Brigitte Bardot’s personal effects heading to auction for animal charity

Personal belongings belonging to the late French icon Brigitte Bardot are set to go under the hammer on Monday, with all proceeds directed toward her animal charity. The auction, hosted by Millon at the Drouot sale rooms in central Paris, features nearly 300 lots sourced from her residences in Saint-Tropez and Paris.

Bardot, who passed away last December at the age of 91, is remembered as a defining figure of late 20th-century femininity. Her career began in the 1950s as a model and actress, where she became a symbol of the sexual revolution before dedicating her later years to animal rights activism.

Frank Guillou, who served as Bardot’s secretary for many years, emphasized the emotional significance of the items. “Each item on sale bears the trace of an encounter, an involvement, a moment of happiness, a stage of her life. They tell the story of the woman as well as the legend,” Guillou said.

Among the highlights are two pairs of leather Repetto ballet flats, a brand Bardot helped popularize after requesting a version suitable for daily wear. She was a trained ballerina, and these shoes represent a tangible link to her artistic roots. Also included is a Peugeot bicycle, her manual typewriter used for her autobiography and correspondence, classical guitars, and various pieces of jewelry, including diamond rings.

The collection extends to everyday objects such as kitchen utensils, Le Creuset pans, cigarette lighters, and religious statuary. Notably, the sale also features several portraits of the star, some of which are erotic. Guillou revealed that while Bardot preferred not to display images of herself prominently, she kept the gifts either out of respect for the artists or because of their personal meaning.

Illustrating her deep devotion to animals, many lots include plush toys and dog collars. Guillou noted that Bardot could not imagine life without animals and experienced profound grief when one died, ensuring they were buried with strict protocols and honored with photographs in her homes.

Cecile Dupuis of Millon expressed confidence that the auction would attract a dedicated crowd. “This sale is for all those people who still live with her memory and who keep her cause alive. They are animal lovers and Brigitte Bardot lovers at the same time,” she said.

While many items have starting bids under €100, Dupuis anticipates bidding will drive prices significantly higher. Bardot’s estate was divided between her foundation and her only son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, who also stands to benefit from the sales.

Bardot’s legacy remains complex; while celebrated for her cultural impact and philanthropy, she faced criticism in later years for homophobic remarks and multiple fines related to inciting racial hatred.