars - but we forgot to mention Bette Midler.
As far as legends go, Midler is at the top of the pile. The entertainer is now set to sell her collection of gowns and costumes from throughout her illustrious career.
 Bona fide Hollywood icon Bette |
The sale of her stage and screen memorabilia is in aid of the New York Restoration Foundation, and will take place in Beverly Hills on November 12. Midler set up the charity in 1995 to clean up New York City's parks.
Many of the costumes will be recognisable to fans from Midler's many film roles, with a few from her numerous albums.
According to early reports, the pieces are expected to sell for a few thousand dollars each, with many items expected to bring $500-800.
That said, the method of 'give the collectibles low estimates and let bidders' excitement do the rest' has certainly worked for another auctioneer, Profiles in History, in recent times.
Earlier this year, frenzied and competitive phone bidding pushed Marilyn Monroe's Seven Year Itch Dress to $5.6m - way above its pre-sale estimate.
Midler isn't quite in the same league as Monroe. Nevertheless, she has plenty of fans with money to spend who'll happily splash out in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own her memorabilia items - and those of her contemporaries, like this Goldie Hawn autograph.
The sale will also offer a large selection of props, sketches, gold records and jewellery.
