Title: The Iconic White Button Down Shirt Worn by Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” Goes Up for Auction
The Legendary Shirt that Captured the Hearts of Millions
Colin Firth’s iconic white button-down shirt from the 1995 BBC adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” which catapulted him to international fame, is set to be auctioned off. This legendary shirt, which immortalized Firth’s portrayal of the brooding and enigmatic Mr. Darcy, could fetch thousands of dollars from eager buyers.
Firth’s Major Breakthrough as a Heartthrob
The white linen shirt, now dry and preserved, may sell for up to $12,700 when it goes under the hammer on Tuesday at Kerry Taylor Auctions. Darcy’s wet shirt moment in the series became an unexpected sensation, as viewers were captivated by Firth’s impromptu swim scene, which saw him emerge from a lake fully clothed and bump into Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) on dry land. This defining moment in the series marked Firth’s major breakthrough, leading to a long and successful film career that included “Bridget Jones’ Diary” (2001) and many other memorable roles.
Iconic Costume Designed by Dinah Collin
The 1810s-style garment, designed by Dinah Collin and featuring a label from costumier Cosprop that reads “CP Darcy Wet Shirt,” is one of many iconic outfits being auctioned off in support of The Bright Foundation, an arts education charity set up by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Bright. Collin shared her memories of the moment when the shirt made movie history:
“Mr Darcy’s ‘wet shirt moment’ was never scripted. It came about in discussions between myself and the late Christopher Prins who was then head of menswear at Cosprop. In the scene, Mr Darcy is spied emerging from a lake having taken a cooling swim on a hot summer’s day. Because on-screen male nudity was not permitted, the idea of the ‘wet shirt’ was born. Our way round this was for Colin Firth to be filmed ¾ length wearing just the Irish linen shirt which clung to the body. The scene caused something of a sensation at the time and transformed Colin Firth from a respected classical actor to something of a sex symbol overnight.”
Famous Costumes Up for Auction
Other iconic costumes from various productions that will be auctioned include Drew Barrymore’s costume as Danielle in “Ever After: A Cinderella Story” and Meryl Streep’s heather-green hooded cloak and dress from “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” Additionally, Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes costume from the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes,” as well as his co-star Jude Law’s Dr. Watson costume, will be auctioned off. Notable A-list actresses such as Keira Knightley, Cate Blanchett, and Gwyneth Paltrow are also represented by their costumes in the sale.
John Bright’s Legacy
John Bright, who together with Jenny Beavan won an Oscar for best costume design in 1986 for Merchant Ivory’s “A Room With A View,” expressed his unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts and creativity, saying:
“My life’s work has been committed to costume design for film, tv, and theatre and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue this path. It is my firmly held belief that the arts and creativity can shape happier and healthier children and enable young people to reach their full potential.”
